Question For The Pros: Tools Needed To Build MDF Enclosures

[Psycareyo 10+ year member]

I was wondering what materials/tools are needed when building an enclosure. My fiance and I are getting into wood refinishing and we both love car audio. I'd really like to learn what it is that I need to build sub enclosures from start to finish.

What kind of tools work best? What kind of router, table saw etc etc?

How do you draw up your plans for enclosures?

Thanks!

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[rollerdj 10+ year member]

one thing I always look for in a table saw is the rip fence nice and tight when it is locked down. I other words, if u lock it in place. Grab the far sid of it and see if u can wiggle it. That will screw up a cut in a big hurry. routers, u don't need a real expensive one, but I suggest making sure I will work with a jasper jig. Spend the money on one or two jasper jigs. You'll thank me later. Good clamps are also a must. Corner clampsor bar clamps, eather one will work fine. I think that's it right off the top of my head. Other members chime in on what I might of forgot.

 

[JayinMI 10+ year member]

Good table saw is nice. Delta or Jet are good choices. (around $700-1000)

Router (recommend Bosch or Porter Cable, around $200)

Jasper Circle Jig Set (About $60) from PartsExpress.com it's a 2 piece set.

Jigsaw wouldn't hurt either. I've got a Bosch 1587AVS and I love it.

48" Yardstick

Square

Speed square

Air stapler is nice to tack things together. (Senco or like...something that will do like 1.5" staples)

Counter sinking bits

That's what I got off the top of my head.

Jay

 

[Pioneer~Saturn 5,000+ posts]

Good table saw is nice. Delta or Jet are good choices. (around $700-1000)Router (recommend Bosch or Porter Cable, around $200)

Jasper Circle Jig Set (About $60) from PartsExpress.com it's a 2 piece set.

Jigsaw wouldn't hurt either. I've got a Bosch 1587AVS and I love it.

48" Yardstick

Square

Speed square

Air stapler is nice to tack things together. (Senco or like...something that will do like 1.5" staples)

Counter sinking bits

That's what I got off the top of my head.

Jay

x2...but ontop of that, clamps, clamps, and some more clamps //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[Mexar 10+ year member]

Cordless / corded 1/2" chuck drill would be very important to that list... and pencils, LOTS of pencils. Also, the best powered sander you can find, or multiple cheap ones (The mouse sanders are nice for the pointed tip, but cheap quality)

Some good wood bits, most commonly 1/8th inch, and a counter sink (I know dewalt makes a nice bit kit) and maybe some hole-saw's if you plan on doing a lot of round ports (Hole-saw works as good if not better than a router for speed / hole quality

IMO, don't invest in SUPER expensive tools for working on MDF... the dust is BRUTAL hard on anything powered and WILL shorten it's life expectancy