first time building a ported box.

[80INCHES 5,000+ posts]

i'm about to make the most useful thread in this thread

when u build your new box use this to help

http://www.reaudio.com/speaker_box/LPort_Box_Calc.html

80

 

[baseballer1100 5,000+ posts]

I have to agree the box sucks.

 

[thatkidbob 10+ year member]

i agree... start over...

get some 90 degree corner clamps, some 36 & 48 inch bar clamps and some practice with that jig saw. Take the lessons you learned from this box and apply 'em to the next one...

and get a router too... you'd be surprised at the mistakes a router can make disappear, or never happen in the first place. As long as you've got a good design, a good cut sheet, straight cuts & 90 degree corners, building nice, pretty boxes is easy.

ALSO... when painting, the end grain of the MDF needs to be sealed, be it with primer or wood glue mixed with water... if you don't it'll just soak up paint like you probably noticed...

and oh yeah... you don't need that many screws bro //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

i use 2 joint... 3 on long ones.

 

[azbass 5,000+ posts]

it was a good try i guess., but you need to go back to the drawing boards.

 

[thatkidbob 10+ year member]

btw... when drilling MDF... predrill, then drill a hole about the size of the screw head, or a lil larger, then pop your screws in. that keeps you from getting cracks AND lets you drop the screw heads below the surface in case you decide to paint, carpet, or vinyl the box.

i just rmembered... when putting the box together, position the pieces perfectly using your 90 degree clamps. then apply glue, then put the pieces back together, then check to make sure your pieces are positioned properly, then clamp with your bar clamps, then check to make sure your pieces are positioned properly, then drill and screw... it'll save you from having to cuss later...

 

[thatkidbob 10+ year member]

oh yeah... when building the box... have a plan to begin with. use a program like bass box pro, or even WinISD to model your response curve and adjust box size, port size and pot area before building... the time you spend here saves you the time it takes to redo what you've done, and lets you get it right the first time.

and also... when painting... you need a smooth surface to work with... you need to sand the wood thoroughly, then apply body filler to low spots, then sand more, until everything's nice and flat. you'll then need to spray a glossy black guide coat to bring imperfections to your attention, address these with fillers, glaze or icing, then prime the box. You'll want to sand your primer as well... don't be afraid to go back and redo things that you notice wrong... this is where most people mess up. Once the primer layer is smooth, spray a few coats of color, and as many coats of clear as you want. wetsand your clear and... voila... your box looks beautiful.