Logs & Beats - 2.1 Audio System

This project started as an audio experiment, in which I try to up cycle some wood logs that I've found in my grandparents yard, together with some old speakers that were no longer working.

My objective was to create a cost effective audio system, being at the same aesthetically pleasant and unique. For that, I kept a natural, raw look, combing it with an industrial design for the stands.

This Instructable describes the process of how I built these log speakers.

Materials:

• one large log approximately 35-40 cm (13-15"), size depending on the woofer that you are using (the drier the better)
• two smaller logs for the mid range speakers 15-20 cm (6-8")
• one 25 cm (9.8") woofer
• two 10 cm (3.93") mid range speakers
• 40 W amp
• 6 m (19 ft), 0.6 mm (22 awg) diameter audio connecting wire
• (2) 120 cm (3.93 ft), ½" diameter black steel water pipe
• (4) ½" black steel nipple
• (6) ½" black iron tee
• (8) ½" black iron elbow
• (3) industrial casters wheels

Tools:

• drill
• circular saw
• reciprocating saw
• chisel
• hammer
• hole saw cutter (the bigger the diameter, less work you have)

I wanted to build the log speakers entirely from one solid piece of wood, so I had to bore out the center. Now, this is the trickiest part of the whole project, so have a good night sleep and a big cup of coffee before getting to work.

Start by marking the place where the woofer will be mounted, and start drilling around the edge with the hole saw. After that, by using a spade bit, I started removing the material. I know this is more time consuming than other methods, but it's safer, and these were the only tools that were available to me.

I followed the same procedure for the two smaller logs.

With the enclosures starting to shape up their final form, it was time to install the speakers. I drilled some small holes on the sides of the logs to get the wires trough them, then I soldered them according to the wiring diagram. For the amp, I used an old 2.1 audio system.

For giving that industrial overlook, I decided to use black steel pipes and fittings to build the stands for the two mid range speakers. I opted for a t-shaped structure which is easy to assemble and has great stability. For fixing them, I used a bi-component epoxy adhesive.

For the subwoofer, being quite heavy, I mounted three industrial casters so I can easily move it around the room.

For smoothing out the front facing surfaces, I used 60, 80, and 220 grit sand paper. After that, I soaked the logs with linseed oil, only to sharpen their natural coloring.

I can say the acoustics of this audio system overcame my expectations, as the wood enclosures provide a thick and echo free sounds, and reduce unwanted frequency amplification and reverberation.

For future add-ons, I plan to install a bluetooth receiver, so that I can use my mobile or tablet as an input source, and break free of the cables.