I'm building a box and I have access to good wood at work (cherry, maple, oak, walnut, pine). Should I build it out of that or just use ply wood? Does it make a sound difference? Also does anybody know of a good thread somewhere? I tried to search but didn't find anything.

 

Dont use anything but 3/4 MDF wood

 

MDF. doesnt have to be 3/4, but use mdf. I use 3/4 for simple boxes. If its a box that is made to fit in a small place, like under the seat of a chevy truck, i use 5/8 or 1/2 mdf.

 

I generally use 3/4" but like above mentioned will also use different thickness for different applications. One thing I do always try to do is use 3/4" for the face where the sub is going to mount so that it has a stronger surface to screw to. Depending on the subwoofer though 5/8" can also be used.
As far as using nice quality wood like you mentioned it can be done but is generally for something that is going to be a feature piece that needs to have a nice finish on it. Even then most will still use mdf and put a nice veneer over it that can be finished. One advantage of this is that a thinner veneer will have the look and grain of a nice piece of wood like those mentioned but can also be bent depending on thickness. This allows for some creative shapes and contours if desired making for a nice show piece.

 

The thinner you use and/or the more volume the subwoofer you use can move, the more bracing you need. High quality void-free plywood is also acceptable, but MDF is better if built right. Use wood glue on every joint and I recommend a bead of caulking on the inside joints after the glue all dries. Do not expect screws to hold because MDF is terrible with tear-out. Use hurricane nuts to hold the driver in.

 

when screwing mdf you must make a 1/8" hole or youll just split it.
i use like 1"-1/4 or larger #8 (red square head) screws and i put them in so tight they counter sink themselfs....
I also glue and caulk like said,,, but make sure your saw cuts very strait and you measure correctly and always use a large square cause no amount of glue or caulk will fill a gap properly.
Id use the really nice wood on the top of the box,,, kind like a faceplate. then you can cover the raw squareness of a mdf box. and custom make a faceplate template with bristle board,, then trace and cut into nicer wood

 

I like to use Tough as Nails Construction Adhesive on all the joints. Never had a problem with anything coming apart.

 

i used MDF 3/4", make sure u screw it tight/right.