15" Q Build Log

[mlstrass 1]

Picked up the Baltic Birch and stain today. Will start cutting tomorrow and taking pics.

Specs will be: 3.2^3 @ 31Hz with 42^2 port, double front bafflor or possibly triple front baffle with recessed driver. Finished box will have a "different" look to it as I have a few ideas I might try out.

Only issue so far is that I can only go 15 3/4" tall as that's THE biggest I can fit through the rear seat opening as trunk opening is even smaller. Specs say cutout is 15 5/8", so it's going to be a tight fit top/bottom.

GF is VERY excited to hear her new sub and has already requested some front comps to replace the coax's. YES she's a keeper Sub should arrive Wednesday.

[NDMstang65 403]

Sweet!

[mlstrass 1]

Heading out to the garage to start cutting. NOT liking the 35 degree temp outside though...

[the727kid 1]

GF def sounds like a keeper lol, look forward to the pics tho.

[mlstrass 1]

I always have HD cut down the 4x8 sheet into roughly 3rds, so it'll fit in the back seat of my car. I know their cuts suck, but I have plenty of room to square them up.

BB is much nicer to work with compared to MDF. A LOT less dust and it doesn't dent easily if dropped. Only thing to watch out for is splinters, so I keep some 100 grit on hand to clean up the edges right away.

[tez4life 1]

I see you dont waste any time, this should be nice. I always enjoy a good install log with lots of pics. Excellent.

[mlstrass 1]

I use the free version of Cut List Plus which only allows you to enter 5 pieces. I get around this problem by doing doubles of pieces that are close to the same size. Right wall is 19 3/4" x 14 1/4" and left wall is 19" x 14 1/4", so I just do 2 of them at 19 3/4" long. I combine the front/back panels also, and the port pieces.

I cut everything to length first, and then set the saw for 14 1/4" and did ALL the pieces to width, so the height will be PERFECT when I assemble it.

[mlstrass 1]

3/4" masking tape is perfect for taping off the parts I don't want painted. I also scuff up all surfaces that will be glued together just to be sure I get a good bond.

I was going to use a brad nailer, but think I'll glue & screw this one together as I like the countersunk screw heads showing on a stained box. Personal preference....

That's all I got done in an hour today as I had a bunch of places to go. Tomorrow I'll do the assembly and post up more pics. Looking forward to the flush mount look as I've never done a box like that before. I'll probably use a 1 1/2" hardwood dowel rod for bracing as I "believe" it offers less restriction to the airflow inside the box. Or because I happen to have a 4' hunk in the garage somewhere

[mlstrass 1]

Glued the port pieces together first, so they could set up while I'm doing the trial assembly. Roundover on end of port looks screwed up in the picture, but it isn't.

[mlstrass 1]

Too cold outside to use the brad nailer, so I did the screw & glue routine. Harbor Freight clamps are awesome for $4.50 each.

[mlstrass 1]

Lot's of drills makes things go MUCH faster.

[mlstrass 1]

Countersink bit FTW. Set of 3 was like $5 at Harbor Freight.

[mlstrass 1]

Going together nicely, other than some bonehead who painted the wrong piece black. Notice on right, I "thought" that was the left wall of the port.....

[mlstrass 1]

Cheapo Craftsman table saw makes everything come out nice. Top will fit flush with NO problems.

[mlstrass 1]

Top view of the 3" wide port, 42^2 opening, 31Hz tune.

[mlstrass 1]

Ready to drop the top in place. I'm doing a triple front baffle and will flush mount the sub.

[mlstrass 1]

Top in place, so it's ready to pull apart and glue/screw together. That's all for now though as I have to run out and ref a championship hockey game...ugh.

Plan to get it put together tonight, and cut out the driver opening tomorrow.

[///M5 2,833]

I'm doing a triple front baffle and will flush mount the sub.

[ShawnFleming 50]

Awsome, looks great!

[tejcurrent 13]

Looks very good. Triple baffle

[mlstrass 1]

Triple baffle in all its glory. Had to have a few "dumbbells" help me keep it in place.

[mlstrass 1]

One more shot. I'm really digging it this way and can't wait to see the flush mount sub. I'm going to flush router it all the way to the top/bottom, so there'll be a little open spot on each end. Might not make sense, but I'll have pics tomorrow.

Had to deduct .32^3 for the extra baffling, so box is right at 3.2^3. Still going with the 31Hz tune unless someone thinks that 32Hz would be better.

GF is counting down the days until the sub arrives and was asking me about her electrical system and will it be ok. I told her she'd get some dimming at full tilt, but I don't think she'll play it that loud very often. Yep I gotta hang onto this one

[bdawson72 0]

Heh, a gf that loves bass.........how'd you get lucky enough to pull that one

[CJW 0]

Nice build so far. Keep up the good work.

My ex hated my systems. I had to listen to music on like volume 5 of 60 or she would freak out. Note the ex...

[mlstrass 1]

Nice build so far. Keep up the good work.

My ex hated my systems. I had to listen to music on like volume 5 of 60 or she would freak out. Note the ex...

I hear you on the ex thing, that's why I made sure it was an UPGRADE when I traded her in for a new model.

Most women will listen to loud music "if" it's something they like and it's a good sounding system. I couldn't drive around listening to most current rap stuff as the monotonous bass lines drive me f'ing crazy, especially played on some "fart box" subs!!!

Just waiting for lunch time, so I can run home and make a little more progress. Going to caulk the lower/inside seams, and get the top on.