Speaker hole question

[unfun75]

I just bought a Celestion speaker to install in an old 80's powered cab. The Celestion is a little bit too big for the existing hole. What is the best method for enlarging it? I can't take off the back of the cab or rear-mount the speaker. It is glued shut. I have to work from the outside of the cab. My ideas are an electric sander or a jig saw. What say ye? Thanks in advance.

[LordsoftheJungle]

I just bought a Celestion speaker to install in an old 80's powered cab. The Celestion is a little bit too big for the existing hole. What is the best method for enlarging it? I can't take off the back of the cab or rear-mount the speaker. It is glued shut. I have to work from the outside of the cab. My ideas are an electric sander or a jig saw. What say ye? Thanks in advance.

Just grab a router and go freehand.

Okay, don't go freehand, get a circle cutting jig,,,

edit; these guys have some good ideas:

http://www.talkbass.com/threads/enlarging-a-speaker-mounting-hole.911652/

[jaberwock]

I would mark the exact size of the cutout required with pencil, and use an inside spokeshave.

[django49]

Given that you have to front mount the speaker, and assuming the front is plywood, there is little need to be super precise....The speaker frame will cover the edges of the hole.....All the more so IF you add some sort of grille/cloth.

I would just mark it, use a jigsaw and cut a bit short (narrower opening) of your mark......Test fit, then take off just a tad more IF necessary.

[Steve Haynie]

Try to find a set of RemO's to use as a template.

If one of them can go over the back of the speaker to fit over the basket without having screw holes too close to the edge, you can place the RemO on the baffle board to draw out your circle to cut. Find a drummer and ask if he has a set you can borrow for an afternoon. These things are common.

Something to consider is asking someone with a cabinet shop if they can enlarge the hole. You will get the work done by someone who uses the right tools all the time.

[hamerhead]

Cutting a perfectly round hole is all but impossible, especially if you don't have the right tools. Steve's idea of checking with a cabinet shop is a good one, as is using a router (if you have practice).

Could you use a spacer (I don't know if they exist) and avoid cutting the cabinet at all? Speaker holes are always a bitch to do right.

Good luck!

[tomteriffic]

I've (carefully) used a rotary rasp before. Hell, we're talking a tiny amount on a non-critical area. I tilted the rasp at about 45 degrees and just took off small bits until the the speaker dropped in. If the flange on the frame is typical, it'll hide any minor boo-boos. The main thing is to keep it centered.

[unfun75]

Given that you have to front mount the speaker, and assuming the front is plywood, there is little need to be super precise....The speaker frame will cover the edges of the hole.....All the more so IF you add some sort of grille/cloth.

I would just mark it, use a jigsaw and cut a bit short (narrower opening) of your mark......Test fit, then take off just a tad more IF necessary.

I went with this method. Worked like a charm. Thanks for the suggestions.