Cabinet bracing

[stevem]

Is there any reason why I shouldn't use angle iron or metal (steel, aluminum, etc.) for cabinet bracing (besides weight issues)? I think I will get better rigidity without taking up as much internal volume. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks!

[Mr. Widget]

Tap your angle iron with a hammer and tap a KD 2 X 4... which sounds better?


Widget

[edgewound]

Once your angle iron is bolted tightly to the cabinet wall, any ringing issues will be mitigated.

[Mr. Widget]

It will be dampened by the wood... but why go there in the first place?


Widget

[JuniorJBL]

You could also coat the bar with spray-on bed liner or cover it with the asphalt based window sealing tape (very sticky)

[edgewound]

It will be dampened by the wood... but why go there in the first place?


Widget

Because he wants to, it'll be stronger, if he needs to...he can use it as a fly point....and most of all....because he wants to.

[Mr. Widget]

If the goal is to save on volume, use extra fiberglass or foam damping material and gain virtual volume. Don't use dacron as it is less effective.


Widget

[JBLnsince1959]

Tap your angle iron with a hammer and tap a KD 2 X 4... which sounds better?


Widget

Just tried it..... the angle iron sounds much better. The 2 X 4 didn't give much of a sound at all.

[Mr. Widget]

See!


Widget

[JBLnsince1959]

See!


Widget

[edgewound]

Just tried it..... the angle iron sounds much better. The 2 X 4 didn't give much of a sound at all.

I think the 2x4 has a much warmer tone...of course it's hooked up to a tube amp.

[Mr. Widget]

In all seriousness I am sure metal can be made to work... I prefer 2X4's made up from birch plywood. It is strong, stiff, and it doesn't ring.

Here are some subwoofer cabinets I'm working on. They are dual 18s.

Widget

[JBLnsince1959]

I would tend to agree with Mr. Widget. It's not something I would do. Everything has it own resonant freq. that it will vibrate at ( or ring). why take the chance?

[scott fitlin]

4 of those dual 18in cabs should do wonders for someone! Lots of air moving!

[stevem]

Your points are all well taken. What I had I mind was screwing down angle iron (the kind with holes drilled along the length), while also gluing it to the panels with Gorilla glue. I'm not sure that it would ring at all. My cabinets are long and narrow, and adding wood bracing will make them even narrower. I probably have issues with standing waves that I will have to address first anyway. It's probably easier to just use hardwood.