Sub-boxes - FG vs MDF - The Alternative
Ok, we have seen the debate between fibreglass and MDF for sub-enclosures,
there is an alternative method that will allow for the rigidity of MDF with the
"moldability" of fibreglass!
LAMINATION
That is, build your fibreglass primary box around 4mm thick, initally leave the
front of the box open, then using either 6mm acrylic sheet (my favourite) or
10mm MDF, cut strips or shapes to fit as a "liner" on all the inside faces spaced
so there is about 70% coverage, (glue in place with a little builders adhesive,
the spaces between give a "keying area" for the next opperation.
Now add another 4mm layer of fibreglass paying particular attention to filling
the gaps between the strips. When cured place the box face down on a sheet
of MDF (19mm prefered) and draw around the box, cutout the template less
the thickness of the fibreglass composite, (use a jigsaw) you now have a
front baffle.
To find the volume of the created box (very important for vented enclosures)
fill with water to 19mm below the edge and measure using a bucket or container marked in liters.
You now have an extremely rigid box that fits exactly in the space required.
So how good is laminating? easy, take a small sheet of styrofoam, break in
half, (simple) now on one half place a layer of common packing tape front and
back, funny how much stronger the packing tape makes styrofoam.
The meterials may be different but the principle is the same, laminated
materials are stronger, more rigid and do not resonate.
Try it, you will be happy with the result.
Regards Prof. Rabbit
Ok, we have seen the debate between fibreglass and MDF for sub-enclosures,
there is an alternative method that will allow for the rigidity of MDF with the
"moldability" of fibreglass!
LAMINATION
That is, build your fibreglass primary box around 4mm thick, initally leave the
front of the box open, then using either 6mm acrylic sheet (my favourite) or
10mm MDF, cut strips or shapes to fit as a "liner" on all the inside faces spaced
so there is about 70% coverage, (glue in place with a little builders adhesive,
the spaces between give a "keying area" for the next opperation.
Now add another 4mm layer of fibreglass paying particular attention to filling
the gaps between the strips. When cured place the box face down on a sheet
of MDF (19mm prefered) and draw around the box, cutout the template less
the thickness of the fibreglass composite, (use a jigsaw) you now have a
front baffle.
To find the volume of the created box (very important for vented enclosures)
fill with water to 19mm below the edge and measure using a bucket or container marked in liters.
You now have an extremely rigid box that fits exactly in the space required.
So how good is laminating? easy, take a small sheet of styrofoam, break in
half, (simple) now on one half place a layer of common packing tape front and
back, funny how much stronger the packing tape makes styrofoam.
The meterials may be different but the principle is the same, laminated
materials are stronger, more rigid and do not resonate.
Try it, you will be happy with the result.
Regards Prof. Rabbit