Making the Baffles for my New Speakers

Starting work on making my new speakers, I'm using solid ash hardwood to make the baffles. This is rough-sawn lumber, so the first step is to flatten one face enough to run through my surface planer. Normally I use a jointer to do that, but mines buried behind a bunch of stuff i don't want to move. Instead I'm doing it "close enough" with a handheld electric plane.
After the board it planed flat I can cut off the edges to square it up. Then cut it in half to make both baffles.
These will be joined to the base with a large notch in the bottom edge, and I used a plywood template to route that out precisely.
The next step will be to cut the driver recesses and holes and start working on the base.
This is part 3 in my series on designing making a pair of open baffle 2-way speakers to use as "surround" speakers in my listening room.

You can help support the work I do in making these videos:
Support this channel on Patreon:

#diyspeakers
#johnheisz
#audio

My "Scrap bin" channel:

My main channel:

[IBuildIt]

Starting work on making my new speakers, I'm using solid ash hardwood to make the baffles. This is rough-sawn lumber, so the first step is to flatten one face enough to run through my surface planer. Normally I use a jointer to do that, but mines buried behind a bunch of stuff i don't want to move. Instead I'm doing it "close enough" with a handheld electric plane.
After the board it planed flat I can cut off the edges to square it up. Then cut it in half to make both baffles.
These will be joined to the base with a large notch in the bottom edge, and I used a plywood template to route that out precisely.
The next step will be to cut the driver recesses and holes and start working on the base.
You can get caught up on what I'm doing here by watching the first video in this series. It covers the design and concept for these new speakers:

[timu-san]

You're an incredibly skilled dude, I would love to spend a day with you.

[mtozzy]

Ahh speaker world, they are going to look great when your finished

[bubblehead]

Super Duper video. I've been following you off and on for years. I'm glad to see you making videos on hifi.

[daifeichu]

I was curious in the rant video how you cut those notches out and got them to be square.

[bedongskifrombedongdesign]

Very nice John, did you buy your Cherry at Woodsource just outside Ottawa?

[retiredlife]

I wonder why I stopped getting notifications for your videos? I haven't seen one in a while. I just canceled and resubscribed so I'll see if that works.

[alanm.thornton]

I kind of always wondered why speakers (maybe 'more speakers') weren't made from solid wood cabinets. Aside from weight, I would have to think the density and sturdiness would be preferred. Then again, maybe only really minimal enhancements?

[benjoe]

Only thing I am missing is protective things like a mask or glasses. I hate when dust is in my nose.