Is 1/2" Arauco ply okay for subwoofer cabinets?

[zobsky]

... I've used the 3/4" stuff before but wanted to know if 1/2" arauco ply is too flimsy for home sub projects.

Thanks

[Harley]

I used it for a couple of cabs, but not again for at least the outside of the cabs.

It's scrappy pine-wood, splinters off easy and the sheets are normally inconsistent in quality. It warps very easy in humid or hot conditions.

It is possible to find good sheets, but personally I would not use Arauco for the outside of the cabs. Use good quality.

Because of our temperate climate here, the sheets remain in a good condition provided they are stored correctly.

On my larger builds of multiple cabs, I will use Arauco for internal parts like Titan bracing, DR internals ( I have a different configuration for DR internals ) as it costs considerably less compared to high quality ply.

[jcmbowman]

... I've used the 3/4" stuff before but wanted to know if 1/2" arauco ply is too flimsy for home sub projects.

Thanks

If you plan on staining the sub box then be very particular about the sheets you choose - but if you'll be painting then by all means use the arauco. I just wouldn't use it for subs that will go on the road.

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

... I've used the 3/4" stuff before but wanted to know if 1/2" arauco ply is too flimsy for home sub projects.

Thanks

It's recommended.

[gdougherty]

I have 5 T48, 4 WH, and 8 OT12 built from Auraco. Once they're built and finished, warping is not a problem. The bracing and everything makes that near impossible. It's a little softer, a little lighter than good BB, but also a little easier to ding and scratch. I'm touching up my cabs on an annual basis and that keeps things in good shape. If I were building them for people other than myself to move about I'd go with BB. I apprecieate the lighter weight and take good care of mine. I also have the heavy duty plasic interlocking corners that take most of the abuse. If I were a licensed builder and building these for profit with time=money, I'd use BB since I did have to clamp things straight on a frequent basis during construction. At $28/4x8 sheet I was willing to live with the extra time for myself.

[zobsky]

Thanks All, this would be for indoor home theater use

[Dazombiewoof]

If it is for home theater use, that would suggest visual appeal might play more in your decision. Rock and roll club use you care about sound and how much it weighs if you have to be your own roadie. If it is home theater I would go with BB or some sort of deal with a pretty veneer or laminate on the outside. Some folks here have made some home theater subs that really look like decent furniture.

[BrentEvans]

some sort of deal with a pretty veneer or laminate on the outside. .

Veneers and laminates have a tendency to delamniate over time. Also, the glue tends to squeeze out, and bondo doesn't stain. If you want a stained finish, probably better to build with Auraco (or even BB) and apply nice veneer afterwards, if looks are desired. That way, any delamination doesn't affect build integrity.

[Scott Brochu]

some sort of deal with a pretty veneer or laminate on the outside. .

Veneers and laminates have a tendency to delamniate over time. Also, the glue tends to squeeze out, and bondo doesn't stain. If you want a stained finish, probably better to build with Auraco (or even BB) and apply nice veneer afterwards, if looks are desired. That way, any delamination doesn't affect build integrity.

If put on right it will last for yrs.

[BrentEvans]

If put on right it will last for yrs.

Just for clarity, I was speaking more about construction with thin-veneer ply, not putting veneers on afterwards.

[Dazombiewoof]

I too am talking about laminate after the fact or real nice quality plywood with a substantial laminate in it of "pretty wood". There are examples in the forum of people turning things like table tubas into very nice furniture.

[Scott Brochu]

If put on right it will last for yrs.

Just for clarity, I was speaking more about construction with thin-veneer ply, not putting veneers on afterwards.

Sorry, didn't know. In that case I wouldn't work with it. IMO

[BrentEvans]

If put on right it will last for yrs.

Just for clarity, I was speaking more about construction with thin-veneer ply, not putting veneers on afterwards.

Sorry, didn't know. In that case I wouldn't work with it. IMO

It's all good.