Building a wooden book stand for hands-free reading is a great project for anyone looking to enhance their reading experience. Whether you want a stand to hold a cookbook in the kitchen or a novel while you lounge, a custom wooden book stand can be an elegant and functional addition to your space. Below is a detailed guide on how to create a simple, sturdy, and practical wooden book stand.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Wood: Choose a durable hardwood like oak, maple, or plywood for the base and support. You’ll need around 1 to 1.5 feet of wood for this project, depending on the size of the stand.
- Wood Glue: A high-strength adhesive to bond parts together.
- Wood Screws: For additional support, particularly in the joints.
- Hinges: If you want the stand to be adjustable.
- Sandpaper: To smooth rough edges.
- Wood Finish or Paint: To protect and beautify the wood.
- Measuring Tape and Ruler: To ensure accurate measurements.
- Saw: To cut the wood to the desired sizes.
- Drill: For creating holes for screws and hinges.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Saw (Table or Miter Saw recommended for precise cuts)
- Drill and bits
- Clamp: For holding parts together while drying or assembling
- Screwdriver
- Paintbrush: If you choose to finish the wood
- Square: To ensure precise angles for the pieces
- Sandpaper or Power Sander
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Design Your Stand
Before starting, plan the design of the book stand. The basic components you’ll need include:
- Base: This is the part that sits flat on the table and supports the whole structure.
- Back Support: The upright piece that holds the book.
- Book Holders: These can be simple wooden arms that prevent the book from slipping off the stand.
For an adjustable stand, the back support can be attached using hinges, allowing you to adjust the angle at which the book sits. The size of the base should be wide enough to stabilize the structure.
Step 2: Cut the Wood
Using your saw, cut the pieces to size. Here are the approximate measurements:
- Base: 12” x 6”
- Back Support: 12” (height) x 2” (width)
- Book Holders: 6” x 1” (two pieces)
- Front Stop: 4” x 1” (optional, helps prevent books from sliding off the stand)
Step 3: Sand the Edges
After cutting the pieces, use sandpaper or a power sander to smooth all the edges. This not only improves the appearance but also removes any sharp edges that could be dangerous or uncomfortable to handle.
Step 4: Attach the Back Support
The back support will hold the book at the angle you want. If you want to make the angle adjustable, attach hinges to the top of the back support, where it meets the base. This will allow the back support to pivot forward and backward.
If you don’t want the angle adjustable, glue the back support at a fixed angle (around 45 degrees works well for reading) and reinforce with screws.
Step 5: Attach the Book Holders
The book holders are simple wooden arms that prevent the book from sliding off. Place one near the top of the back support, and the other about halfway down. The book holders can be attached with wood screws or strong wood glue. Ensure they are at the correct height to accommodate a book of your preferred size.
Step 6: Add the Front Stop (Optional)
For added stability, attach a front stop to the base where the book will rest. This piece will help hold the book in place, ensuring it doesn’t slide off the stand. This can be a simple 1” x 4” piece attached to the front edge of the base.
Step 7: Apply Finish
Once your stand is fully assembled, you can finish it by applying a wood finish or paint. This not only enhances the appearance but also protects the wood from damage. Apply a few coats of your chosen finish, allowing it to dry completely between each layer.
Step 8: Final Assembly and Adjustment
After the finish has dried, give the stand a final inspection. Make sure all screws are tightened, the angles are correct, and the book holders are stable. If the back support is adjustable, test the movement of the hinges to ensure it adjusts smoothly.
Tips for Customization:
- Size: Adjust the size of the stand according to your needs. If you read larger books, make the base and back support taller or wider.
- Decorative Touches: Consider adding carving or painted designs to personalize your book stand.
- Multipurpose: You can design the stand with additional compartments to hold reading glasses, pens, or a bookmark.
Conclusion:
With just a few simple materials and tools, you can easily build a wooden book stand for hands-free reading that is both functional and attractive. Whether you are reading in the kitchen, on the couch, or at a desk, this stand will hold your book at the perfect angle, allowing you to enjoy your reading without using your hands. By adding a personal touch, you can also make it a unique item for your home.
For more woodworking projects, consider exploring Ted’s Woodworking Course for detailed plans and instructions on hundreds of woodworking projects.