Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio endcaps for sonotube sub enclosure

I am toying with the idea of using sonotube for a sealed tube sub enclosure, but I am not sure how to close the ends. I am sure I would use MDF, but how exactly? Cut to ID of tube and then press-fit? Or maybe two pieces of MDF glued together, with the top piece at a larger diameter and the bottom piece cut to ID? (if that made any sense at all)

Thanks for any ideas....

Just use saran wrap on the ends, it will hold, honest! :p

I think your plan is a good one. Do a dual layer mdf one cut to the ID and one to the OD. To brace it, get some threaded rod and matching bolts/washers and brace it by pulling to two caps together. You'll need a 1" spade drill to counter sink the bolts and 1" washers to provide a strong surface to clamp against.

So... no Saran wrap?

nope. but i recommend replacing your speaker cone with saran wrap to make faster bass.

I bought a pre made tube enclosure and it looks like that's how they did it (2 piece ends), should I add the threaded rods for more bracing?

You might have better luck using tin foil. It has a nice "polished metal" look which looks really cool!

Thanks for the help. The tube I have in mind has an ID of approx. 8.75". The tube is from Home Depot, and it is a Quickcrete brand concrete form. If the frame diameter of the sub is 8.25" (JL 8W3), is that going to leave room for the bracing rod? Do you think glue around the circumference on the ID piece of MDF would be enough to hold it, with maybe some screws into the ID piece?

Or should I just use a larger diameter sonotube?

Thanks again......

BTW, I found a deal on a Kappa 80.1w 8" for $45. I have heard good things about the 8W3, but for half the price, the Kappa is looking pretty good too!

I am more interested in SQ than bleeding ears.

Of course, if this tube thing does not work out to my liking, I will most likely do the free-air JL 8IB4 in the rear deck. Thanks dnewma04 for all your past posts on the subject!

I had two Kappa 80.1w before I upgraded to two JL 8W3D4, Let me tell you there is no comparision between the two, the JL is much better. Better SQ, and dramatically better efficentcy in my installation.

Just my opinion of course.