MDF alternative???

ok so i am about to make the enclosure for my new sub. i called all the wood places around here and none of them have mdf in stock.

apparantly there is a shortage of mdf in puerto rico or something, but the point is i still need to make the enclosure and want to know what the best alternative is...

the guy at one of the wood stores said he carries mdo or medium density overlay. what is the best alternative to mdf if not that. that mdo stuff is expensive. $35 for a 4' x 8' sheet vs. $20 for mdf.

i basically just want to make an temporary enclosure until i am able to get ahold of some mdf, so should i just use plywood, mdo, or what???

[DMDrew812]

cardboard!

[cam2Xrunner]

How thick is the mdo wood? I've never heard of it but if it's as strong as MDF just go with that. Another wood you can look into is birchwood, but it will probably be more expensive.

I'd say hold off for MDF. Have you checked all the available resources? Check some car audio shops, maybe you can buy some scraps, enough to make the box.

cam, the thing is this is a fairly small island. i called all the lumber yards in the phonebook and could not get any MDF.

the mdo is available in different sizes, including 3/4"

"Medium Density Overlay and High Density Overlay are plywood products with a resin impregnated paper coating. They are often used for exterior painted surfaces. These are not fiber based products. "

from what i gather mdo is a plywood with a fiber and resin outer layer which makes it easier to paint. basically mdo is exterior siding.

i have searched around and have found that the most reccomended alternative to mdf is void free plywood. apparently birch plywood is the best, but can have voids.

all the car audio shops i have seen around here use plywood.

basically i think it would be ridiculous to import MDF, since shipping would cost more than the panel itself, even if cut down. and i think its just too much hassle. i am also not willing to put my install on hold just to wait for the mdf. the difference although maybe noticeable is not significant enough to warrant that. basically i will construct the enclosure out of birch or void-free plywood until i get ahold of some mdf.

[thoughthard]

Maybe look for cabinet material. I got some, and it was just MDF with a rounded edge. Worked fine for me smaller enclosures I made.

[DMDrew812]

like particle board? gross... I suppose, its dense enough, but i really dislike working with it. If you dont drill pilot holes just right, the whole segment will crumble. But i guess if at a lack of options, sure. Oh, and not the particle plywood business.

[Anshu]

yea dont use cabinet board type stuff, it just doesnt hold well cause its made to stand on holders and just be there.If its just temp go to the local yard and look for something dense

[Luc]

Originally Posted by DMDrew812

cardboard!

Come on now, is this necessary? If you have nothing to offer, don't patronize the question.

nicoj122, birch plywood should be ok. You can even add some deadening material on the walls of the wood by spraying something like Rhino lining.

[userlain]

Fiberglass.

MDF if the only acceptable enclosure material.

[thoughthard]

HDF works well also.

[profuse007]

Originally Posted by userlain

Fiberglass.

MDF if the only acceptable enclosure material.

fiberglass w/ be ur best bet. you can prolly order that off the net.

[Tercel GTS]

We used particle board before MDF existed and set records. Didn't have any problems with it neither. Never use plywood as it will flex.

well aint that a bitch. i built my enclosure today out of 3/4" plywood.

its just a temporary until i can get ahold of a sheet of MDF, but who knows how long ill postpone for. anyway its still not done, but almost. just need to install a terminal for the speaker wire and carpet the bastard. i hooked it up to my amp for a quick test and it sounded alright. well see, once i get the mdf enclosure i will compare and let you guys know the difference.

anyway, pics should be coming soon

[profuse007]

for speaker building supplies, go to www.partsexpress.com

[Knailgun]

fiberglas....the only option other than MDF