Creating a wooden cookbook stand with an adjustable angle is a fantastic woodworking project that combines practicality with craftsmanship. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or a beginner looking for a fun challenge, this step-by-step guide will show you how to make a sturdy and stylish cookbook stand that you can adjust to different angles for easy reading while cooking.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Wood: Choose a hardwood like oak, maple, or walnut for a durable finish.
- 1 piece for the base (about 12″ x 6″)
- 1 piece for the backrest (about 12″ x 7″)
- 2 pieces for the sides (about 3″ x 7″ each)
- 1 small piece for the support bracket (about 2″ x 4″)
- Screws or Wood Dowels for assembly
- Wood glue
- Hinges (optional, for the adjustable mechanism)
- Sandpaper (preferably 120 and 220 grit)
- Wood finish or stain for sealing
- Drill with bits (for screws or dowels)
- Saw (circular or jigsaw)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Wood Pieces
Start by cutting all the wood pieces according to the dimensions listed above. If you have a saw with a miter function, you can cut the edges at an angle for a more refined look. Otherwise, keeping the edges square works fine.
Step 2: Sand the Pieces
Before you begin assembling the stand, it’s essential to sand each piece of wood smooth. Start with 120-grit sandpaper to remove any rough patches, then finish with 220-grit for a smoother, polished surface. This step is important for both aesthetics and to ensure the wood is comfortable to handle and safe to use.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
Take the large base piece (12″ x 6″) and position it flat on your workspace. Then, attach the two side pieces (3″ x 7″ each) to the base using wood glue and screws or dowels. The side pieces will serve as the supports for the backrest, so make sure they are positioned evenly on either side.
Step 4: Attach the Backrest
Take the backrest piece (12″ x 7″) and attach it to the top of the two side supports. The backrest will hold the cookbook, so you need to decide on the angle it will have. Use a hinge mechanism if you want it to be adjustable. If not, you can simply glue and screw it into place at a fixed angle. Typically, a 45-degree angle is ideal for a cookbook stand, but feel free to adjust it according to your preference.
To create an adjustable mechanism, install a small hinge at the bottom of the backrest. Then, screw the hinge to a small wooden support piece attached to the base, allowing the backrest to move forward or backward, adjusting the angle.
Step 5: Make the Adjustable Support
Now, you’ll need a support bracket to hold the backrest at various angles. This can be as simple as a small wooden peg or dowel that fits into holes drilled into both the backrest and the base. You can also use a metal bracket that slides into a groove if you want a more refined, sliding mechanism. The idea is that this bracket can be repositioned to hold the backrest at the desired angle.
If you’re using a peg or dowel system:
- Drill a hole in the backrest at the bottom.
- Drill a corresponding hole into the base, aligned so that when the peg is placed in the hole, the backrest will stay in place at the desired angle.
Step 6: Add the Cookbook Lip (Optional)
If you’d like your cookbook stand to hold the cookbook securely, you can add a small lip at the bottom of the backrest. This can be a thin strip of wood that’s glued or screwed to the edge of the backrest, preventing the cookbook from slipping off.
Step 7: Final Sanding and Finishing
After the stand is assembled, sand any rough edges or spots where glue might have seeped out. Then, finish the stand by applying a wood stain or paint, depending on your aesthetic preference. A good wood finish will protect your stand and give it a nice, durable finish. Make sure to let it dry thoroughly before use.
Step 8: Test the Adjustability
Once everything is dry, test the adjustability of your cookbook stand. Place a cookbook on it and try adjusting the backrest to different angles to ensure it holds firmly in place.
Additional Tips:
- If you want a more polished look, you can add decorative details such as carving or engraving on the sides or backrest.
- For a sturdier base, you can add rubber feet to the bottom of the stand to keep it from slipping while in use.
- You can customize the size based on the cookbook’s dimensions or to match your kitchen decor.
This adjustable wooden cookbook stand is not only functional but also adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen. By following these steps, you can build a sturdy and reliable piece that will serve you for years to come.
If you’re looking for more woodworking inspiration or tutorials, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course here.