Creating a wooden cookbook stand with adjustable angles can be a rewarding and practical woodworking project. It allows you to hold your cookbooks or tablets at a comfortable viewing angle, making it an ideal addition to any kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build one yourself.
Materials Needed:
- 1/2″ thick hardwood (oak, maple, or plywood) for the base and back
- 1/4″ thick plywood or hardwood for the book support shelf
- 2 small hinges (brass or stainless steel)
- Wood screws
- Adjustable angle brackets or a pivot mechanism
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
- Wood finish or paint (optional)
- Saw (table saw or circular saw)
- Drill and bits (for pilot holes and screw placement)
- Clamps
- Ruler or tape measure
- Square tool for accuracy
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cutting the Wood Pieces:
Start by measuring and cutting the wood pieces for your cookbook stand. You will need:
- Base Piece: This will support the cookbook stand and keep it stable. Cut it to approximately 12″ x 8″ (you can adjust this based on your desired size).
- Back Piece: This will hold the cookbook or tablet. It needs to be tall enough to support your books but short enough to be adjustable. A size of about 12″ x 6″ works well.
- Shelf for Holding the Cookbook: Cut a piece that will act as the shelf for holding the book. A good size for this is about 12″ x 4″ wide.
- Angle Adjustment Mechanism: For the adjustable angle, you’ll need two identical pieces (about 6″ long each) that will form the pivots for the back piece.
2. Sanding and Smoothing the Wood:
After cutting all the pieces, use sandpaper (120 grit first, then 220 grit) to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces. Make sure the wood is smooth, especially where parts will pivot or come in contact with other surfaces, to avoid friction.
3. Drilling Pilot Holes for the Hinges:
- Attach the two adjustable angle pieces (you can use brackets or even simple wooden blocks) to the back piece using hinges. Drill pilot holes into the back piece and the angle blocks.
- Make sure the hinges are placed on either side of the back piece, leaving enough space for adjustment.
- Attach the hinges using wood screws.
4. Attaching the Shelf:
- To create a sturdy support shelf for your cookbook, attach the shelf piece to the bottom of the back piece. You can either glue it or screw it into place. If using screws, pre-drill small pilot holes to avoid splitting the wood.
- You can make the shelf slightly angled for better visibility of your cookbook.
5. Setting Up the Angle Adjustment Mechanism:
- If you are using adjustable brackets, simply attach the brackets to the back piece, and ensure that they can lock the angle at various settings.
- For a more intricate setup, you can use a pin or bolt that fits into a series of holes drilled along the back piece, allowing you to change the angle and lock it into place at different settings.
6. Assembling the Stand:
- Attach the base piece to the bottom of the back piece using wood screws. Ensure that the base is sturdy and provides enough support for the stand. You might need to angle the base slightly to ensure stability when tilted.
- Once the back is secured and the angle brackets are in place, test the mechanism to ensure that it holds the desired angles firmly.
7. Finishing Touches:
- Sand any rough edges again and give the stand a final smoothing with 220-grit sandpaper.
- If you wish, apply a finish to the wood. You can either paint it, stain it, or leave it natural. Use a wood finish to protect the surface and make it more durable, especially if exposed to kitchen elements like water or grease.
8. Test the Stand:
- Place a cookbook or tablet on the shelf and test the angle adjustment. Make sure the stand can hold different positions without tipping over or losing stability.
Tips for Customization:
- Personalization: You can engrave or carve your name or a design onto the front base or the back piece for a more customized touch.
- Materials: If you don’t want to use hardwood, plywood can work just as well. Opt for a more flexible or lighter wood if portability is essential.
- Additional Features: Add a small groove along the shelf to prevent the cookbook from sliding off, or include a ledge that holds the tablet in place.
By following these simple steps, you can create a wooden cookbook stand with adjustable angles that is both functional and stylish. It’s a great project for those looking to combine woodworking with practicality in the kitchen.
For more woodworking projects and in-depth guides, check out Teds Woodworking Course here.