Audio Amplifier Project | clounaghtechnology

Year 10 - Audio Amplifier Project

Many of us listen to music all the time and most of this music has been downloaded onto our smartphones. Whilst the speakers on our phones have improved greatly in recent years it can only get so loud. Instead of buying a Bluetooth speaker we make an inexpensive alternative in Year 10 that can also blend in with the décor in your bedroom.

A wooden audio amplifier doesn't require cords or batteries and is therefore easily moved around the house as and when required.

Initially you will receive 3 pieces of 12mm plywood which need to be marked out using a try square, steel ruler and pencil. At this stage you will mark out the holes on each piece of the material ensuring each is marked and drilled in the exact same location so that when they are eventually glued together the holes align with each other.

The drilling is done using the pedestal drill and a 40mm Forstner drill bit ensuring that your material is being held securely and observing all other safety precautions.

To enable effective noise distribution from your amplifier two of the pieces are cut out as shown. These channels are marked out depending on the location of the speaker/speakers on your mobile device. You can then opt to cut out using a coping saw or a hegner saw.

Another piece of the plywood is left simply with the hole in place and a fourth left blank

Each layer is then joined together using wood glue to produce a block and left to fully bond in a vice.

When all layers have bonded then your work must be given a thorough sanding. This will mean having to use the 80 grade sandpaper on the sanding boards, followed by 120 and 240 grades wrapped around a sanding block. This will take some time but must be done to achieve a quality product. You can also shape your amplifier at this stage in your own personal way.