If you like to play music on your cell phone you’ll find lots to love about this wooden phone amplifier. It provides an attractive platform to cradle your phone while playing music, and it boosts the sounds level by 8-10 dB (decibels) while also distributing the sound around the room using a megaphone style sound enhancement.
As an added bonus, the project includes clever cable routing so that the amplifier can also be used as a charging station. I used black walnut to construct this one, but any hardwood would be fine on this project.
This design should work well for any cell phone that is narrower than 3.5” (including the case) and has a speaker located near the bottom of the phone. I’ve tested with four different models of iPhone and one Android, and the design worked well for all of these phones, producing a similar level of amplification. As you build one for your phone be sure to make any adjustments necessary based on the size of the charging cable connection on the phone end, so that it can be easily routed through the body of the amplifier for charging, as well as the size of the phone slot. I sized the phone slot to be wide enough to accommodate the largest phones on the market today, but in the ever-changing world of electronics it is always wise to measure your phone and size the slot accordingly.
Tools required:
First, cut the parts
Using a table saw, cut the parts to size following the cut list.
Prepare the Base
Draw two lines, ½” apart, centered across the top of the base. Then, on one face, draw a line from near each lower corner (1/8” above the base), angling up to an intersection with the lines that you drew in the previous step. This defines the shape of the base. The ½” crown will be the platform that will hold the phone steady, and the angles will form the cone on each side that amplifies the sound.
Cut the Channel for the Charging Cord
Set the blade height to 3/4” and make multiple passes to remove the material on one side of the base (not on the top). Use the two layout lines as your guides. Cleanup any sawblade marks with a chisel.
Transfer Notch Lines to Rear Panel
The power cord will be routed through the bottom of the rear panel, so you will cut a notch for this purpose using the same procedure as the previous cut. Transfer the lines from the notch on the base to the back panel. This notch is only ½” deep.
Cut Notch on Back Panel for Cord Clearance
Set the blade height to 1/2” and remove material on the bottom of the back panel (do NOT do this on the front panel) to provide clearance for the cord to exit the amplifier.
Make Angled Cuts on Base
Using a bandsaw, make the angled cuts on the waste side of the angled lines, leaving the lines.
Sand to Lines
Using a belt sander or random orbital sander, remove the saw marks from the work piece, sanding to the lines.
Cut Slot for Phone in Top Panel
Using a scroll saw or hand-held jig saw cut a 5/8” x 3-1/2” opening in the top panel. The slot should be centered on one edge of the top panel. A width of 3-1/2” should accommodate most cell phones, but you can customize this width to fit the exact size of your cell phone (including the case if you use one).
Alignment for Assembly
Be sure that the back panel is positioned with the notch down, and that the notch on the back panel is aligned with the notch on the base. This will allow smooth travel of the charging cord through the base.
Glue-up
Apply woodworking glue to all joints. With butt joint joinery like this I like to let the glue set up for a few minutes before applying clamps. This allows the glue to start to grab a bit, and the assembly is less likely to slide under clamping pressure. Use a screwdriver and rag to remove glue from corners inside the assembly.
Cut Tapered Ends
After the glue cures, scrape off excess glue. Then cut each end to a 45-degree angle, starting at the rear outside edge at each end and tapering toward the front of the device. Final length should be about 11”, long point to long point, with the cord and phone slots centered on the length. This cut can be made on a miter saw, table saw or bandsaw. If you do not have a power tool that has enough capacity to cut 3-1/4”, then you can easily make the cuts using a hand saw.
Sand Body
Sand thoroughly, gently rounding over the sharp corners. Do not round over the corners too much, however, as you’ll lose the angular geometry that defines this piece’s appearance. Also, hand sand around the perimeter of the cell phone slot so that it is not sharp.
Finish
I applied a couple coats of walnut oil, but you can use whatever finish that you prefer.
Using as a Charging Station
Route charging cable up through the bottom and up through the channel where it connects to the phone. The cord then runs out the slot through the back panel so that it can sit flat without interference from the cord.
Paul, I have built 2 so far and all from scrap wood that I have laying around in the way. I mix the type of wood and they look great and the sound stays about the same.
Thanks, Ted
I made 4 of these as Christmas presents for my granddaughters. They were a blast to make, and when the tong oil hit the wood, WOW did the grains pop! The sound from the amplifier was amazing. It’s wasn’t like a speaker, however, the sound was rich. One of the granddaughters plugged her phone in, set her alarm, and said she was blasted out of bed! The granddaughters love their gift. Mission accomplished! (FYI – I’m a woodworking amateur.) Christmas 2020
What type of wood and kind of paint would be required to make them white, but lots of wood grain still visible?
Hi Lonnie,
Thank you for the question, here is the experts reply:
If you use oak and do not seal the grain prior to painting, you should see plenty of grain. Any paint should do fine.
