Loudspeaker Kit M3 User manual
Designed and manufactured in Australia by The Loudspeaker Kit
www.theloudspeakerkit.com
Email: sales@theloudspeakerkit.com
M3 Assembly
Instructions
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You will need:
Phillips head screwdriver
Woodworking glue
Damp cloth
Good quality masking tape
Ratchet tie down strap (optional)
Brick or other weight (optional)
Preparation
Lay the contents of the box out and check you have everything you need to complete the kit
(see parts list on back page). Find a suitable work surface and make sure it won’t be ruined if
you spill some glue. If covering the work surface, avoid using newspaper as newsprint may
rub off onto your kit. Baking paper is a good choice.
Easier assembly with mitres
LSK kits now employ mitre construction, which offers greater ease of assembly with much
less sanding. Butt joints are eliminated, avoiding visible hairline cracks that often appear after
painting. Mitre construction puts the join right on the edge where it is less visible. Most
constructors avoid using mitres due to the difficulty in getting the angles correct. Our
manufacturing process provides a level of accuracy that is very difficult to achieve in a home
workshop.
Masking tape
We recommend avoiding cheap masking tape, which tends to break when applied under
tension. If you aren’t using the weight and ratchet strap, you are relying on the masking tape
alone to apply pressure to the join as the glue sets.
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Lay out the rear, side, top and bottom panels as shown with mitres facing the work surface.
Align carefully and arrange so that all panels are touching at the edges, with no gaps.
This includes the ridge of the side panels
Tape all four joints where the rear panel meets the side and top panels. It’s a good idea to
avoid covering the corners so that you can ensure all panels remain aligned during taping.
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Lift the panels using the hole for the terminals, turning them over to the other side so the
mitres are exposed.
Apply a bead of wood working glue to the bottom of the mitre join.
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Apply a second bead. Since the glue will tend to run down towards the bottom, it’s a good
idea to apply the glue above half way up to ensure even coverage.
Confirm the amount of glue applied by folding up the first panel. The glue should cover the
entire surface in contact. It’s preferable to see the glue ooze beyond the join slightly. This
provides visual feedback on whether the glue has set. Once set, PVA glue becomes
transparent.
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Apply a single larger bead of glue to the remaining sides on the top and bottom panels.
Lift up the panels and hold together with pressure, securing them in position with masking
tape. Apply the masking tape with firm pressure so that the panels are held together with
moderate pressure.
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Wipe off any excess glue with a damp cloth.
Apply a thick glue bead around the internal surfaces of the mitres. You may prefer a zig zag
pattern with a thinner bead. It’s a good idea to remove the panel and confirm even coverage.
Note: the orientation of the front baffle is determined in the next step. Before gluing the
baffle in place, please check the instructions carefully.
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Baffle orientation
The orientation of the front baffle relative to the terminals on the back is important. The port
and speaker terminals are both located towards the bottom of the enclosure.
Press the front baffle into place. The glue should ooze out around all joints.
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Wipe off any excess glue at the join. Then apply tape with tension to firmly hold the baffle in
place. Tape should first be applied perpendicular to the join.
All joints should be covered. If pressure is applied when taping, no further clamping is
required.
Clamping could be used but we advise caution since incorrect techniques can cause damage
or force the panels apart.
An alternative option is to use a ratchet tie down to apply pressure to the top/bottom/sides.
Care is required to avoid undue pressure and we recommend protecting the MDF with a
cardboard strip where metal parts come into contact with the enclosure.
Here we’ve also used a brick to apply extra pressure on the top. Note also the use of
cardboard as protection.
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Drying time
Typical wood glues can achieve moderate strength in as little as 30 minutes. If you are using
PVA glue then a good indicator that it has set is the transparency. PVA becomes transparent
once set. Ideally it’s best to leave the enclosure clamped over night before moving on to
assembly or finishing.
Grille assembly
This kit uses a clever neo magnet attachment system that avoids the use of traditional grille
clips. Neo magnets are recessed into the front baffle and grille frame. For full details on how
to assemble the grille, please refer to our grille manual.
Note: The cable with the white strip
goes to the negative terminal
Sequence tip
Final assembly should be done after you have applied
your chosen finish. Otherwise, drivers and terminals
will get damaged and the internal lining will be
covered in MDF dust.
No ugly grille clips!
Concealed neo magnets
in the baffle and grille
provide a minimalist front
baffle. Our kits come with
the magnets already
installed for a quick and
easy build.
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