DIY glass diaphragms on a budget
Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2021 5:35 pm
Can you cut your own glass diaphragms?
After a bit of tinkering, I'm happy to report yes you can!
It's a fairly simple process and doesn't require expensive kit, but will require practice to get the feel of it and a ton of patience (be prepared for a few failed attempts before you get it)
Ingredients:
1- Glass sheets; cheapo phone screen protectors work beautifully. They're between 0.2-0.3mm thick (4 for £1 on eBay)
2- Scribing tool (also cheapo off eBay)
3- Compass and paper
4- 250 grit sandpaper
Method:
1- Make a template of the diaphragm size you need on paper using the compass. Cut it out.
2- Stick the template on top of the glass (I use PVA glue so I can remove with water later)
3- With the scribing tool trace around the template. Don't apply too much pressure or it will crack.
4- Very gently apply pressure around the edge of the circle to snap off the glass. It helps to etch the glass around your circle into quadrants, so you're snapping off one quadrant at a time as you're working to free the diaphragm (imagine a sun rays sort of pattern)
5- If needed, you can use wet sandpaper to tidy up the edges or of it's a fraction of a mm too big (do wear a mask though as I've learned the hard way; lungs apparently don't like glass dust!).
6- et voila! Your glass diaphragm is ready!
Picture of the tools and finished product attached
The Pathé reproducer was the reason I wanted to try this, but I've also made one for an exhibition soundbox. This was attached to the needle bar with super glue which I've been able to undo easily using acetone.
Also made one to try on an Astra Electric soundbox (64mm diameter), but the stupid thing snapped as I was installing it. Will have a go at this one again when I have some time
Hope someone finds this helpful!
After a bit of tinkering, I'm happy to report yes you can!
It's a fairly simple process and doesn't require expensive kit, but will require practice to get the feel of it and a ton of patience (be prepared for a few failed attempts before you get it)
Ingredients:
1- Glass sheets; cheapo phone screen protectors work beautifully. They're between 0.2-0.3mm thick (4 for £1 on eBay)
2- Scribing tool (also cheapo off eBay)
3- Compass and paper
4- 250 grit sandpaper
Method:
1- Make a template of the diaphragm size you need on paper using the compass. Cut it out.
2- Stick the template on top of the glass (I use PVA glue so I can remove with water later)
3- With the scribing tool trace around the template. Don't apply too much pressure or it will crack.
4- Very gently apply pressure around the edge of the circle to snap off the glass. It helps to etch the glass around your circle into quadrants, so you're snapping off one quadrant at a time as you're working to free the diaphragm (imagine a sun rays sort of pattern)
5- If needed, you can use wet sandpaper to tidy up the edges or of it's a fraction of a mm too big (do wear a mask though as I've learned the hard way; lungs apparently don't like glass dust!).
6- et voila! Your glass diaphragm is ready!
Picture of the tools and finished product attached
The Pathé reproducer was the reason I wanted to try this, but I've also made one for an exhibition soundbox. This was attached to the needle bar with super glue which I've been able to undo easily using acetone.
Also made one to try on an Astra Electric soundbox (64mm diameter), but the stupid thing snapped as I was installing it. Will have a go at this one again when I have some time
Hope someone finds this helpful!