Paul
If you would like to become a member I have this great offer: https://go.wwgoa.com/C24867
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Joan
Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership
There is only one modification I’d make…make it an amplifier charger combo.
I love this idea. As a teacher, we have projects where some of the students have to listen to a video on a small tablet, but not all can hear it well. This would be great for that!!
Is the base cut from a 4×4
It truely looks like fun.
It looks like the wood is 2.25″ thick. Where can I get wood that thick?
Hey John!
We have a response from Paul for you:
Yes, the wood used here is 2″ thick (2.25″ is the cut width), commonly referred to as 8/4 lumber. If you’re lumber yard doesn’t carry this, you can always glue up some thinner stock to achieve the desired thickness.
Good luck with this project. I’ve made a lot of these and people love getting them!
Paul
Woodworkers Guild of America
If you have any questions or concerns, please chat, email or call us at 1-855-253-0822.
Happy Woodworking!
Madeline
Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership
Really enjoyed this simple project.
I am building 3 of these for my grand kids for Christmas, and a “prototype” for me. Hopefully make all the mistakes on the prototype, <:)) My question is: the opening picture shows a tapered bottom piece, yet nowhere in the instructions is there any reference to making this tapered cut. I am using my bandsaw to cut off the 2 “triangles” to form the base, but as per the instructions, that would leave a flat, simply downward hole for the sound to exit. I think I will tilt the bandsaw table to make those two “triangle” cuts to give me the tapered sound hole. Any other suggestions? Making mine out of glued up white birch from my land that I cut, had sawn and then kiln dried.
Hi Ralph. Thanks for the question. The tapered bottom piece is cut in the photo labeled “make angled cuts on base”. You can cut the cord access hole differently if you would like, but I’m not sure if it will improve the sound amplification. Perhaps.
The wood you’re using will make these a special project. Good luck!
Paul-Woodworkers Guild of America
Just got done making it. Ready for star in and poly. Works great. The only problem is the speaker on my phone is at the top and the plug connection is at the bottom.
great project. thanks.
Looks great pity measurements are not metric
Pretty project, easy and very good finished. I think higth density wood produces better acustic; it’s a matter to try. Congrats
The product is cool! Very simplistic!
Made one this morning for my wife in little time. It works very well! You can adjust dimensions for scrap pieces you have, not very critical I found.
Hi, why the picture is different (angles) than the making instructions? Would the sound be better with angles?? Tks for your attention and your plans.
Hi Roger. Can you clarify which picture you are referring to and what is different from the instructional text?
Angles might make a difference in sound but it’s hard to say without experimentation.
Thanks
Paul-Woodworkers Guild of America
A wonderful idea, perfect xmas gift. Thank you, Tom from London
Great idea!!!
GREAT PROJECT spent 3 hours over 2 nights and sounds great with iPhone used cherry will be making many more as gifts thanks.
I only have access to 3/4” wood and do not own a planer. Can I use 3/4” for the top plate and still be ok as I will glue pieces together for base? Thanks
My woodshop teacher wants to have his students try this now after they saw me make it and email them this website.
cool
I wanted to try this idea but when I click on the download above, it wants me to pay $7 to join Premium. I am already a Premium subscriber. Is the Cell phone Amplifier available with downloadable plans?
Hello. I am sorry but there are no downloadable plans for the Wooden Phone Amplifier and Charging Station. Below is the link you can click on to access the article with the instructions for this. If you have any questions, please contact our customer service team at 1-855-253-0822.
Thanks
Jean-Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership
https://www.wwgoa.com/article/wooden-phone-amplifier-charging-station/
My cell phone has the speaker on top. I plan on just putting it in upside down.
The only problem will be the charger will be on top now but not a problem either.
I made one of these and added a small Bluetooth speaker to the internals.
Not only does it work great it sounds great.
Going to try another one for my iPad
By the way, very nice project. I have a couple grandkids that I’m sure will love having one.
I see that bobcatcob asked about plans for this project, and this is how I handle these situations. If you are using a cell phone to view these types of articles and want use the sketches provided, take a screenshot with you phone, then e-mail it to you computer, then print it. The last information provided is more than enough.
Thanks for this download. It is greatly appreciated!
would love to try this
I built one today out of mahogany, glue is drying now. Will clean it up tomorrow and test it out! Thanks Paul and wwgoa!
Awesome creation for phone.
Thank you.
Mahesh
how do I download this plan?
Hi. I am sorry there is not a plan to download for this. If you have any questions, please give our customer service team a call at 1-855-253-0822.
Thanks
Jean-WWGOA Video Membership
This looks like an awesome project to begin with. Don’t have a band saw yet, but I do have 10” Table saw, and router table.
Thanks Paul.
Just finished mine. Love it.
Fun, quick and it looks and works great.
why you no good stuff
Looks like something I would build
What kind of wood did you use?
Hi Gretchen. Black walnut.
