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angle and bracing in MDF

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=82525
Printed Date: May 10, 2025 at 5:28 AM


Topic: angle and bracing in MDF

Posted By: txthunder31
Subject: angle and bracing in MDF
Date Posted: September 05, 2006 at 7:44 PM

I am attempting to build a enclosure out of 3/4" MDF with multiple angles. This is new to me and not sure how to build bracing for each side of the angle. If someone has pictures of this or could explain how it is done I would greatly appreciate it.

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Audio solutions



Replies:

Posted By: Flakman
Date Posted: September 05, 2006 at 9:30 PM
I have used CA glue and a nail gun to hold the position, then used bondo to stiffen and seal the seams. I'm sure there will be offered other techniques as well.

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The Flakman
I feel strange. I have deja vu and amnesia at the same time.

John | Manteca, CA




Posted By: stevdart
Date Posted: September 05, 2006 at 9:39 PM

Bracing is not visible, so you can get by with using shortcuts as long as the result is stability.  To attach an angled side to another side that is not parallel, you can use cleats on those sides to attach the brace to.  A cleat is just a length of MDF that is used for this purpose;  it can be of any size that will secure the bracing.  A strong glue, like Gorilla glue that has a 4 hour cure time, is a good way to ensure that there is no movement in the bracing.  Here's an illustration I whipped up:

posted_image

By using cleats, you don't have to worry about getting the angles on the ends of the braces the same as the angles of the box baffles.  And bracing can be accomplished using a wide variety of methods, so don't worry about having to follow a strict set of rules.  You generally want to brace the most susceptible baffle, the face, to the back of the box.  Also brace any large expanse of baffle whether it's sides, top or bottom, as these larger expanses are more prone to flexing than a smaller baffle.  Here's something I drew one time to demonstrate the weakest areas of a sub enclosure:

posted_image

The box-type configuration in the center is a brace created using cleats.  The connected cleats in themselves would brace this box properly from front to back, and this form of bracing is best accomplished by using one single piece of MDF and cutting the center out of it.

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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.




Posted By: txthunder31
Date Posted: September 05, 2006 at 10:30 PM
Thank you guys so much this will be a new for me. The plan is to have two amps one on each side and then a 2.0 farad power cap in the center so it will have like 6 different angles on it. Thanks again

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Audio solutions





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