Make a rustic inspired iPod dock from a dead tree. It's a unique way to jazz up your iPod's docking connection!
Edit Steps
Edit Part 1: Preparing the stump or trunk
- Find a suitable tree stump or trunk. It needs to be at least 5 inches/12.5cm in diameter.
- Cut 1/2 inch/1.2cm of the tree trunk.
- You will now have thick stable base for your iPod.
- You will now have thick stable base for your iPod.
Edit Part 2: Preparing the docking part
- Measure your iPod's width.
- Transfer the iPod base measurements to the wood. This will be a rectangular shape. Place it in the spot where you want the iPod to "dock" on the piece of wood.
- Get your hammer and chisel.
- Cut a chunk out of the rectangular shape you marked on the wood. Chisel as neatly as possible. When done, this forms the iPod's holding dock.
- Cut a chunk out of the rectangular shape you marked on the wood. Chisel as neatly as possible. When done, this forms the iPod's holding dock.
- Add a hole for the USB cable. Get your iPod's USB cable. Measure its width and transfer this measurement to the wood.
- Cut a smaller rectangular hole on the smallest side of the rectangular shape already chiseled out for the iPod. Make sure the new hole reaches through to the bottom of the wood.
- Cut a smaller rectangular hole on the smallest side of the rectangular shape already chiseled out for the iPod. Make sure the new hole reaches through to the bottom of the wood.
- Insert the USB cable through the new hole. Check it fits properly (test with the iPod in place too), then remove before sanding.
- Smooth the sides of the rectangular inset with sandpaper.
- Reinsert the USB cable. Put some super glue on the sides of the USB to reinforce it. That way, it won't move around when you dock your iPod.
- If you don't wish to glue the USB cable in place, either use poster tack on the underside when using the cable, or simply be prepared to put up with some movement.
- Test the fit of your device.
Edit Part 3: Adding speaker holes
This part is optional but may be useful if you have speakers as well as the iPod.
- Add speaker spots to the design, if desired. Simply trace the base of your speakers on the wooden dock, in the same manner as for the iPod.
- Make sure the distance between the speakers and iPod is proportioned appropriately, to ensure good sound. Chisel out the holes, in the same manner as for the iPod.
- Test the fit once more.
Edit Part 4: Using the tree trunk iPod dock
- Fit everything together and listen to music. You can even listen while the iPod is on the dock charging its batteries.
- Place the dock on your office desk. Enjoy your rustic iPod dock.
Edit Things You'll Need
- Tree trunk/stump
- Saw
- Marker and pencil
- Ruler or tape measure
- Chisel and hammer
- iPod and USB cable
- Glue (suited to wood and plastic)
- iPod speakers (optional)