Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio How many of you make your own enclosures?

I want to do a custom box, but don't want to pay custom prices. I have 2 12" subs and I hate the fact that the box sticks out so far. I would rather have the box be wider and taller with less depth to completely fit into the space in the back of the trunk and allow a bit more trunk space. I imagine someone has done this. I just want to know how tough it is to make your own quality box that doesn't have issues with leakage and stuff like that. Seems like a few power tools, some wood glue and screws would do the trick. How about joining the box? Any special techniques for joining the corners and preventing leakage?

What kind of tools do you have available?

basic tools, circular saw, drill, sawzall. Not much more than that. I'd be willing to buy some additional tools, but nothing too major

I made my own enclosure, and it was well worth it. I borrowed most of the tools from friends/relatives, and bought the MDF from Home Depot. A 4'x8' section was something like $25 (can't really remember now).

I calculated the dimensions that would best accomodate the sub and a couple of internal braces to make a 2ft^3 sealed enclosure, which is what the manufacturer called for. I took the MDF to a local cabinet maker who cut the sides and braces. I had them do it because I wasn't confident that I could be accurate enough with a rickety table-saw.

I cut a hole in the braces that made them roughly 1 inch thick all the way around. I used carpenter's wood glue and 2" drywall screws to mount the braces to the inside and connect all the sides together. After letting the glue cure for a day I used silicone sealant on all of the joints from the inside of the box, and where the wire goes through the back.

When the box was done I (200+ lbs) could easily jump up and down hard on the box, and it didn't even budge, not to mention I could probably fill it with water and it would hold. No, I'm not willing to try that out!

If you buy wood from Home Depot or lowes they will cut it for you. You get about 3 cuts from and maybeee $.05 to $.10 for the rest. They can't do any angle cuts to my knowledge.

Yes, having your measurements and letting the store cut it for you is the best way, IMO

I do it all, includidng fiberglass. PM me.

I did mine in 2 days

Day 1: Mearsure , measure , and some more measureing. Then cut pieces and put down liquid nail, sealer in the inside, and put a lot of screws in it.

Day 2: Covered it and put the speakers in.

Heres mine

i usually do things myself, but i found a 10" qlogic box for 15$ the other day, as i already bragged about, and i love it.

that's actually enough tools you got there.. you'd probably make a better box with some clamps, but that's actually sufficient enough