Hey all, I am new hear, but I did an extensive search, read probably about half the posts, but I still can't find an answer.
I am looking to build a few pair of speakers for various purposes. I have set about trying to find some good designs and such. My question is though why does every speaker use MDF, and then a veneer of some sort? Does it have good acoustical properties or something? I was wondering if I could use solid hard wood instead. For most people this isn't cost effective at all, but for me it would actually be cheap or close to free.
I have enjoyed reading up over the last few days. I have been heavily reading on DIY projectors, neat stuff. You guys should check it out if you get some free time.
Thanks,
Kyle
I am looking to build a few pair of speakers for various purposes. I have set about trying to find some good designs and such. My question is though why does every speaker use MDF, and then a veneer of some sort? Does it have good acoustical properties or something? I was wondering if I could use solid hard wood instead. For most people this isn't cost effective at all, but for me it would actually be cheap or close to free.
I have enjoyed reading up over the last few days. I have been heavily reading on DIY projectors, neat stuff. You guys should check it out if you get some free time.
Thanks,
Kyle
MDF is not very resonant
so if you knock at it, it hardly makes a sound
Like stone and sand is not resonant
You do not want the box to "sing along"
like the body of a violin.
So that is why MDF is very good.
Especially thicker MDF, more than 18 mm or so.
Medium Density Fiberboard
so if you knock at it, it hardly makes a sound
Like stone and sand is not resonant
You do not want the box to "sing along"
like the body of a violin.
So that is why MDF is very good.
Especially thicker MDF, more than 18 mm or so.
Medium Density Fiberboard
Hi Kyle,
Welcome to the forum.🙂
In addition to being relatively non-resonant (as Halojoy says), it is dimensionally stable, easy to work with, and isn't too expensive. On the downside, it isn't as strong as solid wood and has a tendency toward splitting into layers. You have to be extra careful at the start and finish of saw or router cuts because it will chip.
If you don't like MDF, void-free marine plywood is a good alternative.
Rodd Yamashita
Welcome to the forum.🙂
In addition to being relatively non-resonant (as Halojoy says), it is dimensionally stable, easy to work with, and isn't too expensive. On the downside, it isn't as strong as solid wood and has a tendency toward splitting into layers. You have to be extra careful at the start and finish of saw or router cuts because it will chip.
If you don't like MDF, void-free marine plywood is a good alternative.
Rodd Yamashita
Cant hardwood run the risk of warping to, like from humidity or tempature and stuff? Also big sheets of oak and stuff are hard to come by, I think even a birch sheet is like 45-50 bucks, yet MDF is like $16
MDF vs. other choices
You ought to read the discussion that occurred on this topic not too long ago. http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=60829&highlight=birch#post60829
Mr. Pass, for one, isn't in love with MDF.
You ought to read the discussion that occurred on this topic not too long ago. http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=60829&highlight=birch#post60829
Mr. Pass, for one, isn't in love with MDF.
Must have missed that thread whilst I was away working!
MDF is used because it is cheap, easily machinable, and stable. It is a step up from particle, or chipboard commonly used in commercial offerings, but not as good as void free cabinet grade ply, but that is twice, ( or more), the price.
Hardwood, no matter how well seasoned is not dimensionally stable, and if used in anything larger than a small bookshelf speaker, is prone to warping and cracking, especially where you are joining boards with grain running in opposite directions.
MDF is used because it is cheap, easily machinable, and stable. It is a step up from particle, or chipboard commonly used in commercial offerings, but not as good as void free cabinet grade ply, but that is twice, ( or more), the price.
Hardwood, no matter how well seasoned is not dimensionally stable, and if used in anything larger than a small bookshelf speaker, is prone to warping and cracking, especially where you are joining boards with grain running in opposite directions.
Anyone use, or considering, aviation-grade plywood? This stuff is made to a Military Standard and has to meet certain standards for strength and stiffness, including the requirement to be void-free. It is expensive and not widely available, but it is about the best plywood I think one can buy. It can be ordered from a few places that cater to guys who build their own airplanes, such as Aircraft Spruce and Speciality Company.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.