Creating a wooden cookbook holder with a recipe stand can be a fun and practical woodworking project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build one:
Materials Needed:
- Wood (e.g., pine, oak, or plywood)
- Wood glue
- Screws (optional)
- Sandpaper
- Wood finish (varnish, polyurethane, or wood oil)
- Hinges (optional)
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Saw (hand saw, miter saw, or jigsaw)
- Drill
- Wood clamps
- Pencil
Tools Required:
- Saw (for cutting the wood)
- Drill (for making holes)
- Sandpaper or a sander
- Screwdriver (if using screws)
- Wood glue
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Hinges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Design and Dimensions:
- Base: The base should be sturdy enough to support the weight of the cookbook. A typical dimension for the base might be around 12 inches wide by 8 inches deep.
- Stand: The recipe stand should tilt the cookbook slightly for easy reading. The angle can vary based on preference, but typically an angle of about 45 degrees works well.
- Back Support: A vertical or slanted back support will hold the cookbook in place. You can make this from a piece of wood approximately 10-12 inches high.
2. Cutting the Pieces:
- Base: Cut a rectangular piece of wood for the base. It should be large enough to hold the cookbook without tipping over.
- Back Support: Cut a slanted piece for the back support, which will hold the recipe upright. It should be slightly taller than the base.
- Leg Support: If you want a foldable design, cut a smaller piece of wood that will act as a leg support, helping to keep the cookbook holder tilted at the desired angle.
You can also design it with a removable or adjustable leg support.
3. Assembly:
- Attaching the Back Support to the Base: Using wood glue or screws, attach the back support to the rear end of the base. Make sure it’s aligned properly and holds at the right angle.
- Creating the Recipe Holder/Stand: You can create a small lip or barrier on the base (front edge) to hold the cookbook in place. This can be a piece of wood cut to a small height and glued to the front edge of the base.
Optionally, if you want the cookbook holder to be foldable or adjustable, you can attach the leg support using hinges to allow the stand to fold when not in use.
4. Sanding:
- Sand all the surfaces smoothly with sandpaper. This will ensure there are no sharp edges and that the surface is even.
- For a smoother finish, you can use a sander or a finer-grit sandpaper to give it a polished look.
5. Finishing:
- Once the wood is sanded, apply a wood finish to protect the wood and give it a polished appearance. This could be a clear varnish, polyurethane, or wood oil.
- Allow the finish to dry fully according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Adding Optional Features:
- If you want to make the cookbook holder more versatile, you could add hinges to the back support, allowing the angle of the stand to be adjustable.
- For extra functionality, you could add a small drawer or shelf at the bottom for storing additional recipes or cooking tools.
Final Thoughts:
After the glue and finish dry, your wooden cookbook holder should be ready to use. The result will be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, perfect for keeping your recipe book open and at a comfortable reading angle while cooking.
If you’re looking for more woodworking projects, check out Teds Woodworking Course here.