In part one you learned about starter tools, the bare minimum tools needed to begin your speaker building journey, now we move up to level 2 and kick up your speaker building tools one more notch!
Cutting Perfect Circles!
You will need to cut circles for your speakers, ports, and any curves or other features you may want to add. To do that you need this three-tool combo. A plunge router, a circle jig, and a quarter inch spiral bit.
Speed up your box assembly!
Back in level one you used your drill and driver to glue and screw your box. Now you need to upgrade to a brad nailer. You have two options. A cordless one that uses your existing cordless batteries or pick up a compressor and go pneumatic.
There are pros and cons to both setups. I personally prefer cordless so I am not dragging an air hose around the shop. But if you already have a compressor the pneumatic is cheaper, plus an air compressor is a handy tool that you probably should have anyway.
Improve Your Workspace!
Up until this point I have assumed that you have sawhorses or you have been working on the ground. So now it is time to use your tools to build a workbench. If you don’t have time to build one it is OK to buy one. With today’s high wood prices it may even be cheaper! I have several of this style, get two of them and you can use them as giant saw horses and support a large pieces of plywood:
Sand and Solder!
A sander can be used to flatten out uneven parts and is necessary for prepping your plywood box for stain. Solder (pronounced sawder) and shrink wrap is the best way to make your wire connections.
When shopping for a soldering iron it is OK to grab a cheap one as you get started. But you will quickly discover that being tied to a power outlet will limit your ability to get work done. Plus they tend to be underpowered. Consider going with a torch style, powered by butane. I used a Dremel VersaFlame for several years and it gets 5 out of 5 starts. If you can afford it I highly recommend the Milwaukee M12 cordless soldering Iron. I gave it 4.5 starts because it is a bit expensive. If you already have M12 tools then it makes for a good add-on to that too line. If you don’t need portability then go with a Weller soldering station, 5 out of 5.
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Upgrade your Level 1 Tools
You should always be on the lookout for upgrades that make life easier. Now is a good time to upgrade your measurement and marking tools. I love these Red T-squares, they are Woodpecker clones.
The best tools are free tools!
Which is why I have a bunch of calculators here on the website, give them a look, they will help you solve many common car audio problems.
Trusted Partners
I personally buy gear and tools from all of these companies, which is why I have affiliate deals with them. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.
Warning and Disclaimer!
This website, including all calculators, tools, and information, is provided “as is” without any warranty, express or implied, including but not limited to accuracy, completeness, or fitness for a particular purpose. The creators of this website are not responsible for errors on this site or mistakes made by users in applying the information. Using woodworking equipment, and other tools carries serious risks such as cuts, amputations, and hearing damage. Always wear appropriate PPE. Playing music at high sound pressure levels may cause permanent hearing loss, equipment damage, or violations of local noise ordinances. By using this website, you agree that you assume all risks and accept that the creators of this website are not liable for any damages, injuries, losses, or consequences—real or imagined—that may result from the use or misuse of this site.