what’s better, this or mdf?
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=102959
Printed Date: April 27, 2024 at 4:11 PM
Topic: what’s better, this or mdf?
Posted By: jmelton86
Subject: what’s better, this or mdf?
Date Posted: March 11, 2008 at 12:48 AM
https://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb103/jmelton86/hmm.jpg I don't know what kind of wood this is (3/4"), but it seems to be more dense than MDF -much more stiff (and heavy:)). Is it better for sub enclosures? ------------- 2013 Kia Rio -90a alternator
DDX470HD GTO14001 GTO1014D (x3)
Big3 in 1/0G
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Replies:
Posted By: jmelton86
Date Posted: March 11, 2008 at 4:43 AM
Well, it appears to be 'underlayment-grade plywood'. It's supposed to be of higher quality than regular plywood -for use under tile flooring, etc... It's supposed to have less voids (imperfections, air pockets, what have you) in the wood. It appears to be pretty uniform as opposed to regular plywood; meaning that it looks more compressed or compact. I used this stuff on my last box (only .5cu' though) and none of the screws stripped out or anything during box construction and for mounting the sub, so I think it holds up okay. I got it for free for my next box, so I'm'a gonna use it. I'll use extra bracing including to double-up the sub baffle -total of 1.5" for mounting the sub. I'll have plenty for bracing, so that's what im going to do. Thanks for reading! *If you don't think it'll hold up for my single 10" ported enclosure, then please let me know! https://www.subwoofertools.com/forum/ported-box.asp?Ew=32&Eh=17&Dia=4&Xmax=15&Vd=.15&NumW=1&Vb=1.6&Fb=26.6&Qts=&Vas=&Fs=&CE=0 BTW, that panel cutout calculator rocks! ------------- 2013 Kia Rio -90a alternator
DDX470HD GTO14001 GTO1014D (x3)
Big3 in 1/0G
1/0G to GTO14001
Posted By: doggs88
Date Posted: March 11, 2008 at 8:47 AM
jmelton86 That looks more like press wood or particle board. Better than the plywood no doubt, but I think I'd go with the MDF (medium density fiber-board). I had the particle board crack up during the summer in my hatchback. Then the subs just pulled it apart. After adding more screws to it and re sealing it a few times, I just gave up on it and switched to the MDF. Have been using it ever since. Oh, and particle board REALLY hates moisture. ------------- I'm 'bout to "P**p My Ride"...
Posted By: jmelton86
Date Posted: March 11, 2008 at 6:29 PM
Thanks for replying. The wood was actually free, so I won't complain. I will be spraying it with rubberized undercoating to keep out moisture. I actually am currently using a box made out of this and it holds up well with my BostonG5 getting 500watts. This sub is heavy and it's only mounted to a 3/4" baffle without ripping out any screws so I believe when I double-up the baffle board to 1.5" it'll be just fine. ------------- 2013 Kia Rio -90a alternator
DDX470HD GTO14001 GTO1014D (x3)
Big3 in 1/0G
1/0G to GTO14001
Posted By: sedate
Date Posted: March 15, 2008 at 7:31 AM
I made a box for a 12 for a friend out of particle board - I painted it with about 2oz of fiberglass resin inside and primed/painted it black for the guy. It's been going strong for like 8 years. ------------- "I'm finished!" - Daniel Plainview
Posted By: doggs88
Date Posted: April 02, 2008 at 9:16 PM
Here's my MDF project finished and carpeted. 
Three Pioneer IMPP's; Two Jensen 600's (800 RMSea.); and One MTX (360 RMS) ------------- I'm 'bout to "P**p My Ride"...
Posted By: tegteg54
Date Posted: April 15, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Looks like particle board to me... MDF is going to be better..
Posted By: Melted Fabric
Date Posted: April 15, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Yea, considering it is free, the only thing that can be lost is time. I prefer the physical attributes of MDF, but if you came across free materials that are somewhat equivalent to MDF and you properly construct the box to withstand the pressure and power of your subwoofer(s), I think you will be alright, nonetheless, post the finished pictures when you are able to.
Good luck, and I look forward to seeing it.
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I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
When you do not know what you are doing and what you are doing is the best -- that is inspiration.
Posted By: tegteg54
Date Posted: April 15, 2008 at 12:26 PM
My view is this.. "You can only polish a turd so much, and in the end you still my friend, have a turd"... Get 25 bucks together for some MDF for..
Posted By: capamonkeyboy
Date Posted: April 15, 2008 at 3:32 PM
Knock on the wood with your knuckle, if you like the sound, go with it. I use MDF myself and love it, but to each their own. If you can make sure it will glue well and seal, you should be fine. I don't even bother with screws anymore, I use Elemers wood glue and finish nails right away, I have never had any of the 25 or so boxes I have built come apart even under the most extreme conditions (this includes being dropped more than once). Have fun building it!
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The best security is to not have anything to steal, but then again your car would be pretty boring.
Posted By: jmelton86
Date Posted: April 15, 2008 at 7:39 PM
Well, I got the box built and installed. When I went to put the box in the trunk, I had to put it in sub facing up, then planned on rotating it so the sub/port would face the rear. Well, when I measured the max space the box could be I didn't account for having to rotate it. So... I rode around with the sub/port facing up for a while then did some thinking; I could just remove the rear seat (bottom and seat back) and slide the box in from the cabin -Voila! Boston Acoustics G51044 (dual 4ohm) 1.3cu' tuned to 26.6Hz. Sounds freakin clean as heck, goes insanely low! I'm not on a PC in which I can upload newer photos at the moment, but people love pics anyways  . Here is a pic of my last setup; the Boston G51044 with GTR (PR) in .5cu' -per Boston. GTR tuned to 25Hz; https://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb103/jmelton86/PICT0048.jpg And for videos of my new setup (while still upfiring...) This is "Bass, I Love You" with no ssf; https://s209.photobucket.com/albums/bb103/jmelton86/?action=view¤t=no_ssf2.flv Here is the same song with a ssf @ 32Hz (i've got to order the Harrison FMods to get it cut @ 25Hz); https://s209.photobucket.com/albums/bb103/jmelton86/?action=view¤t=ssf__32Hz.flv Hope you enjoy! I just decided i'm not going to upload any new photos until I get my system "finished" -notive the ""! I just need my dash kit to house my Alpine EQ, Jantzen Silver caps to complete my front stage x-overs (The highpass on my midwoofers are @ 6dB per right now, also they are x-overed a bit too low. Getting the caps will put it @ 12dB per, at the right cutoff), and the Harrison FMods for my subsonic filter. ------------- 2013 Kia Rio -90a alternator
DDX470HD GTO14001 GTO1014D (x3)
Big3 in 1/0G
1/0G to GTO14001
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