foggie's traps/broadband

[foggie]

Thought I would share a couple pics of my traps/absorbers. Nothing everyone hasn't already seen, but I thought I would comment on a few things I ran into that may help others tackling this for the first time.

Traps:
I'll have four floor to ceiling traps 4" thick (703 w/ foil on front only) using 1x2 as the back frame - the popular Youtube version. This is easy, the least expensive and gives you the most "exposure".




Broadband:
I'll have a total of eight 4'x2' panels (703 2") using the typical design most have seen - 1x4's with a small block to keep the 703 flush with the front.





Issues:

• Make note of the fabric you are using .e.g staple a receipt or item number to the back frame to reference later or equiv..
• Use landscaping fabric for the backs. I made the mistake $$ of using the same fabric to cover the "backs" (as with the fronts) of my first round of panels. I almost think the landscape fabric could be using for everything? It's probably not as durable as burlap/muslin but unless your moving the panels all the time it seems like it would work fine (very inexpensive). Just a thought.
• Definitely use the 90 degree angle jigs when constructing the frames. If you don't have any, BUY some cheap ones at a minimum. Ooooo what a pain in the arse without them.
• If you decide to drill holes on the sides of the frames do it before your frames are assembled. I did this as an afterthought and it wasn't a major deal but would have been easier to do before. Ideally, (if you have the time) you want to make them a big as possible without compromising the structural integrity and even better would be to use a jig saw and cut long "slots". Again not required, just something to think about.
• Fabric - use something standard and readily available (Muslin). I chose something that was on clearance ($2/yd) that looked nice (Symphony Khaki). But I made several trips to Joann fabrics (as I didn't finish all of these at once) and was stuck in the aisle wondering what the exact model number I previously bought (I thought I remembered but there are sooooo many that have similar names etc). Maybe poor planning on my part bought I thought I purchased enough to begin with (when does that ever happen). My point is stick with Muslin or something pretty basic. Or buy plenty if its something non standard in case it is discontinued or not carried anymore.

[kno1ills@yahoo.]

Is that fabric on the back that weed control stuff for gardens?

[foggie]

Originally Posted by kno1ills@yahoo.

Is that fabric on the back that weed control stuff for gardens?

Yep. I read several references to this on the various forums etc..

Its only purpose it to keep in any loose "particles". I'm not worried about it, but just thought I would try it. Seems to be a perfect and inexpensive method for the backs.

[kno1ills@yahoo.]

Thanks. I'm defnitely using that stuff for the backs of mine. Super cheap. Thanks.

[xfrancox]

How much did all of the materials come out to? I'm interested in building some of these.

[foggie]

Originally Posted by xfrancox

How much did all of the materials come out to? I'm interested in building some of these.

I didn't really keep a running tally of these. However, since I followed the standard DIY's process that many others have posted, mine are no different as far as cost.

A case (12) of 703 (4 of which are faced for the traps) ran me $125 shipped. The lumber costs are minimal. I think I spent a little more than I wanted for fabric, but as I pointed out keep it something standard and simple if you are cost conscious.

DIY links
http://www.johnlsayers.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=41783

[xfrancox]

Thanks for the link, there are some awesome projects that I might take on in the future.