cost to build a box?

[mobeious 10+ year member]

ehh well one of my boxes if it takes 1 sheet with carpet will cost me around 100 bucks

but i use TruPan Ultralite wich is around 50 a sheet and carpet is usualy around 20-25 with glue then u got screws and glue... i just use wood glue in the seams... if u get the cuts right u dont need anything realy

but a simple box with MDF can be done for around 50 bucks

 

[mlstrass 5,000+ posts]

Where are you guys finding wood glue for $3-4??? I pay around $9 for Titebond II.

Also add in black paint for the port, $20+ for 2 rolls of carpet, and $10+ for the spray glue. MDF is about $26 out the door at my HD. Also need some 10g wire and terminals.

It's not really as cheap as some guys make it out to be, but still much cheaper to do it yourself if you have the tools or can borrow them...

 

[3kracing 10+ year member]

If you get all of your dimensions before you go to home depot or lowes you can just ask them to cut all of the sides of the box. Thats what I did. It took about 5 minutes and everything came out nice and straight and probably saved me a good hour or so.

 

[avs20 10+ year member]

I wouldnt trust home depot to cut a 2x4 in half left alone cut pieces for my box.

 

[geowick07 10+ year member]

You can have Home Depot do your cuts, just have them cut everything 1/2" long or so. Then, just trim everything up to true specs. i just have them cut the sheet in half, as i don't have a truck. I have to put the MDF on top of the car usually.

Home Depot has a sign by the saw that says "No project cuts", but slip the guy a tip, and you would be amazed how well they can do project cuts.

To summarize:

1 sheet 3/4" MDF: ~$25

1 5/8" screws (I use drywall, they seem to work well) - $5

Bottle of Titebond III - $5-10

Tape measure

Table saw

Jig saw or Router

Good drill bit and countersink

~$50 for a MDF box.....plus carpet and adhesive if you are going that route.

Good luck. I enjoyed building my first.

 

[darkhunter139 10+ year member]

you can get a router probably for about $80. Router + jasper jig = FTW

Can you link me to a good one? I have no idea what to look for when buying one

 

[geowick07 10+ year member]

This one isn't bad for the price, if you like Skil: http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=109589-353-1825&lpage=none

I have a Skil cordless drill, and haven't ever had a problem with it. This is the router i am looking to scoop up before my next build.

 

[JG903 10+ year member]

This one isn't bad for the price, if you like Skil: http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=109589-353-1825&lpage=noneI have a Skil cordless drill, and haven't ever had a problem with it. This is the router i am looking to scoop up before my next build.

Yeah, exactly. This one is okay for those people that just need a simple router to work with. It's at an affordable price too.

 

[mlstrass 5,000+ posts]

I use a Skil plunge router that was around $80 at HD. Have done around 25 boxes with it so far...