Turning and Old Log Into an Awesome Rustic Soundbar.
We needed some speakers for my son's computer. I wasn't happy with most of the affordable ones I found at the big box stores, and thought I could do better myself. This is what I came up with.
Selecting and preparing the right log
This is probably the most important step. You'll need a log that is big enough to fit speakers inside. I used 4" car speakers. They were the smallest I could find. This log is also 40" long which is perfect to fit on the desk, or on a fireplace mantle if it was being used for a TV.
Once I found the perfect log, I stripped all the bark off of it. You'll see as we move on, that I left some discolouring on the log for more of a rustic "barky" feel.
Cutting to size
Once the bark was removed, I cut the ends to size on my table saw, then started the process of sanding and shaping the log to accommodate a small amplifier and 2 speakers.
Shape the log for Speakers and Amplifier
It took quite a lot of cutting, drilling, chipping and sanding to get to this point. I cut a flat spot at the top centre of the log to mount the amplifier. I used a step bit similar to these ones to remove the wood for the speakers. I used a reciprocating saw, and an angle grinder to do most of the rough shaping, then sanded everything smooth.
Sealing the log
Once I was happy with the shape and fitment of the amp and speakers, I sealed any cracks in the wood with expanding foam, then sealed the entire log in 4 coats of high gloss clear polyurethane.
Assembly and Testing
Unfortunately, I missed taking a pic of the assembly, but its pretty straightforward. I drilled holes through the log where the speakers mount to run speaker wire, then wired up the speakers to the amp before screwing the speakers and amp to the log. The wires run along the back of the log so they are kept completely out of sight.
It looks great and sounds pretty good. Comparable to the average mid-range PC speakers.
Check out the full post here
*PRO tip: I had an old subwoofer from a crappy home theater system that I also wired into this soundbar. Adding the sub is easy by connecting the one of the speaker wire from the sub each of the left and right channels. 1 wire to the left, and the other to the right. Just make sure one is connected to positive and the other side to negative. It made a huge difference!!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
How do you like the Ryobi saw?