Sub box shopping list?

[DR3W]

Picking up all my materials for my sub box tomorrow. What all do i need besides this?

Im getting this for now.

-MDF board 1/2 in. x 4' x 8'
-50 wood screws
-16 wood screws (speakers)
-16 ounce Wood glue
-Basic wood Caulking

What lengh/size screws should i get??? For the speakers and the box? Thanks guys.

P.s. Im still debating using carpet or fiberglass to cover it in.

 

[walnuts4x4]

I would probably say 3/4" screws... that way they will go through the first layer but not the second and if you go too tight they wont go through the second layer... but it depends how you put it together... might want some 1" too

 

[GAINMOB]

1/2" - 1"...maybe 3/4" for the subs...

 

[Thermo]

I guess I always believed in overkill. I used 1-3/4" or 2" screws for all my boxes when putting the two boards toether. But then, I also pre-drilled all my holes. I also put a screw about every 2-3", so, I normally used about 100 screws per box (for 2 subs). Again, overkill. But I will tell you what, I never had a box leak on me and to the A-holes that stole my son's stereo, I bet you guys had a hell of a time getting that box out. But then, I swear by 3/4" MDF. The longer screws and thicker board is a nice combination. Going to thin and the MDF can split on you really easy.

As for the speaker screws, if you know the thickness of your MDF, add an 1/8" and that is the length screw you should use.

You may want to also consider getting some inserts that allow you to cut a small hole and mount this plate into the box. This will make for attaching your subs a lot easier as you only need to push down on a tab and insert the wire vice having to have wires sticking out the side of the box that need to be caulked into place. Necessary, no, nice to have, yes.

 

[ExpyPlowGuy]

x2 for pre-drilling the holes first. If you don't you may split the MDF and that will just piss you off, trust me.

 

[panda24619]

yes predrill. and use lots and lots of glue and screws. and also a lot of silicone to seal ALL joints. go over them again once they dry to make sure you didnt miss anything. you wont regret that. listened to a box that sounded funny once. i told my cousins friend to take out the sub. you could see where the sub moved the box just a little bit. and air was escaping. i told him to use glue and more screws and to seal the box.

 

[DR3W]

Okay, i need to return me screws. They're too wide and could possibly spit the wood... So ima get thinner ones. But thanks guys Now i just need an amp and imput jacks for the box. Where can i find input jacks at???

 

[panda24619]

i think any audio place should have them. or get them on sonice crutchfield. any place like that will have them. cost about $10. for the expensive ones.

 

[GAINMOB]

ebay...an audio store/shop may have some extras that they may cut you a deal on...best buy...

 

[panda24619]

get these. $3

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_4929_Square-Subwoofer-Speaker-Terminal-Cup-TCS.html

these are the ones i want to get.

 

[MPTonyT]

Here is the way I do it and have done it for 12 years.

I choose my wood based off the subs I'm building the enclosure on.

Cut my pieces according to the cut sheet.

Lay everything out

I use a finish nailer with 16 ga finish nails instead of screws. they range from 1 3/4 to 1 1/2 depending on the thickness of the wood. I use Elmers wood glue or titebond. glue the pieces and nail them together. Before i nail the top on the box i go back and calk the seams together. Then I cut the opening for the woofer and buzz off any shiners (nails that popped out of the wood). I then spraythe enclosure and the carpet with contact cement and wrap the enclosure.

Here are a few pics.