Creating a wooden iPad stand with an adjustable angle is a rewarding and functional woodworking project. With just a few materials and tools, you can craft a sturdy, custom stand that allows you to adjust the angle for different viewing or typing needs. Here’s how to make your own wooden iPad stand with an adjustable angle:
Materials Required:
- Wood (A hardwood like oak or maple is ideal for durability)
- Plywood (For the base or platform)
- Wood screws (For securing the adjustable parts)
- Wood glue (For additional stability)
- Rubber or felt pads (To prevent scratches on the iPad)
- Sandpaper (For smoothing edges)
- Hinges (To create adjustable angles)
- Dowels or screws (For locking the angle position)
- Wood finish or paint (Optional, for a polished look)
Tools Required:
- Saw (A miter saw or table saw is preferred)
- Drill (For making holes for screws and dowels)
- Screwdriver
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Clamps
- Sander or sandpaper
- Pencil (For marking measurements)
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Design the Stand
First, sketch out your design for the iPad stand. You’ll need a base, a vertical support piece, and a back support piece for the adjustable angle. The stand should be large enough to hold the iPad securely and allow easy adjustment.
- Base: This is the main support of the stand. It needs to be wide enough to ensure stability.
- Vertical support: This will hold the iPad upright and allow for angle adjustments.
- Back support: The angled back support will allow the iPad to lean back at different angles.
Step 2: Cut the Wood Pieces
Using your saw, cut the following pieces from your wood or plywood:
- Base: A rectangular piece about 10” x 6” (this can vary depending on your preference).
- Vertical support: A piece of wood approximately 10” long and 2” wide.
- Back support: A piece that will connect the vertical support to the base. Cut it at an angle—ideally, the angle should be around 30-40 degrees to provide a comfortable viewing angle. You can adjust this based on your preference.
- Angle-locking mechanism pieces: This can be a small piece of wood or dowel to lock the angle in place.
Step 3: Sand and Smooth the Edges
Once your pieces are cut, smooth all edges using sandpaper or a sander. This step is crucial to prevent rough edges from damaging the iPad or causing injury.
Step 4: Assemble the Base
Start by attaching the vertical support to the base. Use wood glue and screws for added stability. Make sure the vertical support is perpendicular to the base for a strong hold.
Step 5: Attach the Hinges
Attach one side of the hinge to the back of the vertical support and the other side to the back support. The hinges will allow the angle of the stand to be adjustable. Drill small pilot holes for the screws to avoid splitting the wood.
Step 6: Install the Locking Mechanism
To hold the stand at the desired angle, you can use a locking mechanism. Drill a hole on the back support and vertical support for a dowel or small locking pin. The pin will allow you to lock the back support at different angles by sliding it into the holes at various positions.
If you prefer, you can use a more sophisticated locking mechanism like a knob or sliding pin.
Step 7: Attach the Rubber or Felt Pads
To prevent the iPad from sliding or scratching, apply rubber or felt pads to the area where the iPad will rest. This will also protect the back of your device from scratches and provide more grip.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
If desired, apply a wood finish or paint to give the stand a polished look. You can choose a clear finish to enhance the natural beauty of the wood, or you can paint it to match your home or office décor.
Allow the finish to dry completely before using the stand.
Step 9: Test the Stand
Once everything is dry and secured, place your iPad on the stand. Adjust the angle and ensure the locking mechanism holds the stand firmly in place. Make sure the iPad is stable and the stand provides a comfortable viewing or typing position.
Tips:
- You can experiment with different angles for your back support to find what works best for your needs.
- If you want a more compact design, consider using plywood for the base and support pieces.
- Add a non-slip base (rubber feet or adhesive pads) for extra stability.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you’ll create a simple yet effective wooden iPad stand with an adjustable angle. This project is perfect for those looking to build a custom stand that’s both functional and stylish. Enjoy your new creation, and don’t forget to personalize it with a finish or paint to make it truly your own!
For more woodworking ideas and step-by-step guides, check out Teds Woodworking Course here: Teds Woodworking Course.