1/2 MDF versus 3/4 MDF for sub box...
- Thread starter O.D. Showtime
- Start date
-
Sponsors (?)
My box is made from 3/4 mdf. I think it might have something to do with what sub and how much power you have to the size of the MDF. With some of the real powerhouse subs i have seen them use 1" for the face to hold the sub. I wouldnt go any smaller the 3/4 for the face.
eedwards
New Member
You may be able to get away with 1/2" if the box is ported; if it's a sealed box, invest in the 3/4" as it will be more rigid and produce tighter bass. IMO
MyEarsHurt
New Member
- May 21, 2004
- 918
- 0
- 0
For the front, where you actually mount the sub...don't skimp out on that piece, go 3/4 at least. For the rest of the box, if its a light sub (under 1k watts rms) then 1/2 should be fine. I always just use 3/4 to be on the safe side.
the reason behind using thicker materials is rigidity. if the box flexes (and it will with a good sub and amp) it is wasted energy. i personally think you should use the 3/4 at the very least. for a while at the shop i worked at we were sent 5/8 mdf, and you could tell the differance. what i have done with that stuff is laminate 2 peices together. you could do that' you said you have alot laying around. make sure to put a good layer of wood glue in between the peices.
on my current sealed 15 box it is the double thick 5/8 mdf. my old box could bounce a quarter straight off the top of the box, the new one the quarter barely moves.
on my current sealed 15 box it is the double thick 5/8 mdf. my old box could bounce a quarter straight off the top of the box, the new one the quarter barely moves.
Infinity
Founding Member
1hotz is almost dead on, but forgot to mention that if the box is under 1 cubic foot (roughly), or has short dimensions, then it won't flex and 1/2" would be fine. But, I'd go one step further and use 1/2" Baltic Birch plywood. It is stiffer and more rigid than MDF of 3/4" thickness, and best of all, it is lighter than the 1/2" MDF. SOOOOOO, you can make your box more rigidly damped AND lighter weight. It does cost about double what the MDF does, though. I also find the birch ply easier to work with as it is real wood and not dust/glue, and it can be finished in more versatile ways.
VPStang
Founding Member
and all this is only if you're uilding a highpower system--
if u don't wanna buy more wood--just wanna use what u got so u can make space---i've lined the inside of a box with fiberglass....if having a "stiffy" is that important....
and man--if you're running like a single JL 12W0 or something--don't waste any money---that 5/8 is plenty rigid...and if in doubt fiberglass....
if u don't wanna buy more wood--just wanna use what u got so u can make space---i've lined the inside of a box with fiberglass....if having a "stiffy" is that important....
and man--if you're running like a single JL 12W0 or something--don't waste any money---that 5/8 is plenty rigid...and if in doubt fiberglass....
Similar threads
