How to make a wooden book stand with an adjustable angle

To make a wooden book stand with an adjustable angle, you’ll need basic woodworking skills and tools. Here’s a simple guide to help you create a functional and stylish adjustable book stand.

Materials Needed:

• 1 piece of plywood or hardwood (for the base and back)
• 2 wooden dowels or a thick rod (for the adjustable arms)
• Screws or wood dowels (for assembling the parts)
• Hinges (for the adjustable mechanism)
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper
• Wood finish or paint (optional)
• Drill and bits
• Saw (for cutting the wood)
• Measuring tape or ruler

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut the Pieces

1. Base: Cut a piece of plywood or hardwood (around 12″ x 8″) for the base. This will hold the book in place.
2. Back Support: Cut another piece that is slightly smaller than the base (around 10″ x 8″). This will be the upright support that holds the book at different angles.
3. Adjustable Arms: Cut two pieces of wood (around 4″ x 1″) to serve as the adjustable arms. These pieces will hold the back support at various angles.

Step 2: Prepare the Hinges

1. Attach a hinge to the top of the back support and the base to allow it to pivot. This hinge will enable the book stand to adjust to different angles.
2. Mark where you want the hinge and then use a drill to create holes for the screws to attach it securely.

Step 3: Drill Holes for Adjustable Arms

1. Drill small holes on either side of the back support and base where you plan to attach the adjustable arms.
2. The wooden dowels or rods will slide through these holes to adjust the angle. Ensure that the holes are evenly spaced on both sides for balance.

Step 4: Create Adjustable Stops

1. To keep the adjustable arms in place at different angles, you’ll need small stops. Drill several holes along the back support where the arms will rest at different angles. These can be spaced every 15 or 20 degrees, depending on how many angles you want to offer.
2. You can also use small pegs or nails along the back to lock the arms into position.

Step 5: Attach the Adjustable Arms

1. Insert the wooden dowels through the holes you drilled in the back support and base. These will serve as the pivoting mechanism.
2. Attach one end of each arm to the back support and the other end to the base. This way, the arms can be moved up or down to adjust the angle of the back support.

Step 6: Finish and Sand

1. Sand all the edges of the wood to ensure a smooth finish, especially where the parts move against each other.
2. Apply wood finish or paint if desired to protect the wood and give it a polished look.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

1. Once everything is assembled, test the book stand to ensure the angle adjusts smoothly.
2. If needed, add rubber pads to the bottom of the base for stability and grip.

Conclusion:

You now have a functional wooden book stand with an adjustable angle. It’s perfect for reading, cooking, or displaying books.