Sandbox Design Advice


I understand the recommended design is to build an open wooden box plus a loose lid (possibly granite) which is slightly smaller than the internal perimeter.

Fill the box with kiln dried sand, float the lid on top of the sand and then component on top.

Heavy duty sorbothane feet for the box.

There were a few design details i couldn’t find on the forum and so pl can anyone advise on:

  1. what size should the gap be between the lid and the perimeter?
  2. how deep the sand should be for a 52 kg power amp (114lbs in old money 😀)?
  3. i am going to use a carpenter to make it for me (pine?) and would like a professional finish in black - any suggestions? 

thanks very much - advice is much appreciated.


soma70
If one Must pursue sand infill....

Let the sand dry out Thoroughly...it has a tendency to retain moisture.
Plays hell with MDF....caulk the seams....

If you absolutely want weight....lead shot.....

You don't need as much, either.....

Don't forget the appliance cart.....you'll need it....
I've used Bright Star sandboxes for years.If I refill them ever I would choose lead shot or stone rather than sand.It's not easy to level.To thoroughly dry the sand I heated it on the stove in a large stock pot,stirring it and watching the moisture steam out.After cooling overnight it's ready to fill and level.

If you go with birch a wood stain is one choice.There are some very interesting metallic or stone look paints available also.
Good luck with your project!

With regard to the filling, my understanding was that vibrations passing through the filler would cause the particles to rub together and the kinetic energy would be reduced through friction turning it into heat.

If this is correct then the best filler would be the one with the smallest particles and highest surface area.

I have no formal scientific education and the above is just me regurgitating stuff i have read elsewhere so happy to be corrected if it’s wrong?