Making a wooden magazine holder is a straightforward and rewarding project that requires a few basic woodworking skills and tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create your own:
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Wood: A softwood like pine or hardwood like oak. You will need 1/2-inch thick wood for the sides and bottom.
- Screws: Small wood screws or nails to hold the pieces together.
- Wood glue: For extra stability.
- Wood finish (optional): To protect and enhance the appearance of the wood.
- Sandpaper: For smoothing rough edges.
- Measuring tape/ruler: To ensure accurate dimensions.
- Saw: A handsaw, circular saw, or jigsaw for cutting the wood pieces.
- Drill: To make pilot holes for screws.
- Clamps (optional): For holding pieces together while the glue dries.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Plan and Measure
First, decide the size of the magazine holder based on your needs. A standard size could be about 12 inches tall, 9 inches wide, and 6 inches deep, but feel free to adjust to your preferences. The magazine holder typically consists of:
- Two side panels.
- One bottom panel.
- Two end panels (optional for stability or design).
2. Cut the Pieces
- Sides: Cut two pieces of wood to the desired height of your magazine holder (e.g., 12 inches).
- Bottom: Cut one piece for the bottom, slightly shorter than the width of the sides (e.g., 9 inches).
- End pieces (optional): If you’re using end pieces, cut two pieces that are the same height as the sides and the same depth as the holder.
3. Prepare the Edges
Use sandpaper to smooth all the edges and surfaces of the wood pieces to remove splinters or rough patches. This ensures a smooth finish and a more professional look for your magazine holder.
4. Assemble the Holder
- Attach the bottom piece: Apply wood glue along the edges of the side panels where the bottom piece will sit. Position the bottom piece in place and screw or nail it to the sides.
- Attach the end pieces (if using): Position the end pieces at the open ends of the holder. Apply glue to the edges of the end pieces, and then secure them with screws or nails. Ensure the pieces are aligned and square.
5. Reinforce the Structure
If you want to make the magazine holder more sturdy, you can add a cross-brace along the back of the holder. This can be a simple piece of wood that spans the width of the holder and attaches to both sides.
6. Finishing Touches
After the structure is assembled, give it a final sanding to ensure it’s smooth. If you wish, you can finish the wood with a wood stain or clear wood finish to give it a polished look and to protect it from wear and tear. Allow the finish to dry completely before using.
7. Display Your Magazine Holder
Once dry, your wooden magazine holder is ready to use! You can now store your magazines or other reading materials neatly in your holder.
This simple and functional magazine holder can be a beautiful addition to your home or office, and customizing it to your taste is an easy way to personalize your woodworking projects.
If you’re interested in more woodworking projects like this, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course for detailed plans and instructions. Learn More Here.