Homemade Cabinet Re-do: Rhino Tolex

Gubna · #1 10-24-2010, 11:30 PM

So, I wrestled this old thing out of the basement and decided a few weeks ago to give it a facelift and a new speaker. I built it with my father around 1990 out of walnut (top and bottom), teak (sides), one piece of ply (back) and an inner shell of particle board. Years ago the JBL I had in it gave out, and I went on to other cabinets.

Started to fill some of the holes with putty, and pulled the fiberglass (?!) insulation out of it. (well, at least the speaker wasn't cold!)
I've also pulled that little Marshall logo and skull-axe off, as well as the old speaker grill (from an old boombox)

Here's a shot of it back in 1991, the only one I've been able to find...so far. That's me at 19 playing one of my first gigs.

Gubna · #2 10-24-2010, 11:32 PM

Does anyone know if I can use Gorilla Glue on Rhino Tolex?

or, if not, what suggestions do you have?

username1 · #3 10-25-2010, 07:01 AM

I thought gorilla glue expands as it cures and might make a mess. I have used contact cement in the past with good results.

mcapote · #4 10-25-2010, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gubna

Started to fill some of the holes with putty, and pulled the fiberglass (?!) insulation out of it. (well, at least the speaker wasn't cold!)

you do know why the batting is in there right?

Gubna · #5 10-25-2010, 10:54 AM

forgive me for not knowing...

"Batting"?
do you mean the extra wood on the inside so there is no parallel walls?

does this cabinet need insulation?

billfitzmaurice · #6 10-25-2010, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gubna

forgive me for not knowing...

"Batting"?
do you mean the extra wood on the inside so there is no parallel walls?

does this cabinet need insulation?

All cabinets need insulation.

Gubna · #7 10-25-2010, 12:23 PM

ah!

Speaker Cabinet Insulation

thanks

Gubna · #8 10-25-2010, 02:58 PM

Tolex and speaker showed up today...

I think I have way too much tolex, which means I'll probably have plenty to test with, and maybe even do something else with.

rrybicki · #9 10-25-2010, 06:52 PM

Gubna,

For attaching tolex, I use DAP 25330 Weldwood non-flammable contact cement (google it for a picture of the can). Low VOCs, decent tack time and easy cleanup.

A can of it should cost about $8 to $10 at the local hardware store. Just make sure you follow the directions (coat both surfaces and let set for 20 minutes or so before applying the tolex to the cabinet. Also make sure you rough up the finished sides of the cabinet with sandpaper to give the adhesive a good surface to adhere to.

Good luck with your project.

BTW, the picture of you as a lad is wonderful, you certainly seemed to be enjoying yourself.

Cheers,

Russ

mcapote · #10 10-25-2010, 08:33 PM

I've used 3m high strength 90 before without issues. the ramped up version of super 77 for adhesive. 3m also makes rubber vinyl 80. but yeah you need to redo the insulation in your cabinet to help absorb some of the backwave also it helps make the box seem bigger than it is to the woofer

Gubna · #11 10-25-2010, 10:57 PM

I've just redone the insulation with polyurethane bed liner procured from Target this afternoon.

next up, gluing the tolex on.

I guess I'm gonna need some clamps...right?

billfitzmaurice · #12 10-26-2010, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gubna

I guess I'm gonna need some clamps...right?

I've never used clamps for applying Tolex. You need to google around for a tutorial on how to apply it. The process is similar to applying veneer, so that's where you're most likely to have success in finding instructions.