How to Build a Speaker Enclosure

this instruction gives general information on how to build a speaker enclosure.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3/4" mdf wood
• 1 1/4" trim screws
• 1" wood screws
• 14ga speaker wire
• crimp connectors (usually female blade style)
• wire stripper
• wire cutter
• jigsaw
• pencil
• string
• wood glue
• sound insulation fiber

1. Calculate speaker enclosure volume and decide if you want it vented or sealed. Enclosure size requirements are given by the speaker manufacturer. A vented enclosure will allow you to use a slightly smaller size enclosure. A sealed enclosure will give a more precise sound to your speaker. VOLUME = length x width x height

2. First make the face board that the speaker will sit into. Cut it to size
   (example: 13"x12")

3. Make a radius tool using a piece of string tied to a pencil. Hold the string 1/2 the diameter of the speaker opening on the center point of the opening. While holding on the center point pull the string tight using it as a guide to draw a perfect circle.

4. Drill a 1/2 in. hole near the inside edge of the circle. This will create a starting point to cut it out with the jigsaw.

5. Cut out the circle along the line using the jigsaw

6. Drop in the speaker and mark the mounting holes with a pencil. Remove the speaker and pre-drill the holes using a drill bit smaller than mounting screws.

7. Now cut out the top(12"x12"), bottom(12"x12"), back(13"x12"), left(13"x13.5") and right(13"x13.5") sides of the enclosure

8. Drill a 3/8 in. hole in the back panel to feed the speaker wiring through to the speaker

9. Apply a bead of wood glue to the edge of each piece before attaching. predrill all holes before installing trim screws. Assemble in this order, 1.front to bottom 2.top to front 3.back to top and bottom 4.left side to top,bottom,front,and back 5.right side to top,bottom,front,and back.

10. Reach through the speaker opening and apply a bead of silicone sealer to all of the seams to prevent leakage. Also seal the area where the speaker wire enters through the back panel. Just make sure you leave enough slack in the wire to make your connections at the speaker.

11. Crimp connectors onto the speaker wiring to allow easy connection of the wiring to the speaker.

12. Fill the enclosure with sound insulation fiber.

13. If you would like to apply carpet or any other covering to the enclosure do this now. For most coverings you will need a can of spray adhesive to attach it.

14. 
    speaker enclosure

    Apply a bead of silicone to the front panel around the speaker mounting hole, attach speaker wiring and install the speaker with wood screws.

Tips & Warnings

• wear proper hand and eye protection
• work in a well ventilated area