Thanks
Paul-WWGOA
made a few for Christmas gifts now everybody in the family wants one
help
Clever accessory for phone and a great simple project to do that produces a very useable product, great job!!
hey i was asking for question and jean and hallie did not help me may i still ask???
Hi Geff. Please let us know what your question is and we will send it to our experts to answer.
Thanks
Jean-WWGOA Video Membership
The “tech support’ didnt help me wih my hard wood problems and told me to go
Hello. Please let us know what your question is and I can send it to our expert for an answer for you.
Thanks
Jean-WWGOA Video Membership
I made one out of MDF, as a prototype, it works great. Now for the hardwood version. Thanks
I’m doing this for a project and I wanted to see if you can tell me the front,top and side dimensions
Hi Brenden. Here you go. Front: 3″ wide x 3-1/4″ tall
Side: 5-3/4″ wide x 3-1/4″ tall
Top: 11″ wide x 4″ deep
Thanks
Paul-WWGOA
Looks great especially for people that has trouble hearing the music or the phone conversation.
German Shephard
I asked this question before however i haven’t seen a reply. Is it ok to copy your plan and sell the finished project at craftshows and flea markets
Hi Tracie. Yes, that is fine. Thanks for asking. We would love to see a picture of these on your show table if you’re up for sending one.
Thanks
Paul-WWGOA
how much would the materials cost?
Hi Chase. It depends on lumber pricing in your area, and what species you decide to use. There is approximately 1 board foot of wood used in the phone, so here in MN that will cost you anywhere from $.50 to $20 depending on what wood you choose.
Thanks
Paul-WWGOA
Great pictures and descriptions of what you are doing. This is important for a beginner wood worker like me . I will try this one THANKS!!
I love this project and I make things to sell at the flea market. Can I add this to my compliment.
Hi Tracie, absolutely! We’d be honored.
I was thinking of using purple heart it is hard maybe it will give it more sound. If anything it will look good
You stole my Idea g
You so nice
This device could potentially be improved by adding a sloping bottom section so that the sound channel more closely approximate an exponential horn. You would gain an increase in sound pressure. The device as built has only one sloping member; think about adding a second sloping surface. If you are unfamiliar with exponential horns then visualize a trumpet or trombone. As in any device that uses this principle, larger is better. The lowest frequency that can be faithfully reproduced is a function of the diameter of the opening or in this case the diagonal.
I just had my Gr. 8 Wood Shop students make this. They love it!
That’s cool, Craig! I’d love to see a picture of the students with their final project. If you send one to us at wwgoa we would love to post it on our FB page.
Craig, where do you teach? I teach 6-8th grade shop/construction and I am always looking for other teachers in similar grades and classes to talk to in order to be a better teacher.
Craig and Mike: I am looking for other teachers in similar grades to talk to and compare projects.
Built another design but I think I like this one better, looks better, thanks for posting.
It’s good idea
Definitely going to make this! Thanks
Great project for a Christmas present! Very simple, making possible for anyone that knows how to use a miter and a jig saw. Do you know if the lower of the wood density, does amplified the sound better? Thanks!
Hi Antonio. Thanks for the feedback. I don’t know exactly how the wood density will affect the sound amplification. That’s a good question. I tested with hard maple and walnut, and didn’t notice a difference between those two, but they are not vastly different in density. If you took it to a greater extreme, like basswood vs. Brazilian Walnut, I don’t know what the result might be.
Thanks
Paul-WWGOA
Looks amazing! Can’t wait to build my own!
Thank you, Vicki! Sends us a picture when you build it so we can post it on our FB page. 🙂
What happened to the PDF version? I prefer to download and view later, offline, in my workshop?
What i do is print, once the box pop up change from printer to save as pdf. It will save the page your viewing as a pdf on your pc/mac…
If it auto prints then you’ll have to default your print temporally to pdf printer. Works for me. Hope it helps.
Would like a pdf plan
Hi there Selwyn!
The plans are located in this article! Feel free to copy and paste them into a Word document for ease!
Sincerely,
Jessica
Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership
I think I might try to adapt this to an iPad size just for fun…
I like this. Just have time to make for Christmas gifts. Thanks for the great idea!
I am making some or Christmas too, great, cheap, and easy too
This is interesting!
This is the best phone stand I seen in a long time.
Thanks, Joe! I appreciate the feedback.
Will enlarging the slot to accommodate a tablet achieve the same sound results?
Hi Tom. I haven’t tried this but as long as the speakers are in the lower location, in theory it should work. I would expand the entire project to achieve better proportions, however, and not just the slot.
Thanks
Paul-WWGOA
you can enlarge my slot
name the time and place and brace yourself
Hi Gavin Jose,
Theres only one slot in you that i would enlarge. *Winky Face*
Paul -WWGOA
Simply put… Yes
Looks like a fun project
thanks lad