Posts tagged ‘handmade’

February 4th, 2008

Woodworking project: New wood iPod cases

by Michael Dinsmore

I’ve got into the habit of trying out different woodworking techniques with various iPod Touch and iPod Video cases since the first case I made. I think its because they don’t take too long and can fit in between running around with the kids! Nonetheless, they pose some challenges which makes it fun to try to figure out solutions. First, you want to try to keep the case as small as possible — you don’t want it to be much bigger than the iPod itself. Second, it needs to be durable and withstand some wear and tear. This contrasts with point number one, as the thinner you make the wood, the more fragile it becomes.

After seeing a presentation by Phil Lowe at the Peabody Essex Museum, I’ve been wanting to try some carving. The Samuel McIntyre exhibit at PEM was definitely inspiring as well, although it’ll take a lifetime to be a master craftsman like Samuel was! I’m not sure how I can tie carving into an iPod case, but who knows, maybe I’ll have moved onto something else by then!

In the meantime, I’m trying to figure out what to do with all the extra cases! You can find them at Etsy.

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November 19th, 2007

Woodworking project: Wood iPod case for iPod Touch

by Michael Dinsmore

I carry my iPod Touch in my messenger bag back and forth from work. After walking, taking the train and a bus, there’s definitely plenty of chance for the iPod to get jostled and potentially smashed against something hard. So I decided to make my own iPod case to help protect it.

I figured wood would make a great case — it is tough, attractive and easy to maintain. I was also sure I had plenty of scrap stuff lying around here and there in my workshop to put something together. Since it was only for when I wasn’t using it, I decided I didn’t need a window or any holes for earphone jacks to access it.

I used some quarter inch birch plywood for the main sides and pine for the minor sides and ends. For the very bottom I put a false bottom which are connected to a pen spring I cut in half and mounted to the real bottom and the false bottom. This gives a shock absorbing bottom which should help in case of falls.

After cutting the pieces, gluing them together and clamping it, there was just a few things left. I took my Dremel tool and sanded out the hinged top so it gave some extra room for the iPod. I had a couple small spare hinges which worked, but not exactly what I wanted. I ended up throwing on a coat of polyurethane to keep the wood iPod Touch case looking sharp too (more pictures here).

Make sure you read the updated, improved and more beautiful wood iPod case post!


You can also buy wood iPod cases and wood iPhone cases!