Creating a wooden book stand with a built-in bookmark is an enjoyable and rewarding woodworking project. This project will not only help you practice basic woodworking skills but also give you a functional and aesthetically pleasing item to use for your reading needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a wooden book stand with a built-in bookmark.
Materials Needed:
- A wooden board (for the stand) – 1/2″ to 3/4″ thick, depending on the desired strength and look
- A wooden strip (for the bookmark) – about 1/4″ to 1/2″ thick, and the same length as the width of your book stand
- Wood glue
- Wood screws (optional for extra stability)
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wood finish or stain (optional for finishing the wood)
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Saw (circular saw or hand saw)
- Drill and drill bits
- Clamps
- Measuring tape
Step 1: Plan and Measure
The first step is to decide on the dimensions of your book stand. Typically, the base should be wide enough to support your book, and the back piece should be tall enough to hold the book at an angle. A good starting point is to make the base 8-10 inches wide and the back support about 12-14 inches tall. The bookmark will run across the width of the base, so ensure its length matches the base.
Step 2: Cut the Wood Pieces
Using your saw, cut the wooden board into the following pieces:
- A base piece (8-10 inches wide, depending on your desired size).
- A back support piece (12-14 inches tall).
- Two side supports (each about 6-8 inches tall for stability).
- The bookmark piece (same length as the base piece, and about 1/4″ to 1/2″ thick).
Step 3: Sand the Edges
After cutting the pieces, smooth out any rough edges with sandpaper. Start with medium-grit sandpaper and follow up with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure the wood is smooth to the touch.
Step 4: Assemble the Book Stand
Now it’s time to put the pieces together:
- Attach the two side supports to the base piece using wood glue. You can add screws for extra stability, but glue is usually enough if done correctly. Allow the glue to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Attach the back support piece to the base. This piece will lean at an angle, so make sure it’s securely glued and, if necessary, screw it in for extra strength.
- The back support should be tilted slightly for holding books at an optimal angle, generally around 45-60 degrees. Ensure that the angle is stable and not too steep, as the book might fall over.
Step 5: Install the Built-In Bookmark
The bookmark is the unique feature of this stand. You will attach it to the base in such a way that it can hold your place in the book without interfering with the overall design.
- Take the bookmark strip and apply a small amount of wood glue to one end of it.
- Attach the bookmark piece to the top or side of the base (depending on your preference) so that one end hangs over slightly. Make sure it sticks out enough to easily slide a book’s page underneath it.
- You can also choose to add a small notch or cut-out at the end of the bookmark so that the page stays in place more securely.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once the glue has dried completely, you can finish your wooden book stand. If you like, apply a wood finish or stain to enhance the color and texture of the wood. You can also varnish or wax the surface to protect it and give it a polished look. Sand the surface lightly before finishing to ensure smoothness.
Step 7: Test the Stand and Bookmark
Place a book on the stand to make sure the back support is stable and the book stays in place. Test the bookmark to ensure it can securely hold the page in place while reading.
Additional Tips:
- You can personalize the stand by adding decorative elements, such as carvings, wood burning designs, or painting the edges.
- Consider using a stronger wood, such as oak or walnut, for a more durable and sophisticated look.
- If you plan to use the stand for larger books, make sure the back support is tall enough to accommodate them.
Once complete, you’ll have a custom wooden book stand with a built-in bookmark that makes reading and organizing your books easier and more enjoyable. This project is a fantastic way to combine both function and style, and it makes for a great gift for fellow book lovers.
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