How to create a wooden mobile phone charging dock

Creating a wooden mobile phone charging dock is a fun and rewarding DIY project! Here’s a simple guide to make one:

Materials Needed:

1. Wood (preferably hardwood like oak, walnut, or maple): 1 or 2 pieces, depending on the size of the dock you want to make.
2. Wood glue
3. Wood screws (optional for additional stability)
4. Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
5. Wood finish or varnish (optional, for a polished look)
6. Drill with a hole saw or Forstner bit (for the charging cable hole)
7. Jigsaw or handsaw
8. Measuring tape and pencil

Steps:

1. Design & Measure:

   • Decide on the dimensions for the dock. A typical design includes a base and a stand for the phone to sit on.
   • For example, the base might be around 5-6 inches wide and 6-8 inches long, and the stand might be about 2-3 inches tall.
   • Make sure you leave space for the charging cable to pass through (more on that in step 4).

2. Cut the Wood:

   • Use the saw to cut your pieces based on your measurements:
     • One piece for the base.
     • One piece for the stand (you can cut this piece at an angle for the phone to sit more comfortably, around a 45° angle is common).
   • If you want to make a slot for the charging cable to sit in, carefully measure and mark where the slot will be.

3. Sand the Edges:

   • Sand all of your pieces to smooth out rough edges and surfaces. Use medium-grit sandpaper first, then finish with fine grit to give it a polished feel.

4. Drill for the Charging Cable:

   • On the base piece, drill a hole big enough to fit your phone’s charging cable (around 1/2 inch or so). You may want to do this at an angle, so it’s easier to plug in the phone while it’s in the dock.
   • Optionally, if you want to make a more professional-looking dock, you could create a channel for the cable to pass through neatly.

5. Assemble the Pieces:

   • Apply wood glue to the edges where the stand and base will join, then clamp them together until the glue dries (this usually takes a few hours).
   • For extra stability, you can use small screws to secure the pieces in place once the glue has dried.

6. Finish the Dock (Optional):

   • If you want a polished look, apply a wood finish or varnish to the dock. This will protect the wood and give it a nice shine. Follow the instructions on the product you choose for proper application.

7. Test It Out:

   • Once everything is dry and finished, test the dock by placing your phone on it and making sure the charging cable fits snugly and the phone stays balanced.

And there you have it—a simple wooden mobile phone charging dock! It can be a fun project to personalize with your favorite wood type or stain and even add carvings or designs if you’re feeling creative.