This is a documentation of a DIY build of a vibraphone. I used 5x60mm aluminium plate for the bars and some leftover wood and sawmill to build the frame. The main obstacle is a precise tuning of the bars, which is documented in the video.
I'm still working on the vibration part, but it's already quite usable and I really like the sound of it.
One thing to note in case you consider doing this too. Normally the bars get narrower going up to the higher pitched tones and this helps make the slanted holes through the bars a straight line. I decided I didn't want to lose material and left all the bars the same width, but that resulted in a curved line for the cord and also the board under the bars needed to be bent to support the bars in their node positions. It's still managable and works, but it would be easier to just have it straight.
Links I found helpful during the build:
buildavibe.blogspot.com
www.lafavre.us/tuning-marimba...
www.hopestreetmarimba.com/a-dr...
wyndorps.de/E_index.htm
www.mmdigest.com/Gallery/Tech...