My first cabinet build: Autotuba

[Metalzone10484]

This was really just a practice build for the pair of Titan 48s I plan to build in the next couple of months. I've been researching what I need to put together a live sound rig for my band to handle a couple hundred people outside. Thats when I stumbled on this site and was amazed at how cheap I could build my own cabinets for. I've never built anything like this before but I'm pretty handy with tools so I figured I'd give the Autotuba a try and if it was successful I would move on to the Titan 48s.

Well I just finished up a few days ago and I have to say I'm impressed. The build went very smooth. The plans were easy to understand and the few times I had questions I just search this forum and sure enough it had already been answered. I used MDF for this build but any future builds will be done with the recommended baltic birch plywood. I was so excited to get started that I couldn't wait to go to the lumber yard and just picked up a sheet of MDF while at Home Depot. It's not too bad but the corners get damaged easily and after you make a cut the fibers hang out in the air for several minutes so try to work in a well ventilated area.

Here's some pictures from the build:


Had to make a sled for my circular saw. The table saw is great but you'll need this.


I decided to go 17" wide on these panels for a final width of 18".


Stupid mistake! Luckily I realized it was in the wrong spot before I cut the hole.












I was so happy to get that last brace in.






Now I'm excited!










Surface mount access cover for now. I just want to hear this thing.




And thats it.

I'll probably carpet this box and install a speaker jack on the other side opposite the access hole. The speaker doesn't have the 3/4" clearance to install the access cover flanges so I was thinking about maybe getting a router and building a inlaid access cover with plexi-glass so you can see the driver.

I tested the box in our band practice room which is about 20'x10'. I laid the box down facing a corner and ran a 50hz test tone through it. I am very impressed. With about 100 watts @ 50hz my voice was vibrating when I talked, the walls were shaking and the bass filled the room. I can't wait to put this in my van. Here is a link to a short video I took while testing it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4EHBdxl5p8

[loudsubz]

Nice build, now get 2

If you think 1 is great you will wet your pants with 2 I know what you mean about your voice vibrating. After a night of partying in a basement with 2 of them, I was shouting by the end of the night.

[Metalzone10484]

Thanks! Yeah, I do want 2 now. I have plenty of room in my van. All my extra money will be saved for the Titans though. I hope to get started in 2 or 3 weeks.