3/4" vs 1/2" vs 5/8" MDF for box construction?

[Lurius 10+ year member]

Alright, I know the standard for most boxes seems to be 3/4". It seems to be one of the most widely available in 4x8" sheets, this may be why. Well, I am going to build a box to replace the probox under my trucks rear seat and beign that I am short on space a little, that extra 1/4" or so of space on each wall could add soem nice additional airspace for me in the end.

Are there any reasons NOT to use 1/2" MDF to construct a box?

-Lurius

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[j3bus2k3 5,000+ posts]

You can do 1/2" MDF, just resin the inside for added strength. I dont think 1/2" mdf by itself is strong enough for anything bigger than an 8.

 

[hoaxci5 10+ year member]

I have used 1/2" on several LOW power LOW quality sub box builds. Single RF P1 10's and smaller. As stated above though I ALWAYS resin the inside. No one has ever had anything negative to say about those boxes. They aren't big into car audio or audiophiles either though, just looking for a little bump.

 

[bjfish11 5,000+ posts]

Resin isnt going to add much strength IMO. But if you not going to be sending a ton of power to your subs, I think you *may* be able to get away with 1/2", depending on the design.

 

[Lurius 10+ year member]

Well, theis will be a dual sub box(seperate chambers), each recieving approx 1000rms... I guess i'll stick to 3/4" then if you say only use 1/2 on lower power subs. Im really tempted to just fiberglass the bottom of the box, but its going to be downfiring, so I dont know how I would get around that problem..Maybe I can just fiberglass the top of the box to save a little airspace? Any ideas here?

-Lurius

 

[bjfish11 5,000+ posts]

Well, your top will likely be fairly flat. Fiberglass isnt very strong over large flat areas, so you will need it pretty thick to not flex. And the price you would pay in materials vs. the air space you will gain will probably not be worth it.

 

[BaseSteala112 10+ year member]

I make boxes with 1/2" and 5/8" quite often for lower powered subs. I just make sure and always use 3/4" for the front face for the subs to mount to. I would definitely use 3/4" for those 1000w subs IMO.

 

[jeepintn 10+ year member]

u might could get away with it if u added some threaded rods for rigidity...

 

[iamamp3pimp 5,000+ posts]

not in a small box.