** DIY V3.0 under construction - 3 way, 6 speaker!

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floyd

floyd

Boomus Fidelis
that plywood is the way to go , i started building my sub boxes from birch plywood and let me tell you it's much lighter than mdf and stronger too!.
 
J

jimmyjimmy19702010

Member (SA)
JVC Floyd said:
that plywood is the way to go , i started building my sub boxes from birch plywood and let me tell you it's much lighter than mdf and stronger too!.
Click to expand...
Yep, it's great stuff. You've just got to be a little careful with the jig saw when cutting to avoid chipping. MDF is easier to work with but it's almost twice the weight!

Glue dry:
View attachment 18472
View attachment 18473

Amp shelf:
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Amp slot and access opening cut:
View attachment 18475

In clamps again:
Front panel glued:
View attachment 18476
 
Cpl-Chronic

Cpl-Chronic

Member (SA)
The reason MDF is used is because it has the least amount of coloration or'box' sound of any other material. I use MDF & ONLY MDF for a good reason. Plywood is a good 2nd to MDF. 1" MDF is best for sound quality especially for large woofer or sub-woofer systems...

Cpl
 
J

jimmyjimmy19702010

Member (SA)
Cpl-Chronic said:
The reason MDF is used is because it has the least amount of coloration or'box' sound of any other material. I use MDF & ONLY MDF for a good reason. Plywood is a good 2nd to MDF. 1" MDF is best for sound quality especially for large woofer or sub-woofer systems...

Cpl
Click to expand...
For static indoor applications, I agree MDF is a good choice as it's the denser (quieter) material.

The case for my V3.0 project would weigh an extra 3-3.5 kilos in MDF though.

If it gets wet, things start getting lumpy too! MDF doesn't hold screws well either if you need to drive them in and out more than a couple of times (access panels and speakers)

If you're using it indoors where weight isn't an issue, than MDF would be a good choice particularly if big bass is expected!

MDF is cheaper and easier to work too! :-)

I think as long as you're building the box you want and it sounds great and really cranks, then it's all good! :-)
 
hardmen

hardmen

Member (SA)
jimmyjimmy19702010 said:
Those clamps do come in handy!
I'm looking forward to seeing that 3 piece combo of yours in action!
I would advise against MDF if you plan on making your project portable. It's super heavy, can't cope with moisture and isn't structural strong enough IMHO.
If you have already made your cabinet, make sure you use long screws after pre-drilling the holes on all joints!!
James.... :-)
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tips Jimmy.

I'm use MDF only in the structure cabinet, no screws at this time, only glue.

Some pics below.

My Clamps (LOL)

View attachment 18483

The structure (6mm MDF and some pinus pieces to help on corner joints).
I' m not have precise cut tools on home, so I paid $10 for the all MDF pieces cutted.

View attachment 18484
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View attachment 18486

Cheers.
 
floyd

floyd

Boomus Fidelis
mdf is great until it gets wet then it's days are numbered. i use plywood to save weight but the plywood is furniture grade quality . sometimes i just hate fake wood = mdf . it has its uses but it just renders anything made from it too damned heavy. that's actually good if you have 2 18 inch subs because they will actually move the box around if it's too light. seen a lot of nice sub boxes turned to **** because they got wet . damned mdf lol.
 
J

jimmyjimmy19702010

Member (SA)
hardmen said:
Thanks for the tips Jimmy.
I'm use MDF only in the structure cabinet, no screws at this time, only glue.
Some pics below.
My Clamps (LOL)
attachicon.gif
CAM00675.jpg
The structure (6mm MDF and some pinus pieces to help on corner joints).
I' m not have precise cut tools on home, so I paid $10 for the all MDF pieces cutted.
attachicon.gif
CAM00676.jpg
attachicon.gif
CAM00678.jpg
attachicon.gif
CAM00679.jpg
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Wow, your box is huge!! Are you going to make it portable with a battery?
Good idea getting your pieces cut ready for assembly.

James... :-)
 
hardmen

hardmen

Member (SA)
jimmyjimmy19702010 said:
Wow, your box is huge!! Are you going to make it portable with a battery?
Good idea getting your pieces cut ready for assembly.

James... :-)
Click to expand...
The size is similar as Panasonic RX 5350 and YES, I will make it portable (maybe 7 or,12A lead acid one).
Not decide yet on the "look like" radio that project!!

Cheers!
 
J

jimmyjimmy19702010

Member (SA)
With an outer skin of MDF, you're just going to have to keep the thing dry. But a box the size of a 5350 will need an internal frame to carry it's own weight and the weight of the internal components.

Remember, a 12 aH SLA battery weighs min 3.60 kgs on it's own plus the weight of the head unit, speakers etc - it all adds up. Seeing you have already made the outer box, I think a 12mm thick pine board within the base and top panels plus the sides. So the pine frame is carrying the weight, not the thin MDF. MDF sags very easily - that's why you don't often see MDF book shelves!

Keep going!! :-)
 
J

jimmyjimmy19702010

Member (SA)
Update:

Sanding, sanding, sanding........... Yep, you've got to do it!

2 hours sanding so far with the front and back panels mostly done. Another 3-4 hours do to the other surfaces and I should have a perfectly smooth finish for painting. This box is getting 3 times the prep the other boxes got!! :-) I'll be firing up my new router so I can have nice, curved edges on this box.

Whilst I'm sweating like crazy sanding this thing, I can see why people just cut a couple of holes in an old suitcase and rock on that way! :-)

Got my new 7.2 aH SLA battery, female cigarette lighter input, switches, RCA input panel and wiring today. The V3.0 box will have two physical input methods: RCA and 3.5mm inputs. A female 3.5mm input will be positioned above the RCA inputs. The 3.5mm male/female input cable and volt meter are on their way.

View attachment 18516
View attachment 18517
 
floyd

floyd

Boomus Fidelis
looks awesome.

i know sanding is no fun trust me i could have sanded my way around the earth several times and i have eaten enough dust to fill my own coffin.
 
J

jimmyjimmy19702010

Member (SA)
blu_fuz said:
Nice clean corners and the pieces fit really well.
Click to expand...
Thanks Fuz,

It's coming up ok. The routing part is where you wish plywood was as easy to work as MDF!

I should have it in primer tomorrow all going well. A couple more hours of prep to go.

James.... :-)
 
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