Jmac's Nidacore/Composite- 215 cab build thread

[JMac- Wiskerface Designs]

I'll start this off by saying that this is My first "Build thread" of any sort here on TB. I have done a lot of gear related projects, but haven't ever gotten around to making a thread of it. Probably out of being too lazy to take pictures and write about My progress. So at any rate here goes it.

I have been GAS'n for a lighter weight cab for quite some time, and have also been following the threads about some other Guy's awesome 215 cab builds utilizing some of the neo super 15's. So, I recently got My hands on some Nidacore composite panels, and decided to give it a go.

For drivers, I will be using two Faitalpro 15PR400's. I will be running them full range, in a ported and tuned lightweight enclosure.

And some pics of what I got done today....

Just a look at the Panels I'm using...

Panels marked up for cutting...

Let the sawing begin...

Getting ready to glue up the first two pieces...

and a few more...

A couple of "Skeleton" braces...

Braces glued in....

Me removing a couple of clamps...

More pics to come tomorrow!

 

[squarewave]

Cool. Do you have a target weight? What are the dimensions?

 

[johnk_10]

it's looking great so far Jmac!
i think that you're gonna love those Faitals.

 

[JMac- Wiskerface Designs]

I don't really have a specific number goal, but if it comes in at less than 50 lbs, I'm gonna be really stoked. At the moment, the cab I gig with (SVT412HE)weighs over 100 lbs, so it'll really be a huge improvement over that. Dimensions are 26" wide, 36" tall, 16" deep. I went with the 26" width, to look at home with My SVT or V4.

 

[JMac- Wiskerface Designs]

it's looking great so far Jmac!
i think that you're gonna love those Faitals.

Thanks John, means a lot coming from You! Your faital loaded cab led Me in this direction and I'm hoping it turns out close to as nice as Yours. I cant wait to crank those faitals with My SVT, and hear'em live with My own two ears.

 

[Stumbo]

[OT]
Looks like a pretty nice motorcycle you have there.
[/OT]

 

[JMac- Wiskerface Designs]

[OT]
Looks like a pretty nice motorcycle you have there.
[/OT]

Thanks Stumbo! Yea, that's My 08 Harley 1200 Nightster. She's a sweet little bike. That's My gas saver, when I feel like taking My chances in Atlanta traffic.

 

[Joe Louvar]

Wow, that Nidacore composite panel is some tripy looking stuff. Great thread, I’m looking forward to more pics and etc.

 

[johnk_10]

Thanks John, means a lot coming from You! Your faital loaded cab led Me in this direction and I'm hoping it turns out close to as nice as Yours. I cant wait to crank those faitals with My SVT, and hear'em live with My own two ears.

i know that you'll dig it.
215's are the new 410's

 

[JMac- Wiskerface Designs]

Wow, that Nidacore composite panel is some tripy looking stuff. Great thread, I’m looking forward to more pics and etc.

Thanks Joe! Yea, it is some very neat stuff. Weighs practically nothing, and is very strong. I was showing My wife earlier, how I could stand in the middle of one of the panels and it wouldn't flex or move. I was also a bit amazed by how easily it cuts, in comparison to plywood.

 

[Stumbo]

Thanks Stumbo! Yea, that's My 08 Harley 1200 Nightster. She's a sweet little bike. That's My gas saver, when I feel like taking My chances in Atlanta traffic.

That's why I don't own a bike here in L.A.

I have enjoyed some great dirt bike riding and a few trips on a friend's chopper.

Be safe!

Btw, where did you buy the Nidacore?

 

[Joe Louvar]

Thanks Joe! Yea, it is some very neat stuff. Weighs practically nothing, and is very strong. I was showing My wife earlier, how I could stand in the middle of one of the panels and it wouldn't flex or move. I was also a bit amazed by how easily it cuts, in comparison to plywood.

Wow that’s strong, and I like easy cutting. Where do you get the panels from?

Oh, and I wonder how it compares with BB plywood (pros/cons - acoustically)?

EDIT: I found this http://nida-core.com/english/ is this it? - I don't see your panels - do you have a quick link (also price list)? Thanks

 

[JMac- Wiskerface Designs]

i know that you'll dig it.
215's are the new 410's

Yep, that's what I'm thinking as well....

 

[JMac- Wiskerface Designs]

That's why I don't own a bike here in L.A.

I have enjoyed some great dirt bike riding and a few trips on a friend's chopper.

Be safe!

Btw, where did you buy the Nidacore?

A while back, did some day job work with some Guys that work at the Manufacturing plant in Florida. Nidacore, is actually a sister company to the place where I work as a day job. I had ask them If they could hook Me up with some scrap end cuts off of panels, or blem panels. Low and behold, they sent Me 12, 2' by 4' panels at no charge. I'm sure I will have some left over if anyone local would like to use some. I can find out for anyone who's interested, where or what distributors sell in per sheet quantities, as I believe that they'll only sell direct by the pallet load.

 

[Joe Louvar]

way cool, you really lucked out with the panels bro.

 

[JMac- Wiskerface Designs]

Alright, this is what I got done today.....

Baffle glued in...

Side and bottom glued on...

Chamfer bit, ready to route the front edge trim...

Front edge trim routed...

Front edge trim, cut and ready to install...

Front edge trim, done...

Installing the back trim...

Edges rounded over with 1/4" roundover bit, and test fitting a driver...

Faital Pro 15PR400...

Fitting side handle...

Measuring jack plate...

Fitting jack plate...

Mounting screw holes drilled for drivers...

 

[JMac- Wiskerface Designs]

Oh yea, forgot to mention... I weighed it as well.

Drum roll please....

Without speakers, hardware, or coating. She weighs in at a whopping 26 lbs!

 

[johnk_10]

it's looking great! that's about what my first (plywood) one weighed at that point (25lbs with threaded inserts and herculiner finish), my second one came out to 23lbs at that stage. i'm a little surprised that the nidacore isn't really much lighter, but you do have much heavier handles on your's.

i would guess, depending on what type of grill and covering that you use, that it'll come in at 46-50lbs, which is a feather for a 215 cab that size.

keep up the good work!

 

[Downunderwonder]

There doesn't seem to be much holding the centre of the baffle in place. Are you bracing it?

 

[Stumbo]

I can find out for anyone who's interested, where or what distributors sell in per sheet quantities, as I believe that they'll only sell direct by the pallet load.

That would be very helpful to the DIY'rs here on TB.

Thanks.