help with custom built sub

[FendersRule]

This thread lists out things pretty well for a "fail-safe" 12" sub that will indeed pump out bass:

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=116614

The materials and such are pretty simple. It's the knowledge on how to build the cabinet properly with the right tools along with the carpentry skills that is the slight challenge.

[progers13]

Originally Posted by FendersRule

This thread lists out things pretty well for a "fail-safe" 12" sub that will indeed pump out bass:

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=116614

The materials and such are pretty simple. It's the knowledge on how to build the cabinet properly with the right tools along with the carpentry skills that is the slight challenge.

Every time I look at that thread I'm impressed, Fender. I said it before but it's worth saying again - that sub really came out good.

[Big Daddy]

DIY Subwoofer/Speaker Building, Repairing & Upgrading thread explains things in detail. At the end of Post #2, there are many many helpful links. The thread has a sticky.

[Rob J in WNY]

Slickooz,

Sounds like an interesting project. I used to dabble in subwoofer enclosure construction years ago, and if yours is built to spec, you can get highly impressive results.

Besides materials, it would be good to gain some sort of knowledge on enclosure volumes and tuning (if ported enclosure is desired). These parameters matter greatly when it comes to maximizing subwoofer performance. An inaccurately tuned enclosure will yield fantastically awful results. Your goal is to tune enclosure air resonance frequencies to emanate in phase with the driver output. There is a lot of theory behind it, but it's worth looking into.

Factors to consider will be the actual cubic foot volume of the enclosure, and port size and the spatial volume of the actual port itself. Each and every driver will have specific requirements in these areas. Generally, you can get documentation on recommended enclosure specs with the driver you choose, or contacting the driver manufacturer directly can be of assistance here.

Build your subwoofer enclosure with quality fasteners, wiring and materials - I would recommend no less than ¾" thick walls. Thick, solid walls are important because you want to minimize sound coloration from material resonances. The vibration induced by high-excursion subwoofer drivers can be extreme. Construct batting, gusseting, or other stiffening elements to strengthen the inside of the enclosure - keeping in mind that the use of such items also can affect box tuning by changing and/or creating new enclosure volumes. The addition of polyfill, as previously suggested, can help tame unwanted enclosure resonances/harmonics. Chamfer or round off port openings to minimize the risk of "port chuffing" (audible air motion caused by turbulence in the port). Use no thinner than 12-gauge speaker wire from your amp to the driver - go thicker if you can. Remember, you will likely be delivering hundreds, if not even up to 1,000 or more watts (depending on the amp you use) to the driver, and this is no job for lighter-duty speaker wire. Securely solder your speaker wire connections if at all possible to prevent failure in the harsh subwoofer environment.

Best of success to you with this.

[slickooz]

thank you all for your advice. yea going do more research before i start buying the toys. this going be relaxing and fun project. saw fender new custom roofer and it looks WOW this is going be a very long road for me because i know very little about subwoofers. i also looked at bigdaddy sticky on making subwoofers and it has a lot of info, great stuff

[Driver_King]

Here's a pre-cut enclosure. Just purchase a driver, amplifier, veneer or stain, clear coat, wood glue, screws, spikes, isolation, riser, cables, and port to go with it.

[Animo]

^ +1

[slickooz]

after thinking about making custom sub building a sub isnt as easy as i thought. if i do upgrade i think i might just buy one. making one from scratch seems too complicated. but i do still want to make one, maybe not soon but when im off from college. thanks guys for your inputs

[tbizzle]

Well if you bought a nice pre-cut enclosure and the driver and an amp, it wouldn't be too bad with a little bit of carpentry skill. But if you do decide to get a sub, I highly recommend the A2-300. It's the "best bang for your buck" sub out there right now, and it's just as good as all the hype about. It will definitely change your movies and games

[Animo]

Originally Posted by slickooz

after thinking about making custom sub building a sub isnt as easy as i thought. if i do upgrade i think i might just buy one. making one from scratch seems too complicated. but i do still want to make one, maybe not soon but when im off from college. thanks guys for your inputs

The 12 inch DIY from eD shouldn't be that hard to build.
Some glue, some clamps or screws, the driver, port tube, external amp, some veneer or paint and your done. A precut box like that should take you one afternoon to build, another to veneer or paint and BINGO.

Building and cutting from scratch is a wee bit harder than buying something already cut to spec.