going to build my box, how will 1/2in MDF work?

[1 FAST V6]

I have decided to start building a box for 2 12's. It is going to be a deep well box. Since my car is lowered and has sfc's, ground clearance is a problem, so I want it to be as light as possible, while still hitting hard.

Since I am a "woodworker" now, I have all the equipment and materials handy and know how to use them. My question is how much of a difference in sound quality there is between using 1/2in MDF and 3/4in MDF? Also, is the divider of the 2 subs necessary?

[ August 18, 2003: Message edited by: 1 FAST V6 ]</p>

[megabass]

First of all, in order to build with 1/2" mdf, you must have access to pneumatic powered fasteners. IE a brad nailer or crown stapler. Becuase you cannot screw into the edge of a 1/2" piece of mdf.

To answer your question, 1/2" would work decent. Obviously 3/4" is a better choice, but the half inch can suffice. It works much better on 10s then 12s, but I have built boxes out of 1/2" mdf that easily contained Adire Brahmas with 1,000 watts no problem. But you will definately want to put a divider in between the subs because the divider adds strength and rigidity to the box. Think about it, the divider shortens the chambers and limits the flex of the walls.

If you really want a light-weight wood, you should use what I use. I use a 3/4" ultralight mdf, which is lighter than the regular 1/2" stuff. Plus you can use screws if you need. That's why ppl like my boxes. They are light and they pound. The only thing lighter would be fiberglass.

[ August 17, 2003: Message edited by: megabass ]</p>

[Brians01shineyblackcamaro]

Use 3/4" baltic birch. Light and VERY strong.

[1 FAST V6]

Thanks for that info megabass, That 3/4" ultralight mdf sounds perfect, I had never heard of it before. I tried looking for it on the home depot site, but they don't seem to show wood on there. I might try and get it through the shop I work at, maybe it will be cheaper.

Oh, and does this type of box sound better ported or sealed?

[megabass]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by 1 FAST V6:

Oh, and does this type of box sound better ported or sealed?<hr></blockquote>


Depends on the subs really and how large you want the box to be. I don't know of any retail place that carries the ultralight. I get it shipped in from a lumber yard.

[Brians01shineyblackcamaro]

I used to have a 96 sunfire GT with a box in the trunk made out of 3/4" baltic birch. It was very nice. It had 2 Diamond MacDaddy 10"'s in it running off of a modified Matts D300 HC amp and I hit 151DB on the dash. I loved that box but I got rid of the sunfire for my camaro and the box didn't fit so I ended up selling all of it.
Here is a pic of it. The speakers actually faced down, towards the floor.