Subwoofer Hidden in Plain Sight

I wanted a 22hz subwoofer for my livingroom. After meeting with the budget/aesthetics committee, my wife agreed I could build a subwoofer that would serve as an end table and look like a trunk.

Step 1: Disclaimer

I am by no means a professional and I based my entire process on reading other instrucables and spending time on forums. I learned a lot through the process and would change a few things if and when I do it again.

Step 2: Hardware

Steps 1 and 2 go hand in hand. You need to decide what kind of performance you want combined with how much space you're willing to utilize. I decided to start with performance first and size second so I chose my hardware before settling on a design.

Step 3: Design

Come up with a plan for your subwoofer before purchasing building materials. I used a free program called winISD to help calculate my design based on the driver and performance I wanted.

Step 4: Materials

Using your design calculate how much material you need. I build mine out of 3/4 MDF, everyone online recommended 1/2 or 3/4, I chose 3/4 to play it safe.

Step 5: Cut and Assembly

If you're confident with your measurements you can cut all your pieces then assemble or you can cut and assemble as you go.

Step 6: Break-in

After assembling the enclosure I decided to install the driver and amp and let it run overnight using sweep tones to break-in the driver.

Step 7: Paint

I decided to paint all the areas that wouldn't be covered in leather.

Step 8: Wrapped in Leather

Began wrapping in leather. Attached leather with contact cement.

Step 9: Accents

Added hardware accents to make it look like a trunk.

Step 10: Finish and Enjoy

After the paint was dried I finished assembling everything, and began shaking the house.

Comments

[tcman2006]

Cool

[MitchellCochran]

Thank you

[rashton2]

Nice one :)

[MitchellCochran]

Thank you

[LukeA50]

Beautiful!

[MitchellCochran]

Thank you

[Ric57]

Wow, You are all set to open 2 business Trunk making and Sub woofer design and manufacturing. The design is awesome, Any plan's on selling some be sure to post a link.

[MitchellCochran]

Thank you very much. No, I don't have intentions of selling them. ?

[grahambb]

Could you talk about the amp / crossover and the electronics you used please.

[MitchellCochran]

The amp is a Bash 300s. I actually just use my receiver subwoofer output as a crossover. I know it's not the best crossover but for my use it works great. I run the amp full range and set my receiver subwoofer output to 80hz

[grahambb]

Thanks!

[MitchellCochran]

http://www.parts-express.com/bash-300s-digital-subwoofer-plate-amplifier-300w-rms--300-750

[dlindstrom]

Where did you get the amp and sub?

[MitchellCochran]

Parts-express.com

[bigkim100]

Where did you get the leather to wrap it in??

[MitchellCochran]

I got it from my local facbric supplier. It's actually two different faux leathers. One for the main body and one for the trim accents.

[DIY Hacks and How Tos]

Nice design. That looks just like a regular end table. Bonus points for making it functional and looking nice.

[MitchellCochran]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[pantalone]

Nice job! I would never guess that's a subwoofer.

[MitchellCochran]

Thank you, that's exactly what I was going for ?