Speaker Baffles

[KFTG]

I am really baffled here. I asked a simple question to which I received some replies on how to do the job. I explained that I knew of the 2 methods which are router and jigsaw. Then I got a comment I was slow in making the cut using a jigsaw. Then after I thanked everyone for their replies, I get some smart assed comments about using a cnc machine, and a way to make multiple cutouts. Well, that does it. That will be the last time I ask anything on here. Every one has something they can contribute which others may not. When the comments start to get nasty insinuating that someone is stupid or incapable, then it's time to start looking into the mirror as to who we are. The question was honest and there was no malice of intent. Again, thank you all for your contribution to the question.

[J M Fahey]

Dear ktfg, *really* don't understand what your problem is.
You asked about how to cut speaker holes.
You were answered: jigsaw or router.
You asked: any other way? <-- here you opened the door.
The basic answer was "no" . Period.
Since you insisted, and complained about speed, you were offered tweaks on the 2 practical means.
By the way, a "smart ass" answer would have been "use a laser" or "use a water jet cutting machine" (although both *are* technically valid methods) or any other hi tech method.
But since you insisted, one valid suggestion was "use a CNC machine" which , as an example, I *actually* use , *you* can too, it's a service offered by some shops, you do NOT need to *own* such machine.
In my case, I drop there the cut to size speaker panels, together with a drawing.
Pick them up a couple days later, pay the bill, presto!! I have my cutouts ready while I was doing something else.
You were offered other useful tweaks, all doable in a garage:
1) cut the hole slightly smaller, and touch up with a drum sander
2) use a coarser tooth blade.
I suggested a special angled jigsaw which costs a couple U$ and can be bought anywhere.
I buy mine at Home Depot, go figure.
Black and Decker brand, by the way.
Don't remember the exact model # but will check if you wish. Real fast.
3) use a circular guide, which even comes free included with many jigsaw kits, or can be bought (or improvised) cheap.
4) cut 1 disk carefully, then use it as a guide.
Can't get more "garage" than that.
Good luck with your baffles.

[KFTG]

Mr Fahey, thank you. There isn't a problem with the responses other than there were a few to which may have suggested that I was something LESS because I didn't want to take the time to do a fast job. I was merely asking if there was a quicker way because I have several cabinets to make. I am well aware there is a time factor involved, if the builder wants to pay attention to detail, as I do. All the cabinets are going to be of different shapes and sizes including the speaker sizes. I haven't made any baffle holes in over 20 years. I am an experienced builder of cabinets however. I had explained I have tried the router and jigsaw method. When a length of time had elapsed, I came across with a thank you to all for their efforts, and I did mention about the SLOW comment. Then there were 2 more comments, one of which came up with the CNC crack. What the problem is, is that if someone can't do a particular thing as well one would expect, then he is given the smart ass comment. I feel the CNC comment was a dig which was unwarranted. Are we here to BELITTLE someone because he or she can not do some task as well as others? There is quite a bit of that kind of bullying which seems prevalent in chat rooms, or better yet, " a one up man ship over the next guy". That is a problem, don't you agree? Who can afford a CNC machine? I certainly can't, and I am very well aware I can take the baffle boards to an expert cabinet shop, which is just around the corner from my residence, and have them do the work. It is fine for people to be like that, and I don't mean ALL, just some, but I think that should stop and we are the only ones who can make that change. The original question was valid, and because I haven't made any circles in recent times, and I posed it to see if the was something new or better. That is all. Again, thank you for your response.

[J M Fahey]

Fine.
But maybe because you have been away from the cabinet-specific area (although active in fine furniture work, which, by the way, is the real *difficult* job) you don't even imagine that CNC work is offered today for a very affordable cost.
Even more now, because as economy shrinks, people "buy themselves a job" and buy, say, a 4 Ft wide plotter and offer large size prints , van graphics, etc. or, as I said, a CNC shop or a Laser engraving service for plaques and such (great for custom front panels).
A friend of mine bought the cheapest pick and place machine plus a small soldering oven, set it up in a small bedroom in his *appartment* and builds small runs of SMT PCBs on demand. For peanuts !!!
Back to the CNC machine: the one I rent can cut 2 and even 3 stacked front panels, although I normally order only fancy shaped ones , such as those used nowadays for "retro" looking amps.
So, before dismissing it at once, grab the Yellow Pages or ask some fellow woodworker (that's what I did) and ask for $$$ quotations.
You'll be surprised.

What 20 years ago was NASA approved stuff today can be hired locally.

[Tom Phillips]

Hi Ken,
This thread contains the normal variety of useful information, humor and guy one-up-manship talk. With the written word you cant tell the tone because it's not written in the third person with the author adding "...he said in in a demeaning tone." There was good information in this thread. Take what you need and let the other roll off. If this discussion was a bunch of guy sitting around having beers there would have been lots off additional methods offered. Probably involving chain saws, trained termites, beavers, shaped explosive charges etc.

There have been other posters that said "That will be the last time I ask anything on here." In some cases we just breath a sigh of relief and say "good." I don't think that applies in your case.
We would look forward to hearing how you finally cut your baffles and seeing photos of you finished project.

Cheers,
Tom

[52 Bill]

When the comments start to get nasty insinuating that someone is stupid or incapable, then it's time to start looking into the mirror as to who we are. The question was honest and there was no malice of intent. Again, thank you all for your contribution to the question.

If whatever I said offended you, please accept my sincerest appologies as I never meant to criticize. I will refrain from any further comments or posts to any of your future questions. Again, I am truly sorry for whatever it was I said.

[riz]

Whoa, chill out. It's a freaking circle.

I actually own and use/have used every technique I listed to do this job. There actually was some buried insight in there to solve your problem...

I leave you with some unrequested wisdom that was handed to me, regarding parts making: know the shape you want to make, and make it. However you get there is up to you.

[jrfrond]

You need a router and these: Jasper Circle Jig 200 & 400 Combo Pack 365-260

[sprocket]

You need a router and these: Jasper Circle Jig 200 & 400 Combo Pack 365-260

Thanx for the link buddy .