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Weekend Workshop: Wrap modern tech in retro style with a DIY Bluetooth Boombox

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Need something to keep you busy this weekend? Look no further. The Weekend Workshop is our weekly column where we showcase a badass DIY project that you can complete with minimal skills and expertise. We’ve dug through all the online tutorials on the Web, and gone the extra mile to pinpoint projects that are equal parts easy, affordable, and fun. So put on your work pants, grab your tool belt, and head to the garage — it’s time to start building!

Bluetooth speakers let you cut the cord and keep your favorite music pumping, but purchasing a top-tier model tends to cost an arm and a leg. So why not build your own? Well, thanks to some skillful engineering from a seasoned DIYer over at Instructables, it doesn’t take much more than a circular router jig, a stereo amplifier, and set of speaker components to craft a unique Bluetooth music player.

Boombox2
KarlK17 / Instructables
KarlK17 / Instructables
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Essentially, Instructables user KarlK17 blends retro style with modern tech for a Bluetooth boombox. The flexible design lets you pick the quality of the drivers to match your budget, and even the exact shape of the boombox is completely up to you.

To help you get a jump on your own Bluetooth boombox, we’ve sifted through the walkthrough to lay out all the necessary materials needed for the build. It’s worth noting that if  you decide to purchase an amplifier or set of speakers different from what’s provided in the walkthrough, the exact locations of each cut and the setup of the box itself will likely differ. With that said, here’s everything you’ll need to get started:

Tools:

  • Router with circular cutting jig
  • Table saw or jig saw
  • Electric drill

Materials:

After gathering all of the required tools and materials, it’s time to get working on the actual construction of the Bluetooth boombox. Simply follow the clearly laid out instructions posted to Instructables by user KarlK17 and before long, you’ll have your very own unique stereo. Happy building!

The step-by-step walkthrough on constructing this Bluetooth boombox can be found here.

Rick Stella
Rick Stella
Former Associate Editor, Outdoor
Rick became enamored with technology the moment his parents got him an original NES for Christmas in 1991. And as they say…
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