Making a wooden clipboard with an engraved design is a fun DIY project that combines woodworking with personalization. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create one:
Materials Needed:
- Wooden clipboard blank (You can buy pre-made wooden clipboard blanks from craft stores or make your own by cutting a piece of wood to the size you want, typically around 9 x 12 inches)
- Laser engraver or wood burning tool (for engraving the design)
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wood stain or paint (optional, for finishing)
- Clipboard hardware (you can either buy a pre-assembled metal clip or get the clip and fasteners separately)
- Wood glue (if the clip needs to be glued)
- Clamps (if using wood glue)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Wood Blank
- If you’re starting with a raw piece of wood, cut it to the size you want your clipboard to be (usually around 9” x 12”).
- Sand the edges and surface to make it smooth. Start with medium-grit sandpaper and finish with fine-grit to give the wood a clean, smooth surface. This is important for both engraving and any finishing steps.
2. Design Your Engraving
- Choose a design or pattern for the engraving. It could be anything from a name or logo to a more intricate design like a floral pattern or geometric shapes. You can find free engraving designs online or create your own using software like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape.
- Make sure the design is sized correctly for your clipboard. You can sketch it directly onto the wood or use a projector to outline it lightly in pencil.
3. Engrave the Design
- Using a Laser Engraver: If you have access to a laser engraver, upload your design file and set the correct parameters (speed, power, etc.) based on the type of wood you’re using. Follow the engraver’s instructions to engrave the design onto the wood.
- Using a Wood Burning Tool: If you don’t have a laser engraver, a wood burning tool can also work. Trace the design with the tool, applying even pressure as you go. This will take longer than a laser, but it gives a lovely, handmade feel to the piece.
4. Finish the Wood (Optional)
- If you want to stain or paint the wood, now is the time. Apply a coat of wood stain or paint to enhance the grain of the wood or give it a more personalized look. Follow the instructions on the product you choose. You can leave the engraving unpainted to make it stand out.
- After the stain or paint is dry, lightly sand the surface again with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough patches.
5. Attach the Clip
- If you bought a pre-assembled clipboard clip, simply align it with the top of your clipboard, making sure it’s centered. Use screws to attach it, or if you prefer, you can use wood glue for a more seamless look.
- If your clip is separate, use wood glue to attach the metal clip to the top edge of the clipboard and clamp it until dry. Some clips will have holes for screws, so you can secure it with screws.
6. Final Touches
- Once everything is assembled and dry, inspect your clipboard. Sand down any rough edges or sharp corners for a professional look.
- Optionally, you can apply a coat of clear wood finish (like polyurethane) to seal the wood and protect it from moisture and wear.
7. Let it Dry
- If you’ve used glue or finish, give your clipboard a full 24 hours to dry before using it. Make sure everything is securely attached.
That’s it! You’ve now got a custom, engraved wooden clipboard that’s perfect for personal use or as a gift. If you have access to a laser engraver, you can even experiment with more intricate designs or add text and graphics to make the piece truly unique!