Over at Rockler, they came out with a new wireless Bluetooth speaker kit, allowing you to make your own mini speaker.
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.