If you suck at carpentry is DYI not an option?

[gus6464]

I have been nagging my wife for months now for a new sub but she won't let me spend $1000 on the one I want so after reading a couple of posts from the DYI'ers I have been wanting to try and build my own to save some money.

Thing is I am horrible at woodworking. I tried to build a custom box for my PC watercooling setup and did a pretty crappy job.

Do those prebuilt boxes from parts express do a good job?
http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?webpage_id=3&CAT_ID=48&ObjectGroup_ID=535

I was planning on using an Behringer EP2500 since I can get one for $250 online because I want to start out with one but if it all works out want to make another later. Something like two 10 or 12in subs like any of these?

10 inchers:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=297-460
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=295-462

12 inchers:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=295-466
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=295-464

 

[Guiria]

hardest thing about DIY

For me the hardest part is not rushing the finishing steps...primer, 400 grit wet dry sandpaper, primer, 400 grit wet dry sandpaper, primer, 400 grit wet dry sandpaper, then paint, 400 grit...you get the idea. Vinyl veneer seems a lot easier but I have yet to try it.

In partsexpress showcase they offer a kit with the HF 12" sub and the 500 watt amp with single band parametric EQ. I think in a PE 2^3 box. There was a single internal brace from left to right if I recall. You could always brace it more if you felt it necessary.

Here is the project review link:
http://www.partsexpress.com/projectshowcase/rs1200/index.cfm

If you didn't want the plate amp maybe you should order up the BFD along with your EP2500 and then you would still get sub EQ at a reasonable price.

 

[annunaki]

If you are not the best at carpentry, what about having the local, reputable, custom car audio shop build enclosures to specifications and you finish them. I would think if you supply the plans and the mdf, the labor would be fairly inexpensive. Maybe $200.00-$300.00 for two fully assembled enclosures. You could get two of the 12" HF drivers, BFD and EP2500 for under $1,000 with the enclosures made by someone else.

 

[mike c]

600 bucks

http://www.edesignaudio.com/edv2/index.php?cPath=2_41

A5-350

15" of fun

 

[stratman]

If you're not confident regarding your carpentry skills, I would fore go the whole DIY enchilada, you won't be happy with the results, especially the hardest part: the finishing process. IMO start a piggy bank and before you know it you can offset the cost of your purchase or save to buy the whole thing outright. If you can squirrel away $25-$50 a week in no time you'll reach your goal and you'll be happier. Think of the anticipation as a bonus, not the aggravation of DIY or "settling" for something you're not 100% happy with.

 

[mazersteven]

Bring the DIY kit to your local high school, and ask the wood shop teacher if the students can build it for you. The students learn, and you get free craftsmanship.

I would purchase pizza and let the students over for a movie to hear their efforts.

 

[stratman]

Bring the DIY kit to your local high school, and ask the wood shop teacher if the students can build it for you. The students learn, and you get free craftsmanship.

I would purchase pizza and let the students over for a movie to hear their efforts.

Haha, they'll turn it into a boombox!

 

[abefroeman]

Do those prebuilt boxes from parts express do a good job?

No. The cabinet is a very important part of the sub. Probably as important as the driver and certainly more important than the amp.

I would consider taking some sub plans to a cabinet builder to see what the cost would be to build one up. Or find a handy friend and offer them something for the effort.

Another option is to go used. It is hard to find the exact sub you want on the used market, but you could end up with something nice.

 

[darien87]

Dude, I am by no means a carpenter, and I have only the most basic of tools, and my Rythmik 12" kit came out great. Building the box isn't hard at all, and if you want to keep it simple, you could just paint it black when you're done. I put a cherry vinyl laminate on mine from Parts Express. I'll probably do some more to improve it's looks in the future, but it looks fine for now.

 

[gus6464]

Dude, I am by no means a carpenter, and I have only the most basic of tools, and my Rythmik 12" kit came out great. Building the box isn't hard at all, and if you want to keep it simple, you could just paint it black when you're done. I put a cherry vinyl laminate on mine from Parts Express. I'll probably do some more to improve it's looks in the future, but it looks fine for now.

Well I am taking almost 2 weeks off right after Christmas so I will have some time to experiment on building a box. I will try to build the box and if it comes out well I will just order the driver.

What do you use to build the box as far as tools? Will a power jigsaw like this one work for cutting the MDF? http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100487676&N=502323+10401001&marketID=401&locStoreNum=8125

I am going to home depot later on to talk to the guys there to see what they recommend although I don't want to spend a ton on tools even though a saw like that would come in handy in the future as well.

 

[Alex2507]

Assembling a kit is one thing. That jig saw is just right for cutting a hole. However if you're making your own box you need a table saw IMO or at least a good cicular saw with a guide and way past "some" expierience.

I would try to wait until I had enough money squirreled away and my wife wanted something of equal or greater value like a new paint color in the dinning area.

 

[mazersteven]

My idea of the local high school wood shop is looking better and better. LOL

 

[gus6464]

My idea of the local high school wood shop is looking better and better. LOL

LOL

Hmm I hear home depot can cut simple stuff for you if you just bring in the plans. If they cut everything I can at least put it together.

 

[Alex2507]

My idea of the local high school wood shop is looking better and better. LOL

You know what? You're 100% right. Painting is hard. The woodshop already has tools. If it doesn't work out you're out the price of a sheet of MDF.

Fantastic responce.

 

[mazersteven]

You know what? You're 100% right. Painting is hard. The woodshop already has tools. If it doesn't work out you're out the price of a sheet of MDF.

Fantastic responce.

Plus the kids get to learn. Maybe get interested, and educated with Home Theater.

To me it's a win-win situation. JMO

 

[annunaki]

That is really a great idea now that I have thought about more mazer. It would be fun to send them a really challenging enclosure design with a slot vent to see if they could pull it off in proper fashion.

 

[mazersteven]

Where are the Chicklets men?

 

[gus6464]

I guess I will go talk to my wife's little brother today. He is in high school but doesn't take woodshop class. But I think he told me once that his football coach is the shop teachers so we shall see.

Annukaki,
Where can I get some plans for a nice design to go with a 10" or 12" Dayton HF sub from parts express?

 

[mazersteven]

Ask IrritateGuy
http://forums.soundandvisionmag.com/audiovideo/board/message?board.id=57&thread.id=4342

 

[jake5717]

Hmm I hear home depot can cut simple stuff for you if you just bring in the plans. If they cut everything I can at least put it together.

Home Dept will cut stuff for you and its only like $.10 a cut. I've never owned a truck so I always get my materials cut there so I can haul them home in the trunk.