How to Build a Wooden Phone Amplifier and Charging Station

wooden phone amplifier and charging stand

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.

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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:

  • Table saw
  • Miter saw
  • Bandsaw
  • Sander
  • Clamps
  • Scroll saw or jig saw
  • First, cut the parts

    phone stand pieces diagram

    Using a table saw, cut the parts to size following the cut list.

    cut list
    diagram showing cut lines

    Prepare the Base

    preparing the phone stand 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

    cutting 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

    transferring notch lines

    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

    How to Build a Wooden Phone Amplifier

    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

    How to Build a Wooden Phone Amplifier

    Using a bandsaw, make the angled cuts on the waste side of the angled lines, leaving the lines.

    Sand to Lines

    How to Build a Wooden Phone Amplifier

    Using a belt sander or random orbital sander, remove the saw marks from the work piece, sanding to the lines.


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    Cut Slot for Phone in Top Panel

    Wooden Phone Amplifier

    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

    How to Build a Wooden Phone Amplifier

    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

    gluing the wood

    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

    How to Build a Wooden Phone Amplifier

    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

    How to Build a Wooden Phone Amplifier

    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

    How to Build a Wooden Phone Amplifier

    I applied a couple coats of walnut oil, but you can use whatever finish that you prefer.

    Using as a Charging Station

    How to Build a Wooden Phone Amplifier

    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.

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    98 Responses to “How to Build a Wooden Phone Amplifier and Charging Station”

    1. JUAN BERMUDEZ

      I am amateur in this, and I hope to get the proyect finish some day.

      Reply
    2. Ted Williams

      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

      Reply
    3. RICHARD

      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

      Reply
    4. Lonnie Smith

      ‬What type of wood and kind of paint would be required to make them white, but lots of wood grain still visible?

      Reply
      • Customer Service

        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

        Reply
    5. Cindy Browning

      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!!

      Reply
      • Customer Service

        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

        Reply
    6. Ralph C

      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.

      Reply
      • Customer Service

        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

        Reply
    7. Bruce Duncan

      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.

      Reply
    8. Alvaro Molina

      Pretty project, easy and very good finished. I think higth density wood produces better acustic; it’s a matter to try. Congrats

      Reply
    9. Arnold Turner

      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.

      Reply
    10. ROGER RIOUX

      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.

      Reply
      • Customer Service

        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

        Reply
    11. Dennis Monsour

      GREAT PROJECT spent 3 hours over 2 nights and sounds great with iPhone used cherry will be making many more as gifts thanks.

      Reply
    12. Aiden Karpf

      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

      Reply
    13. SonicTDM

      My woodshop teacher wants to have his students try this now after they saw me make it and email them this website.

      Reply
    14. fulda61

      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?

      Reply
      • Customer Service

        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/

        Reply
    15. Edward

      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.

      Reply
    16. Marc

      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

      Reply
    17. Dennis Smith

      By the way, very nice project. I have a couple grandkids that I’m sure will love having one.

      Reply
    18. Dennis Smith

      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.

      Reply
    19. ctowle

      I built one today out of mahogany, glue is drying now. Will clean it up tomorrow and test it out! Thanks Paul and wwgoa!

      Reply
      • Customer Service

        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

        Reply
    20. Brent

      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.

      Reply
    21. Kim Donahue

      Thanks Paul.
      Just finished mine. Love it.
      Fun, quick and it looks and works great.

      Reply
    22. slpangborn

      Clever accessory for phone and a great simple project to do that produces a very useable product, great job!!

      Reply
      • Customer Service

        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

        Reply
    23. jeffeu

      The “tech support’ didnt help me wih my hard wood problems and told me to go

      Reply
      • Customer Service

        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

        Reply
    24. Dominick Hewitt

      I made one out of MDF, as a prototype, it works great. Now for the hardwood version. Thanks

      Reply
    25. Brenden Thomas

      I’m doing this for a project and I wanted to see if you can tell me the front,top and side dimensions

      Reply
      • Customer Service

        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

        Reply
    26. Eddie

      Looks great especially for people that has trouble hearing the music or the phone conversation.

      Reply
    27. TRACIE

      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

      Reply
      • Customer Service

        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

        Reply
      • Customer Service

        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

        Reply
    28. Mark D Colbert

      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!!

      Reply
    29. TRACIE JACKSON

      I love this project and I make things to sell at the flea market. Can I add this to my compliment.

      Reply
    30. Joel

      I was thinking of using purple heart it is hard maybe it will give it more sound. If anything it will look good

      Reply
    31. Al Patton

      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.

      Reply
      • Paul Mayer

        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.

        Reply
      • Mike Livorsi

        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.

        Reply
        • Russ Olley

          Craig and Mike: I am looking for other teachers in similar grades to talk to and compare projects.

          Reply
    32. John S. Brunel

      Built another design but I think I like this one better, looks better, thanks for posting.

      Reply
    33. Antonio C

      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!

      Reply
      • Customer Service

        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

        Reply
    34. Inez

      What happened to the PDF version? I prefer to download and view later, offline, in my workshop?

      Reply
      • bryan

        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.

        Reply
        • Customer Service

          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

          Reply
      • Customer Service

        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

        Reply