Making a wooden book stand for hands-free reading is a great woodworking project that can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build a simple yet effective wooden book stand that will hold your books securely while allowing you to read without using your hands.
Materials Needed:
- Wood: Choose a sturdy hardwood like oak, maple, or birch for durability.
- Wood glue
- Screws (optional for extra stability)
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wood finish or paint (optional)
- Hinges (for adjustable angles)
- Plywood (for the base, if preferred)
- Measuring tape
- Saw (circular or hand saw)
- Drill and bits
- Clamps (to hold pieces while gluing)
Step 1: Measure and Plan
Start by deciding the size of the book stand. A standard book size is around 6” x 9”, so make sure your book stand can comfortably accommodate this. You’ll need a base, two vertical supports, and a horizontal top piece. You may also want to include a small lip at the bottom to prevent books from sliding off.
- Base dimensions: 12” wide x 8” deep (you can adjust this to suit your preference)
- Vertical supports: 6” tall (depending on the height of the book you want to hold)
- Top piece: 8” wide x 4” tall
Step 2: Cut the Wood Pieces
Cut the wood to the desired dimensions. Here are the pieces you’ll need:
- Base: A flat piece of wood, typically 12” x 8”.
- Vertical Supports: Two pieces, each 6” tall and 4” wide.
- Top Piece: A horizontal piece that will rest against the book. It should be wide enough to hold your book (about 8” wide and 4” tall).
Step 3: Sand the Wood
Before assembling, sand all the edges and surfaces to remove any rough spots or splinters. Start with medium grit sandpaper (around 100 grit) and finish with finer grit (220 grit) for a smooth finish.
Step 4: Attach the Vertical Supports to the Base
Take the two vertical supports and attach them to the edges of the base. You can do this by:
- Gluing: Apply wood glue to the bottom of the supports and press them firmly against the base. Use clamps to hold them in place while the glue dries.
- Screwing (optional): For extra stability, you can screw the vertical supports into the base, drilling pilot holes first to avoid splitting the wood.
Step 5: Attach the Top Piece
Once the vertical supports are secure, attach the top piece of the stand. This piece will help keep the book upright. It should rest on the vertical supports, angled slightly if you wish to provide a comfortable reading angle.
- Fixed position: You can glue it directly to the top of the vertical supports.
- Adjustable position: If you want an adjustable stand, you can add small hinges to the back, allowing the top piece to pivot forward or back, adjusting the angle. This can be useful for different book sizes or personal reading preferences.
Step 6: Add a Bottom Lip
To ensure that your book doesn’t slide off the stand, attach a small lip at the bottom of the stand. This can be a thin strip of wood (about 0.5” wide) glued or screwed along the edge of the base, creating a stop for the book.
Step 7: Apply Finishing Touches
Once everything is assembled and dry, give your book stand a final sanding to smooth out any rough areas. You can then finish the stand with a wood stain or paint to enhance the look. Apply a clear wood finish to protect the wood from moisture and wear.
Step 8: Test and Adjust
Once your book stand is fully assembled and finished, test it out with a book. Check the angle, stability, and if it holds the book securely. If needed, adjust the angle by altering the hinge or making small tweaks to the lip.
Conclusion:
Now you have a beautiful, functional wooden book stand that will help you read hands-free. Whether you’re enjoying a book at home, following a recipe in the kitchen, or watching tutorials, this stand will keep your book open and in place.
For further woodworking projects, consider exploring Ted’s Woodworking Course, where you’ll find detailed plans and instructions for a wide range of woodworking projects. Check it out here.