building boxes

I guess if any material that can have small abrasive particles break off and enter into the voice coil could damage it. I have not experienced this yet but I always seal boxes the same way.

I use clear silicone on all edges.

Unless fiberglassing, to make the box strong I use wood glue and screws. If the box is properly built once that glue is dried the box should be virtually impossible to take apart in whole pieces, even if the screws were removed. This is not to say the box will be indestructible because too much internal pressure as well as liquids will destroy MDF. Use the right thickness, keep it dry, brace if nessecary, silicone all edges and terminals if utilized/or the wire holes and all should be well. I also find predrilling and countersinking will help prevent crushing the MDF. For very high powered and competition boxes I use HDF up to 1'' and double up where the subs mount.

Agreed, liquid nails is very strong. But IMO overkill for most boxes. I do use it to support heavy objects that I can't fasten any other way.

The things I dislike about liquid nails is:

1) much stronger odor then silicone   2)get it on your clothes, they are FUBAR'ed  3) get it on your skin and you have to live with it until whenever it decides to come off....or heavy scrubbing. 4) not a major concern but still a concern...very flammable.

But this is not to say it is bad to use liquid nails to seal a box. I can't imagine liquid nails leaking or damaging a woofer but I can't guarantee that from personal experience since I have't used it for that purpose too many times.

It might be overkill in your opinion in strength, but when you compare the prices of liquid nails to regular wood glue, I believe the liquid nails is the better option. it is much stronger than regular glue and the price is better. as for getting it on your clothes... isnt it common sense to wear junk clothes while working on custom fabrications? lol. I always wear latex gloves while applying glue so getting it on my hands isnt a concern. liquid nails is flammable, but so is MDF.

I use liquid nails on all my wood boxes and it doesnt get much better.

I can't really disagree killer and I have nothing against overkill in most cases. But I have yet to see a box I built come apart from using wood glue.

However, in my work situation I can be called upon to build a box anytime and don't always have a change of cloths with me. But that's neither here nor there, I just have my own preference.

I will admit to using liquid nails on very large enclosure because I am aware of it's strength. But this topic was more about sealing then construction, I just brought it up as a point that proper construction is as critical as sealing, if not moreso.

Regardless, have you ever heard of any sealing products that can damage a sub?

Interesting info mustang. I wish I had 2 days to build an enclosure but for me it's closer to 2 hours in most cases.

Try to see if there is anyway to back up that statement about the fumes damaging the surround. I have heard "rumors" to that affect but since I use woodglue 90% of the time I have no personal input on the subject. Woodglue smells good and washes off with water and has yet to see it damage anything.

However, for more extreme or personal applications (where I also have more time) liquid nails serves its purpose well.

lol, I actually don't think I post that much but perhaps compared to others.

Who used hotglue for a box.?.thats funny. L.N. is strong to smell but I once got so messed up from spray adhesive. I was carpeting an entire back of a pickup w/ topper and basically was in this "gas chamber" for some time. I was seeing all kinds of colors and things, it wasn't healthy I am sure so I never did that again. Use a respirator. lol

I plan on donating $$$ also, but things are a little tight right now so I'll have to stick to posts as my contribution untill then.

So liquid nails does not damage subs but the boxes blow apart if it's used to build it? Seems to be some conflict here.

I never had either problem with wood glue, or liquid nails in that respect so guess I'll stick with how I have been doing it until proved otherwise. As far as sealing I still feel clear silicone does a great job. Been doing it this way for about 15 years with no problems, pretty good track record I'd say.

I haven't tried the poly wood glue yet. althought strength is the main concern, how is clean up with it?  I always favored the elmers partially because it cleans up with water.

I wouldn't mind trying something I knew was stronger regardless but am curious if I need to take any other precautions if using the poly. I don't mind the extra money if it's worth it, I can just tack it on to the price of materials to make it up.

Thanks

Thanks maliboom.

Ok...so if liquid nails and silicone fumes eat away the surround, what is safe to use to seal the box?

Not that I have ever seen silicone damage a surround. The surround did eventually go on my 10w6 and I sealed the enclosure with silicone...but that took 10 years. I think it was more normal wear and age that caused htis, not silicone fumes but if it possible it can eat surrounds I wouldn't mind using another product.

i think the MythBusters need to be brought in to solve this one......

But I have never had any problem with silicone or LN.  I use the LN to make the box (no screws) and outdoor silicone to seal it on the inside.  Nothing has ever rotted or became destroyed because of either one.  I think if either product was put directly on the surround and not wiped off and left alone, that may have some effect, but otherwise I'd have to see it to believe it.