jmsjabb Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 I know most cabinets are ply or MDF, but what about solid wood like mahogany or walnut or ash? Cost for me isn't a factor. Is it a no no to use real wood, and polish it, rather than cover it in vinyl? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 Wood isn't as stiff and non-resonant as good plywood because the grain is all running in one direction. So you could use it but it would need to be thicker for the performance to match. Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmsjabb Posted November 5, 2009 Author Share Posted November 5, 2009 [quote name='alexclaber' post='646588' date='Nov 5 2009, 07:14 PM']Wood isn't as stiff and non-resonant as good plywood because the grain is all running in one direction. So you could use it but it would need to be thicker for the performance to match. Alex[/quote] Thanks Alex, so if I wanted to make a 2x10 or 2x12 cab, is 1" Ash not as good as 1" MDF? Ta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 [quote name='jmsjabb' post='646596' date='Nov 5 2009, 07:19 PM']Thanks Alex, so if I wanted to make a 2x10 or 2x12 cab, is 1" Ash not as good as 1" MDF?[/quote] Keep the ash for a bass or some furniture and keep the MDF for hi-fi speakers that you don't intend to move except when you move house! 18mm ply is a much better bet - or 12mm if you brace it properly. Baltic birch is the stiffest but it's also the heaviest. A properly sized 2x12" made of 1" MDF will weigh over 100lbs! (And probably crack if you drop it). Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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