Dayton RSS460HO Reference 18" subwoofer sealed BUILD THREAD

I've done some various little DIY projects, but this will be my first audio subwoofer enclosure build. After doing some research on here the Dayton 18" HO sub was my choice, which will be driven by a Dayton 1000 watt plate amp. The box will be 3.85 cubic feet without driver displacement and bracing.


Day 1:

I've just a few panels left to cut. What sealant is recommended for the inside seams? White silicone?

The amp has EQ. I remembered your advice from my other thread and got the biggest plate amp PE had with parametric EQ. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-809 I don't have the same confidence about the cuts as you. They should be satisfactory with the tools I'm working with.

Is this what you guys are talking about? http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/pl_ca_prem/overview/Loctite-PL-Premium-Polyurethane-Construction-Adhesive.htm

I will definitely pick that up. What's a good technique to apply it? Thanks for the messy warning!

It's not Festool, but I know what you're taking about. It's an Eurekazone high quality aluminum track. I regret buying it though, it's a quality tool ( not cheap) but I should've spent a few hundred more and got a decent table saw. I actually do have a table saw that I picked up on Craigslist (70s era craftsman, made in USA) but I can't use it as the new house has no outlets outside/in garage that can handle the initial power surge.

Is this what you guys are recommending? Definitely picking this up.
http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/pl_ca_prem/overview/Loctite-PL-Premium-Polyurethane-Construction-Adhesive.htm. Thanks for warning me about it being messy, what's a good technique in applying it?

It's not a Festool, but those are nice! It's a quality aluminum track from Eurekazone. Good tool, but its not cheap, that money should've went towards a decent table saw. I do have a table saw, actually (70s era, made in USA Craftsman that I picked up on CL). It is out of commission, however, as none of the usable outlets in/near the garage can handle the initial power surge from the motor.

Is this what you guys are recommending? Definitely picking this up.
http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/pl_ca_prem/overview/Loctite-PL-Premium-Polyurethane-Construction-Adhesive.htm. Thanks for warning me about it being messy, what's a good technique in applying it?

It's not a Festool, but those are nice! It's a quality aluminum track from Eurekazone. Good tool, but its not cheap, that money should've went towards a decent table saw. I do have a table saw, actually (70s era, made in USA Craftsman that I picked up on CL). It is out of commission, however, as none of the usable garage in/near the garage can handle the initial power surge from the motor.

Is this what you guys are recommending? Definitely picking this up.
http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/pl_ca_prem/overview/Loctite-PL-Premium-Polyurethane-Construction-Adhesive.htm. Thanks for warning me about it being messy, what's a good technique in applying it?

It's not a Festool, but those are nice! It's a quality aluminum track from Eurekazone. Good tool, but its not cheap, that money should've went towards a decent table saw. I do have a table saw, actually (70s era, made in USA Craftsman that I picked up on CL). It is out of commission, however, as none of the usable garage in/near the garage can handle the initial power surge from the motor.

Day 2:

Grrrrrr. Bad and good news. I was so eager to get this started that I made an error on my cut list (if I can even call it that). Not all sides are symmetrical, gah, I'm an idiot! I'm giving up for today (I work 3rd shift and it's really late for me). Upon dry assembly it obviously didn't "line up". This build will be delayed.. I need to truncate some panels and cut a new bigger one(s) out. And to think I enjoyed geometry in high school...

If anyone can help me out in salvaging this I will be very grateful. I have 3 21"x21" and 4 21"x19" panels. I realize that the proper assembly will also change the box volume, but not to the extent where it will be unusable.

The good news is that's got my receiver today. However, the vendor sent me the Denon 2113CI model instead of the last year's 2112CI, which I ordered. That works for me!


Poorly-planned cutlist:


Dry assembly.

I picked up the Loctite PL. Thans for the recommendation guys. Also thanks for warning me about it being messy, what's a good technique in applying it? I picked up multiple, cheap, plastic putty knives for this.

It's not a Festool, but those are nice! It's a quality aluminum track from Eurekazone. Good tool, but its not cheap, that money should've went towards a decent table saw. I do have a table saw, actually (70s era, made in USA Craftsman that I picked up on CL). It is out of commission, however, as none of the usable garage in/near the garage can handle the initial power surge from the motor.

You guys are using Loctite PL as the actual glue? I was going to use regular wood glue- Titebond and then use the PL for the corners/seams.

It is 0.75" thickness MDF. This is more than helpful, you did my homework, thank you. This brings my internal box volume to 4.18 cubes. Should this be ok still after displacement?

I can also make the first layer of the double baffle smaller and push that first panel inside the box (19.5x19.5" panel). This would bring the internal volume to 4.02 cubes.

Is a triple baffle recommended?

What do you think?

Day 3:

Got my Parts-Express goodies. Nice looking sub with an aluminum cone. They're always nice looking when they're ours, aren't they?



I initially assembled and clamped more than what's pictured. I quickly realized that I was running out of clamps quick (can never have enough of those... trained my yard-sale hunting wifey to buy clamps whenever she spots them, and she does ) I dis-assembled what I put together and decided to do it right, I knew I would regret it if I rushed through it. Gonna take longer, but I think it will be worth the extra wait.


Even after heeding Gorilla83's warning about PL I still managed to get this stuff ALL OVER EVERYTHING. I started out using a putty knife, but quickly switched over to using my finger to spread the substance. Luckily the nitrile gloves I had partially mitigated the mess. It wasn't fun... heh, I much prefer wood glue... But experience is golden, I will be more efficient in future build(s) Also spot LTD02's cutout list, which saved my skin (literally had to make only 2 cuts from what I already had from yesterday's mistake. You've been invaluable, thanks buddy.

Day 4:

Glued another panel; with two remaining. Looking more like a box now. Cure times slow us down!


Laminated two panels together for the double baffle.


I already had a jig I made a while back, however, for this project its accuracy wasn't gonna cut it. I tested out the Jasper jig I purchased from PE, and made some cuts with it; they turned out to be pretty accurate. The tool is a good investment. Test-fitted the sub in that hole and it dropped right in.

How is your house surviving your latest furniture addition?