Over at Rockler, they came out with a new wireless Bluetooth speaker kit, allowing you to make your own mini speaker.
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The kit comes with a ~2″ speaker module, an electronics module, a LiPo battery, and a charging cable.
Aside from wood or other materials to build the enclosure, you’ll need a 1-7/8″ hole saw to drill holes for the speaker and control module, or other tools that can create a hole of the same size. Rockler says that you can use a Forstner drill bit, or even a jig saw, as the bevel will conceal rough-cut edges.
No soldering is required.
Rockler says that the optimum enclosure volume is 15.25 cubic inches. For a square speaker, that would mean internal dimensions of a little less than 2.5″ on all sides.
Price: $30
Buy Now(via Rockler)
Free Plan(PDF via Rockler)
An arbored hole saw is $19 on Amazon. If you already have a compatible arbor, there’s a Dewalt hole saw for $7. Freud Forstner bits start at $22 for this size.
Example Project Video
First Thoughts
This does look to be a good “I don’t want to think about the electronics at all” DIY speaker project kit, where you want to focus on the woodworking aspect rather than speaker selection, Bluetooth modules, or anything of the sort.
Personally, I would want control over the speaker selection, Bluetooth module, and power choice, and I’d be fine with it costing more than the $30 for this kit. But it’s great to have this as an option.
There are no shortage of Bluetooth speakers you can buy (examples via Amazon), but sometimes you want something a bit more personalized. There are also many jobsite speakers that you could choose from.
Chad Brink
I think it’s a neat idea. I’ll probably give one kit a try… or possibly buy a $12 speaker and take it apart and use the parts
John fal
Goodwill! Great place to find old beat up speakers. Btw very wise.
Nathan
I think it’s a neat enough idea however I’m like you and would want my own speaker choice – amp choice – power supply.
So if they also did a kit of – here’s a wire diagram and needed bits list etc. I’d also be interested.. But for most and has a nifty simple gift idea it’s a great start.
Jonathan
Cool project.
I have to agree with you Stuart if I was going to invest the time into this type project, I would want more control over the amp, the speakers as well as the controls and the power source.
That said with the complexities of sound reinforcement design, I think that it is a bit of a DYI attempt at the “wheel” for sound reproduction .
With passive bass ports and components of so many BT speakers on the market at the price point of the kit.
JMHO, but nice idea.
Tim
Ditto on wanting control over the speakers but if they are decent might be a good gift project. That being said making a nice BT speaker set is on my project list for next year. Also would like to tackle one of those ammo can speaker DIYs.
Tom
If you’re going to the effort of putting together a nice box, it’s worth putting in something higher quality than this mono, push-fit driver can deliver.
That being said, I’m not aware of a lot of good prepackaged kits out there, so kudos to Rocklear for putting the pieces together.
Brian
I ended up getting two JBL bluetooth speakers for free so I’m thinking I’m going to custom make a box with those…but freaking JBL glued in the speakers so I might have to buy new speakers if I can’t cut the bezel nice enough.
I’ve heard this kit is pretty nice but I doubt the audio is on par with the medium level bluetooth speakers but it’s also 1/3 the cost. I like the liner lock, large knife kit they sell too, much nicer knife than I expected from a Chinese kit.
FD
Neat idea for a personalized desk item or gift. I second it would be better to take a better existing retail unit apart and make a new housing, rather than overpaying for a weak sounding kit and doing all that custom work. True though that a lot of stuff is snapped and glued together without thought for repair or disassembly. Just think for what the kit essentially is, the price is a bit too high.
Travis
Thanks for pointing this out. It will make an absolutely perfect gift for a friend of mine that has just started wood working and enjoys techy stuff as well.