My first box build, 12" Titanic

[XanderMoser 10+ year member]

So everything finally lined up for me and I'm building my first box. I've helped my dad build two other ones, but just cutting wood and drilling holes and stuff. I decided to go sealed so I wouldn't screw up the acoustics too much if I didn't get the volume exactly how I wanted it.

Here's what I was going for:

I put a plastic bag around the sub and put it in a full basin of water and found the displacement of the sub. Then I measured my trunk to see what space I had and designed a box to fit under the rear deck lid. The ratio of the box dimensions is very close to what WinISD calls "optimum." Good enough for me.

This is where ghetto comes in. I have no table saw, router, or jigsaw. A friend of mine lent me his circular saw and reciprocating saw. He also helped me cut the 3/4 MDF into the basic panels, and I took over from there.

Can't cut straight with a circular saw without a chalk line!

Turned out pretty decent. Just a few pieces not square, which meant some sanding later on.

Cutting the windows in the braces with a reciprocating saw...I think I'm deaf in my right ear. I should have taken some ear plugs from work.

Click to read more...

 

[XanderMoser 10+ year member]

Braces done!

My attempt at cutting a circle with the reciprocating saw. Kinda sloppy...but it fit the sub, and that's all that matters

I decided to add more bracing...cause you can't have too much bracing

My car...

Test fit...yes! I used tee nuts and 2.5" bolts to bolt the sub to the baffle. It's a double baffle, totaling 1.5"

Finally together!

This is the decorative face I'm making...good so far

First 2 coats of primer on the face of the box. Rest will be carpeted.

And now I am at work, dang. I wanted to get done today, might not though. This is day 3, I thought it would take me longer. I just have wires coming out the back for now until I get my binding posts (and grill) from PE in about a week.

I measured the internal dimension and all of the braces...and got exactly 1.2 cu ft. Not bad for my first try. I can't wait to hear it. Or feel it rather.

Oh yeah, and the thing is rock solid. It sounds like a solid piece of wood when I knock on it, and that's without the sub in it. Yay for proper bracing. I think I did alright.

 

[funkdoktor 10+ year member]

did you add the volume the bracing takes when calculating the volume of the box????

 

[XanderMoser 10+ year member]

did you add the volume the bracing takes when calculating the volume of the box????

Yeah, I did add the volume for the 2 large braces with the windows in. But the smaller bracing on the sides, and the bracing along the edges, was an afterthought. But making a double baffle was also an afterthought. And the double baffle brought my sub out of the box another 3/4", which amounts to about the same airspace as the additional bracing. So it all worked out //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

When I get back tonight I'll be working on the decorative face and painting the front of the box. Then it will go in my car for testing!

 

[funkdoktor 10+ year member]

...cool.......keep us updated....good luck.

 

[CaliforniabOY5 10+ year member]

sweet log.... cant wait to see it together..

 

[Boomin_tahoe 5,000+ posts]

I've never seen a sawzall cut the subs mounting!! Now I've seen everything. Suggestion: go to http://www.partsexpress.com and buy the router jig....it's wonderful.

 

[XanderMoser 10+ year member]

I've never seen a sawzall cut the subs mounting!! Now I've seen everything. Suggestion: go to http://www.partsexpress.com and buy the router jig....it's wonderful.

I'm just a college student, can't afford a router. When I'm at home I use my dad's tools, but I don't have time to go home now or in the near future. Otherwise I would have used his tools. Tablesaw, router, etc. I had to deal with what I had, haha. Gotta start somewhere.

If you look at the second to last pic, I cut that out with the sawz-all too. I got better, haha.

 

[XanderMoser 10+ year member]

Okay, I got it done for now. I had to move back into a dorm room, so I had to get it in my car as soon as possible. Now I have to work in my friend's driveway if I want to get anything more done, haha.

I still need to build a new amp rack because that is my rack from my old setup. I have no trunk space currently. Then I need to carpet the rest of the box, and recarpet the decorative face. It was my first attempt.

 

[alxmlr789 10+ year member]

looks good man, i like the "design" around the sub, looks clean. Good work.

 

[Immacomputer 10+ year member]

I'm just a college student, can't afford a router.

I'm in the same boat but I bought a $20 jig saw + drill combo at walmart and it works VERY well. The jigsaw is far smoother, easier to control, and accurate than a DeWalt saw I have a lot of experience using and a Makita that I also have a lot of experience using. It's something very useful to look into and not only for making boxes but for other projects as well.

Your finished enclosure looks great though!

 

[nismos14 5,000+ posts]

How's it sound?

 

[Boomin_tahoe 5,000+ posts]

Clean up the wiring and mount those amps properly.

 

[funkdoktor 10+ year member]

that box looks good man...pretty good for a 1st time box builder...clean up that wiring and keep bumpin'.....