first time builder's questions

[LowEndTheory 10+ year member]

I just moved overseas and after selling my Mag 15, which I miss already, I got a FI Q 15 on the way. Only problem is that I need a box. I talked to a local car audio shop out here and they quoted me 300 dollars for a simple slot ported box. I would have paid maybe 200 but 3 seems ridiculously high when I got one shipped to me back in the states for about half of that including the shipping. So my question is at a minimum, what tools do I need for my first box build. They got a wood craft shop on the army base where I work so I am goona use their table saw to make cuts. But beyond that I know I need clamps, screws, wood glue, maybe a jigsaw. Anything else I am gonna need, and any first timer suggestions?

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[iamamp3pimp 5,000+ posts]

Wipe the excess glue before it dries is the first thing that comes to mind. you dont necessarily need clamps, but they do make the process much easier, but a steady hand, and a small pilot hole drilling bit should do just fine. also if you have any spare MDF, or even cardboard i recommend using something like that to cut the circle out if you arent too sure that you can do it in one pass. other than that maybe some extra drill bits and a couple 90 degree angle clamps, as they make things much much easier as well.

-Robin

 

[bk12321 10+ year member]

get some good screws, i forgot what they are called but the ones that wont **** up your mdf as bad, regular screws will shred it apart if u ever take them out.

 

[skmfkr 5,000+ posts]

hardest thing for me is cutting straight, but you got a table saw, you can use a router instead of a jigsaw, but id just use a jig and get jiggy with it

 

[xluben 10+ year member]

how bout a brad nailer? that'll cut the construction time in half if not more.

if they have an air compressor that might be something to look into.

 

[iamamp3pimp 5,000+ posts]

with a brad nailer you HAVE to have clamps. thats the only drawback.

 

[ssj2xxgotenxx 10+ year member]

The bare essentials for box building is a cutting device (for cutting wood), drill (predrilling), glue, and a screw driver. Anything extra is just there to make your life easier.