Source the wood

After taking inspiration from the well known iPod dock in a log, as seen on http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/15/ipod-speaker-dock-carved-from-tree-trunk/
http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/the-i-log-wooden-ipod-dock/
I will embark on my own DIY experiment.

Firstly, I'll explain that I'm a novice, the only wood working I have done, was at School, many years ago.

Over the past few weeks I have sources components for the inside of the system. And recommend following
http://www.pcworld.com/article/146196/build_your_own_ipod_stereo_system.html 
on how to build your own iPod dock system. I will incorporate these components within my log, and hopefully make everything work with some car-style circular 8-Inch 3-way speakers, and a T-class Amp.

Today I sourced the wood from a wood recycling warehouse in Sydney, NSW, Australia. http://www.ironwood.com.au/index.shtml 
I was excited to get there, and see all the different types of timber available, although there were few and far between circular natural looking timber, I did find a piece which was just right.

After this was cut down to size with a chainsaw, I attempted to ask the guys at the timber yard how to hallow it out. Yahoo Answers also provided me with some guidance
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100919224919AAZuGId
 but I would rather ask someone in person. Unfortunately, 0 out of the 6 men had any foolproof suggestions on how to do this. As I suspected It would have to be done manually, drilling many holes and cutting between them using an electric jigsaw then chiseling the wood out.

I got the wood home and started to sand and smooth it, so that it wasn't too ruff to work with, but still remained the character of recycled wood. The wood is 1metre long, and 10-Inch thick. It is a heavy old piece, with a lot of character. 

I continued to drill some holes at the edge, leaving 1-Inch all around for mounting speakers on to. I will continue to cut through this piece to a depth of 10-Inch's which should be enough for a speaker to fit comfortably inside. The speaker cabling will be tracked underneath the cavity. 

Tomorrow will be more drilling, and cutting followed by chiseling.

Wish me luck!

Any questions email 

joelhauer1@me.com