#1490968 - 14/09/08 11:30 PM
1/2" MDF wood ok for 3-400wRMS sub?
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SuperAkuma
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I've built a few box in the past and I've always used 3/4" MDF wood because it housed 800wRMS+ subs. This project that I have, I plan to build a box for a lower powered 12" that is rated about 350wRMS. I have the Eclipse SW6200 just sitting in my garage waiting to be used.
The reason why I want to use a thinner wood is because of weight. I plan to make this box small and light. This will go in my 08 Honda CRV and at times, I need to remove the sub/box to make room to carry stuff. I want to make it light enough for my wife to remove in case if I am not there.
I don't think there is a lot of difference between the weight of using a 1/2" vs 3/4" MDF, but if I can get away with a lighter box, might as well right?
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#1495797 - 21/09/08 09:14 PM
Re: 1/2" MDF wood ok for 3-400wRMS sub?
[Re: SuperAkuma]
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JDAccord
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Registered: 09/07/08
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Loc: Chattanooga, TN
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i think it should be fine, just use a couple of solid main braces to prevent flexing, and you shouldn't have a problem.
if you have to remove it, you can get some metal recessed handles like what's on pro audio cabinets from lowe's for a couple bucks each. That'd make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle.
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#1495846 - 21/09/08 09:59 PM
Re: 1/2" MDF wood ok for 3-400wRMS sub?
[Re: JDAccord]
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keep_hope_alive
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Registered: 24/04/07
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maybe add some resin to the MDF to increase rigidity without increasing weight?
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#1496454 - 22/09/08 04:30 PM
Re: 1/2" MDF wood ok for 3-400wRMS sub?
[Re: SuperAkuma]
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Sadistic_customs
SD Ralph Wiggum
Registered: 15/09/08
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even 1/2 inch is still heavy what i find is the best way to do it is by a hand truck like the on at this link. take out at the bottom of the drive way or were ever so your not carrying 150 pound of box and subs 150 feet to set it down. that just two subs in a 3/4 inch box. then if you need to remove the fridge and get a kegerator in it place you got the hand truck to do so.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=32410
Edited by Sadistic_customs (22/09/08 04:31 PM)
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#1496812 - 23/09/08 08:36 AM
Re: 1/2" MDF wood ok for 3-400wRMS sub?
[Re: Sadistic_customs]
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Rick Sellers
Deep South Nationals
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YEs it will work just fine... if it's built well
_________________________
Rick Sellers - Team SounddomainDeep South Nationals - Top 30 SQ Round - June 21st-22nd in Biloxi, MS www.DeepSouthNationals.com
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#1496925 - 23/09/08 09:41 AM
Re: 1/2" MDF wood ok for 3-400wRMS sub?
[Re: Rick Sellers]
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JDAccord
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i just remembered, if you can find trupan, you can use that. it's ultra lightweight mdf. 3/4" weighs about the same as 1/2" regular mdf, or lighter. the gotcha is it's pretty expensive, and not readily available everywhere.
i don't know where you live, but Chad of Ascendant Audio used it a lot, and he was in the Chicago area. Call around local lumber yards and see if you can find it.
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#1497168 - 23/09/08 01:51 PM
Re: 1/2" MDF wood ok for 3-400wRMS sub?
[Re: JDAccord]
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gmac22
SD Ralph Wiggum
Registered: 13/09/08
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good question and well answered.
i just built a box for a 500w rms 12" sub. always too, remembering the old days with 1000+ subs, i used 3/4" mdf. after building this setup though, i had strong feelings i should have went with 1/2" with inside chunks of wood for bracing. it doesnt matter a whole lot though, either way has its drawbacks and benefits. i would say more often then not though, using 3/4" mdf is a bit overkill.
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#1499648 - 26/09/08 06:51 PM
Re: 1/2" MDF wood ok for 3-400wRMS sub?
[Re: gmac22]
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93_chevy
sh!t talker...yeah
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use 3/4" birch. much lighter, stiffer than mdf but a little pricier and a little harder to work with
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#1499766 - 27/09/08 08:01 AM
Re: 1/2" MDF wood ok for 3-400wRMS sub?
[Re: 93_chevy]
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JDAccord
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3/4" baltic birch specifically. It's 13 ply. You won't find it at lowes, you usually have to get it from a lumber yard. It's about 45 bucks for a 5' x 5' sheet.
I didn't think it was that much lighter than mdf, but it is pretty awesome. My amp rack and IB baffle are made out of it.
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#1504016 - 03/10/08 01:26 PM
Re: 1/2" MDF wood ok for 3-400wRMS sub?
[Re: 93_chevy]
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SuperJay
I made this!!
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Registered: 30/08/07
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1/2" is very thin. Use 5/8" at the very least.
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