DIY Speaker Building Series: Viewing .DXF Files

Some of the content of this article is from the SHC LCR10 DIY Home Cinema Speaker Guide and SHC SUB15 DIY Home Cinema Subwoofer Guide.

For as long as I can remember, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) has been a cornerstone of my career. I’ve used it for everything from designing complex machinery to, more recently, something closer to my heart, DIY speaker enclosures. There’s a unique satisfaction in watching a design come to life, knowing that every line and curve in the digital model translates directly into the final product. That’s why, for all of our speaker designs, we always start by creating them in CAD before moving to a physical prototype. This approach minimizes construction errors and makes the process more timely and accurate.

In addition to providing fully dimensioned drawings for every panel, we also include .dxf files for CNC routing. This ensures that no matter how you decide to build your DIY speakers, whether you’re cutting the panels yourself, sending the files to a CNC company, or using your own CNC machine, we try to make the process as straightforward as possible. The .dxf format is widely accepted, making it easy to transition from design to construction.

But what if you don’t have full CAD software to view or edit .dxf files? That’s where SolidWorks eDrawings comes in. It’s a free, simple solution that allows you to view and interact with these files. Whether you’ve purchased a DIY speaker kit or are working on your own design, being able to easily view the plans can make a world of difference.

How to View .DXF Files Using SolidWorks eDrawings

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started with viewing .dxf files using SolidWorks eDrawings:

1. Download and Install SolidWorks eDrawings

• Head over to the SolidWorks eDrawings website and download the free viewer. It is available for Windows and Mac.
• Once downloaded, install the software. The process is straightforward—just follow the on-screen prompts.

2. Open the eDrawings Application

• After installation, launch SolidWorks eDrawings from your desktop or start menu.
• You’ll be greeted by a clean interface designed to help you navigate through different 2D and 3D files.

3. Open Your .DXF File

• Click on the “File” menu at the top left and select “Open.”
• Browse to the location where your .dxf file is saved and select it. This could be a file you downloaded or one shared as part of a DIY speaker kit.

4. Navigating Your .DXF File

• Once the file is open, you can zoom in, zoom out, and pan to focus on different parts of the drawing.
• If you’re working with speaker designs, pay special attention to driver cutouts, brace positions, and panel layouts. These are the areas where accuracy is most critical.

5. Measure and Inspect

• One of the great features of eDrawings is the ability to measure distances directly from the file.
• To measure, select the measuring tool (usually found in the toolbar). Click on two points in the drawing to get an accurate distance—this can be especially useful when checking dimensions for critical components like driver openings or panel thicknesses.

6. Use Layers and Views

• Many .dxf files contain multiple layers that represent different aspects of the design. For example, one layer might show the internal bracing, while another shows the external dimensions.
• In eDrawings, you can toggle layers on and off, giving you a clearer view of specific parts of the design.

7. Exporting and Sharing

• While SolidWorks eDrawings is primarily a viewer, you can still export the file as an image or PDF for easy sharing or printing.
• This feature is handy when you need to share dimensions or layouts with a fabricator or friend who’s helping you build your speaker.

CNC vs Manual Cutting

The guide includes detailed plans for building the speakers both manually and using a CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) machine. Whether you prefer to work with traditional tools or have access to more advanced equipment, both methods can produce outstanding results.

We’ve built our speakers using both approaches, and in terms of sound quality, there’s no difference—they sounded identical. CNC-cut panels offer precision and speed, making the process more efficient, especially when it comes to intricate cuts or larger projects. CNC panels also ensure tighter tolerances, which can make assembly a bit easier and faster.

That said, building the speakers manually is entirely possible and still yields high-quality results. If you have access to basic woodworking tools like a saw, router, and drill, you can follow the plans and achieve the same excellent performance. The manual approach may take more time and attention to detail, but it offers the satisfaction of crafting something with your own hands.

What is CNC?

CNC, or Computerized Numerical Control, is a manufacturing process that automates the control of machinery through pre-programmed software. In CNC machining, software directs the movement of production tools—whether that’s a cutting head, drill bit, or router—allowing for precise cuts and highly accurate production. This method is widely used in industries like automotive, aerospace, and construction, but it’s just as valuable in DIY speaker building.

When it comes to our projects, CNC machining is used to cut MDF or other wood panels with exact measurements. It ensures that each panel is identical, with perfect cutouts for drivers and ports. This level of precision minimizes construction errors and saves time, making CNC an ideal choice for builders who want great results with less manual labor. However, even without CNC, you can still achieve great accuracy and quality by following the plans carefully when cutting manually.

Exploring 3D Software for Speaker Design

While .dxf files and 2D plans are essential for precise panel cuts and assembly, 3D design software can take speaker building to the next level. In future posts, we’ll dive into the world of 3D modeling software specifically for speaker design. Tools like SketchUp, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, OnShape can allow you to visualize the entire enclosure in three dimensions, plan internal bracing, and even model acoustic responses.

Whether you’re looking to design a custom speaker from scratch or tweak an existing design, understanding the software options available can expand your DIY toolkit and help you create even better sound experiences. Stay tuned!

Thank you for reading, if you are interested in building your own speakers, don’t forget to check out our Speaker Designs!