Cutting holes for speakers

[shredso]

My cab is in it's final stages.  One of the finishing touches I've been putting off is cutting slots for the speakers.  I've come up with 2 solutions and I'm hoping for some input.  The first is oval slots like in the classic machines.  It's a series of maybe 6 or 7 slots that start small and gradually increase in size then decrease to make a circle.  This might be difficult to do because the cab is assembled.  I do have a router but I think it will be difficult to get it in place and I don't know how to make those exact cuts.  My second much simpler idea is just to drill a series of maybe 1/2" holes that create a circle.  Like a grill but in the wood.  I've seen people mount an actual grill on the outside but I want it to look a little more classic.  Thanks.

Ed.

[Lecithin]

Why not go with the first option but use a jigsaw? They tend to have a smaller footprint then routers (you may have to sand/file to get the curves perfect). If you can't fit the router or have the experience with it then I a well done option #2 will look and work great as well. Good luck!

[severdhed]

you can pick up a trim router at harbor freight for about $25, they are much smaller than a regular router and may get into that tight space better.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=44914

i just got one of these from my wife for Christmas...havent had a chance to use it yet though. (i learned my lesson...never use a router indoors, unless you want to be cleaning sawdust off of everything for the next 6 months)

[ivwshane]

If your speaker shelf is already in place then doing either may be very difficult. I'd personally just cut out a square and fill it with a mesh grill.

[shredso]

I can hear the speakers fine with no holes cut, I may just leave it that way. 

[dkubarek]

Shredso, I'm in a similar situation. Due to my faulty design I didn't leave much room for speakers. I was planning to mount them in the marquis and drill small holes in the plexiglass but I'm not the best at drilling plexiglass. I might try not drilling holes now. I'll practice on a spare piece and go from there. But I'll make sure it makes a difference. I'm assuming it would be better to have holes, but I've left part of the back open, so I doubt I'll get too much distortion.

[shredso]

I cant picture drilling holes through the marquee.  If you had a lit marquee I think light would show through and it might look funny.  I also have the back open and I'm 99% sure I'm gonna settle for no speaker holes because it sounds fine.  My marquee is back from printing Tuesday and if I can just figure out a way to mount my bezel I'm 100%!!