Lspade69

iTrader: (2)

I finally got some time to work on my enclosure and I have found out that MDF is a bitch to work with compared to fiberboard. Check out the pictures to see what is going wrong

Pic 1 - This is my problem. I keep splitting the wood!!!!!
Pic 2 - The first two pieces I tried doing looked like this, the third piece (which is a miracle) was put on without problems then the fourth piece looked like the first two again.
Pic 3 - This is the fourth one I put on.
Pic 4 - This is the screw I am using, does it look like the type of screw that you guys use?
Pic 5 - This is just a picture of the baffle and bottom of the enclosure. (they are not actually attached yet)

I am really getting angry over all of this stripping. I am pre drilling my holes with a 7/64 drill bit deeper than the length of the screws. I am drilling 1.5 inch in from the edge of the wood that splits. I would really like some help with this problem because I have no idea on what I should do. I do feel that my screws look kind of thick but that shouldn't really matter if I predrilled the holes for them. Help please!!!!!!!!

hofulstrof

what you need to do is buy a counter sink. here is a crappy pic of some i have used:

if you are going to buy one do not buy the kind on the right it sucks. either 3 on the left work great

you need to make sure that your counter sink is as long as the screws you are useing. make sure you do not over tighten the screws so they strip the wood.just put them in snugly.oh and make sure you use plenty of high quality wood glue. the screws are only there to hold the wood togther while the glue is drying

Dukk

You have to be extra careful when doing thin pieces or something like those triangles cuz on the one end it obviously does not have a lot of meat to it. Up your predrill to 9/64 (thicker than the shank of the screw but obviously smaller than the threads) so there is little pressure to split the wood.

Glue is your friend here - I would even suggest wood glue on the mating surfaces and then some Super T with kicker or hotglue on the edge to tack it.

Brad-S.A.

iTrader: (35)

I find that drywall screws are thinner then decking screws (Which looks like yours) Also the triangular braces are most likely to small up the size of your braces and square them out if possible. When using small pieces to brace you are very **** to spliting. And space your screws out a little more. Like the other person said they are just there till the glue sets. Hope that helps.

ilovecables

You could also try MDF screws........man, it still split even with pre-drilling? I'd be pulling my hair out!

hofulstrof

link to where to find mdf screws i have herd of them but never seen one

ilovecables

Home Depot stocks them.........

GTPJAY

iTrader: (2)

They have some particle board screws...didn't think this was the same as MDF, much different wood. They had some weird washer type thing on them I noticed.

I am using 2" deck screw's for my box, pre drilling and have no issues.

veeman

iTrader: (3)

pre-drill and make sure you blow out the holes, sometimes drilled wood is still in the holes and when you tighten the srews it puts extra pressure on the wood which can cause a split.

Team Shadow

try to get a hold of a staple gun...rent a compressor and gun and buy some staples....probably about a $50 hassle....but you can always buy them..a.bout 300-500 depending on how good...this will eliminate many of your worries. but the counter sink is the best way....use the right size and you should be one happy camper.