Creating a wooden book stand with an adjustable angle is a fantastic woodworking project that combines functionality with craftsmanship. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build one:
Materials Needed:
- Wooden planks (preferably hardwood like oak, maple, or pine for sturdiness)
- Wood glue
- Screws or nails
- Hinges (for adjustable angles)
- Wood finish or paint (optional for finishing)
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Measuring tape and ruler
- Circular saw or hand saw
- Drill with bits
- Clamps
Tools Required:
- Saw (circular or hand saw)
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper or power sander
- Measuring tape
- Carpenter’s square (to ensure straight edges)
- Clamps
- Wood glue
Step 1: Plan Your Design
Before starting the actual build, think about the dimensions of the book stand. The general size of a book stand might be around 12 inches wide, 10 inches deep, and about 15 to 20 inches tall, but you can adjust these measurements based on personal preference.
Step 2: Cut Your Wood Pieces
Based on your measurements, cut the following pieces of wood:
- Base piece: 1 piece, 12 inches long and 6 inches wide.
- Back support piece: 1 piece, 10 inches tall and 5 inches wide (this is the main support that will hold the book).
- Book rest piece: 1 piece, 12 inches long and 2 inches high. This is the part where the book will rest.
- Side support pieces: 2 pieces, about 10 inches long and 2 inches wide each.
- Adjustable angle piece: 1 piece, roughly 10 inches long and 1-2 inches wide (to create the angle adjustment mechanism).
You can adjust the measurements to fit your needs, but these dimensions will give you a general framework.
Step 3: Sand and Smooth the Edges
Use medium grit sandpaper to smooth out the cut edges of the wood pieces. This ensures the edges are not sharp and that the finished product looks neat. You can follow up with fine grit sandpaper for a smoother finish.
Step 4: Attach the Hinges to the Back Support
Take the back support piece and the adjustable angle piece. You will attach hinges to the top of the back support so that it can tilt back and forth.
- Mark where you want the hinges to go, typically at the top edge of the back support.
- Attach the hinges to both the back support and the adjustable angle piece.
- This will allow you to tilt the back support and set it at various angles.
Step 5: Attach the Base and Side Supports
Take the base piece and the side support pieces and attach them to form a rectangular base. Use wood glue and screws or nails to secure them together. This forms the foundation that holds the book rest upright.
- Position the side support pieces along the edges of the base, ensuring they are perpendicular to the base.
- Secure them with screws or nails.
Step 6: Install the Book Rest
Now, attach the book rest piece to the front of the base. This piece should be placed at an angle to provide proper support for books when the stand is in use.
- Position the book rest at the appropriate angle and glue it in place. If you’d like to ensure more stability, use screws to secure the book rest.
- Make sure the book rest is not too high or too low; it should be at a comfortable level for the book to rest against.
Step 7: Attach the Adjustable Angle Mechanism
To allow for adjustable angles, you need to attach a locking mechanism to hold the back support in place at the chosen angle.
- Use a small peg or rod that can slide into different holes on the side supports of the back piece. Drill multiple holes along the side to offer various angle settings.
- The peg can be made from a dowel rod or any sturdy piece of wood that fits securely into the holes.
- When you want to adjust the angle, you simply pull out the peg and slide it into a different hole.
Step 8: Finishing
Once the stand is assembled and the glue is dry, you can apply a finish to protect the wood and enhance its appearance. Choose a finish that suits the aesthetic you’re going for—wood stain, varnish, or paint. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
- Sand the entire stand once more after the finish dries to ensure a smooth, polished look.
- Allow the finish to cure properly before using the stand.
Step 9: Test the Stand
Place a book on the stand and test the adjustability. Try different angles to ensure it holds the book securely and can be easily adjusted. The hinges should provide enough resistance to keep the stand in place without being too difficult to move.
Conclusion
This adjustable wooden book stand is a simple yet effective project that adds both functionality and a handmade touch to your space. With the ability to adjust the angle, it’s perfect for reading, displaying books, or even as a stand for tablets and laptops.
For a more polished result, experiment with different types of wood, finishes, and designs to make your stand unique to your style.
If you’re looking for more woodworking projects and ideas, check out Teds Woodworking Course for step-by-step instructions and over 16,000 woodworking plans: Teds Woodworking Course.