Found a readily available lightweight wood for diffusers

gremmy · 5th April 2010

Hi guys,

I know there is some interest in this forum in identifying readily available, lightweight products that can be used to build diffusers. I've seen discussions on everything ranging from balsa wood to pvc or styrofoam.

Anyway, now that spring has arrived in the States, I noticed that Home Depot has stacks and stacks of cedar spindles in the deck-railing section. These seem to be much lighter than pine (maybe 1/3 the weight), and they are already cut into 1x1 squares, so all we'd have to do is cut them to length for a pretty easy 2D diffuser build.

Also, Lowes in my area has square/hollow PVC spindles of similar dimensions, for use in a vinyl railing. These could be filled with expanding foam, and would be even lighter than the cedar.

Bubbagump · 5th April 2010

Hrm, true 1" square? Or just nominal dimensions? I am looking for something for use in a 1D, so a true precut 1" piece would be excellent as I am dreading ripping a zillion 1x2s. Might have to wander over there later today as its getting to be saw dust in the drive way weather.

gremmy · 5th April 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bubbagump

Hrm, true 1" square? Or just nominal dimensions? I am looking for something for use in a 1D, so a true precut 1" piece would be excellent as I am dreading ripping a zillion 1x2s. Might have to wander over there later today as its getting to be saw dust in the drive way weather.

I am pretty sure they are true 1 inch squares, but I have not measured to be sure. I need to run to Home Depot this afternoon so I will verify for you. (I know it's not 3/4 inch, it's too wide to be).

gremmy · 5th April 2010

Well, it looks like they are 1.5" by 1.5" -- sorry about the confusion.

But these things really are much, much lighter than pine.

SAC · 5th April 2010

...Or you could just build the optimal configuration of the 2D QRD with an interlocking grid well dividers and simply use small squares mounted at the proper height which is both much lighter and effective.

So...what is the cost and length of the tubing? Having priced generic square acrylic tubing in the past, I don't anticipate doing it again any time soon...but if there is some other application which presents sufficient economies of scale, that might be an option.

Remember_This · 5th April 2010

Any idea on cost? I'm not sure if I am reading properly but wouldn't these be ideal for a skyline diffuser?

jdg · 5th April 2010

i used these to make skylines. it was still a pain

gremmy · 6th April 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAC

...Or you could just build the optimal configuration of the 2D QRD with an interlocking grid well dividers and simply use small squares mounted at the proper height which is both much lighter and effective.

So...what is the cost and length of the tubing? Having priced generic square acrylic tubing in the past, I don't anticipate doing it again any time soon...but if there is some other application which presents sufficient economies of scale, that might be an option.

The pvc spindles were something like 12 bucks for a 6 pack, or something along those lines.

gremmy · 6th April 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdg

i used these to make skylines. it was still a pain

Well sure, I don't imagine this would make things easier, but it should make them lighter.

gremmy · 6th April 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Remember_This

Any idea on cost? I'm not sure if I am reading properly but wouldn't these be ideal for a skyline diffuser?

Yes, these would be ideal for a skyline. If you were satisfied with 1.5 inch wells, you'd just need to saw them to the appropriate length.

In terms of effort, I'd guess it would be about the same as using standard 2x2 lumber, but much lighter, in case you've got a wall mounted application.

jdg · 6th April 2010

they were still pretty heavy, but hung from the ceiling with standard drywall screws.

they were 2'x2', with max well depth of 6"

probably about 15lbs a piece.

Bubbagump · 6th April 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdg

i used these to make skylines. it was still a pain

Heh, any DIY diffusor is a pain except for maybe the simplest polys.

gremmy · 6th April 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdg

they were still pretty heavy, but hung from the ceiling with standard drywall screws.

they were 2'x2', with max well depth of 6"

probably about 15lbs a piece.

How heavy would they have been if made from pine? I've made several diffusers, all out of pine, and one of them is almost too heavy to lift by myself.

According to sources I'm finding on the internet, cedar seems to be about half the weight of pine.

5th April 2010	#1
gremmy Gear nut Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 107 Thread Starter	Found a readily available lightweight wood for diffusers Hi guys, I know there is some interest in this forum in identifying readily available, lightweight products that can be used to build diffusers. I've seen discussions on everything ranging from balsa wood to pvc or styrofoam. Anyway, now that spring has arrived in the States, I noticed that Home Depot has stacks and stacks of cedar spindles in the deck-railing section. These seem to be much lighter than pine (maybe 1/3 the weight), and they are already cut into 1x1 squares, so all we'd have to do is cut them to length for a pretty easy 2D diffuser build. Also, Lowes in my area has square/hollow PVC spindles of similar dimensions, for use in a vinyl railing. These could be filled with expanding foam, and would be even lighter than the cedar.

6th April 2010	#11
jdg Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2005 Location: seattle, WA Posts: 2,540	they were still pretty heavy, but hung from the ceiling with standard drywall screws. they were 2'x2', with max well depth of 6" probably about 15lbs a piece. __________________ nothing helps "suck", not even analog panicStudios - mastering in seattle

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5th April 2010	#2
Bubbagump Gear addict Joined: Mar 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 445	Hrm, true 1" square? Or just nominal dimensions? I am looking for something for use in a 1D, so a true precut 1" piece would be excellent as I am dreading ripping a zillion 1x2s. Might have to wander over there later today as its getting to be saw dust in the drive way weather.

5th April 2010	#5
SAC Registered User Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 2,622	...Or you could just build the optimal configuration of the 2D QRD with an interlocking grid well dividers and simply use small squares mounted at the proper height which is both much lighter and effective. So...what is the cost and length of the tubing? Having priced generic square acrylic tubing in the past, I don't anticipate doing it again any time soon...but if there is some other application which presents sufficient economies of scale, that might be an option.

5th April 2010	#6
Remember_This Gear Head Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 67	Any idea on cost? I'm not sure if I am reading properly but wouldn't these be ideal for a skyline diffuser?