Creating a wooden tablet stand for hands-free use is a simple and practical woodworking project that requires basic tools and materials. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your own wooden tablet stand.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Wooden board: Choose a hardwood like oak, maple, or walnut for durability and a smooth finish.
- Measuring tape: For accurate measurements.
- Saw: A handsaw or jigsaw for cutting the wood to size.
- Sandpaper: Medium and fine-grit sandpaper for smoothing the edges.
- Wood glue: For joining pieces together.
- Wood finish or paint: To give the stand a polished look.
- Drill: To create holes for any adjustments or screws.
- Clamps: For holding the pieces together while the glue dries.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose Your Design
Before starting, you need to decide on the design of your tablet stand. A simple yet functional design includes:
- A base to support the tablet.
- A backrest or upright piece to hold the tablet at a comfortable angle.
- A lip or groove at the bottom to prevent the tablet from sliding off.
You can find free woodworking plans online, or you can sketch your own design to fit your preferences.
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Wood
Based on your design, measure the following:
- Base: A rectangle around 8 to 10 inches in length and 5 to 6 inches in width.
- Backrest: A piece that’s about 7 to 9 inches tall and 5 to 6 inches wide.
- Lip/Groove: A smaller piece to create a ledge that keeps your tablet in place.
Using a saw, cut the wooden pieces to these measurements. If you’re using a jigsaw, make sure your cuts are clean and straight. You can also use a miter saw for precision.
Step 3: Sand the Edges
Once the pieces are cut, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces. Start with medium-grit sandpaper, and finish with fine-grit to achieve a smooth, polished finish. Sanding is important to ensure the stand doesn’t have any splinters that could damage your tablet.
Step 4: Assemble the Stand
Attach the backrest: Apply wood glue to the edge of the base where you want to attach the backrest. Position the backrest at a slight angle, about 45 degrees from the base, and press it firmly into place. Hold it with clamps until the glue sets.
Add the lip: If you’ve designed the stand with a lip or groove, glue it onto the base. It should be placed about an inch from the edge, providing enough room for the tablet to sit securely without tipping over.
Reinforce the joints (optional): For added stability, you can drill small pilot holes and use wood screws to reinforce the glue joints. This is especially important if you plan to use the stand regularly.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once the glue has dried completely (usually about 24 hours), apply your choice of wood finish or paint. You can use a clear polyurethane for a glossy, protective finish or go for a matte varnish if you prefer a more natural look. If you decide to paint it, choose a color that complements your tablet or home décor.
Step 6: Test the Stand
Place your tablet on the stand to make sure it sits securely and at the correct angle for hands-free use. The backrest should hold the tablet upright without it tilting over. The lip at the bottom should keep it from sliding forward.
Step 7: Adjustments (if needed)
If your tablet doesn’t stay in place or if it’s leaning too far back or forward, you can make adjustments. You can add additional support, like a small support brace at the back, or adjust the angle of the backrest.
Tips for Personalization
- Size Customization: If you use a larger tablet, such as an iPad Pro, you may want to scale up the size of the base and backrest accordingly.
- Decoration: Consider adding decorative elements such as carving, staining, or using a woodburning tool to engrave a pattern or design.
- Portability: If you want a more portable stand, you could make it foldable. Add hinges to the backrest and base so that you can collapse it flat for easy storage or travel.
Conclusion
Making a wooden tablet stand for hands-free use is a satisfying project that adds a personal touch to your workspace or home. With the right materials, a little creativity, and some basic woodworking skills, you can create a stylish and functional stand that will hold your tablet securely while you watch videos, video call, or work hands-free.
If you’re looking for more detailed woodworking plans and tips, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course for expert guidance on various woodworking projects.