Creating a wooden cookbook stand with a tilting base is a satisfying and functional woodworking project that combines simple joinery with a bit of design flair. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build one.
Materials and Tools
Materials:
- 1” x 8” x 24” hardwood board (oak, maple, or any wood of your choice)
- Wood glue
- Wood screws (or nails)
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wood finish or wood stain (optional)
Tools:
- Saw (circular saw or miter saw)
- Drill and drill bits
- Screwdriver or electric drill
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Wood clamps
- Woodworking square
- Pencil
- Sanding block or electric sander
- Angle bracket (for the tilting base)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
Start by measuring and cutting the wood pieces to size. You will need:
- Back panel: A rectangular piece of wood that will act as the main support. Dimensions: 12” x 8”.
- Base support: A piece of wood that will hold the book and allow it to tilt. Dimensions: 12” x 4”.
- Side panels: Two pieces of wood that will be attached on either side of the base. Dimensions: 2” x 8” (each).
- Tilting mechanism: An angle bracket or a small piece of wood that will allow the cookbook stand to tilt. You’ll need to cut it to fit your desired tilt angle. A small, adjustable metal bracket can work well for this purpose.
Step 2: Create the Back and Base Support
- Back Panel: Take your 12” x 8” rectangular piece and use a wood square to ensure the edges are straight. Sand the edges and surface to remove rough spots.
- Base Panel: Similarly, take the 12” x 4” piece for the base. Sand and smooth the edges.
Position the base panel at a slight angle relative to the back panel. To do this:
- Attach a small tilting mechanism using screws or a bracket at the bottom of the back panel.
- The bracket will allow the base to tilt up, holding the cookbook at a comfortable angle. You can adjust the angle to suit your preferences.
Step 3: Attach the Side Panels
- Attach the side panels to both edges of the back panel using wood glue and screws or nails. These pieces should stand vertically and support the back panel’s position.
- The height of the side panels will depend on how tall you want the cookbook stand to be. Typically, side panels that are around 8” high should work well for most cookbook sizes.
Step 4: Install the Tilting Mechanism
The tilting mechanism can either be:
- Angle bracket: A metal angle bracket can be installed at the back bottom of the stand. It can be adjustable, so you can change the tilt depending on the size of the cookbook or your preference.
- Wooden Slat: If you prefer a wooden solution, you can use a slat of wood attached at the base of the back panel to the base with hinges. The hinges will let the wood slat pivot, changing the angle of the cookbook stand.
Whichever method you choose, ensure that the mechanism is sturdy and allows smooth tilting of the base.
Step 5: Sand and Finish the Stand
- Sand the entire stand with medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out rough edges. Follow up with fine-grit sandpaper to achieve a polished finish.
- Once the sanding is done, apply a wood finish or stain if desired. This will not only enhance the look of the stand but also protect the wood from wear and tear. Allow the finish to dry before proceeding.
Step 6: Final Assembly
Once the finish is dry, assemble the entire stand, ensuring that all pieces are firmly attached. If necessary, add a small rubber or felt pad on the base to prevent the stand from sliding on kitchen surfaces.
Your wooden cookbook stand with a tilting base is now ready to use! It should comfortably hold your cookbooks while allowing you to adjust the angle for easy reading.
Tips:
- Make sure to use a strong wood for the stand to ensure it can hold heavier cookbooks.
- Customize the size based on your personal preference or the size of the cookbooks you use most often.
- Add decorative carvings or personalized touches to make the stand unique.
With just a few tools and some basic wood crafting skills, you can build a functional and stylish wooden cookbook stand. Happy woodworking!
Promote your woodworking skills further by exploring the Teds Woodworking Course for even more woodworking ideas and projects. Check it out here.