Making a wooden phone case is a fun and creative project that combines woodworking with practical design. Follow these steps to make your own custom wooden phone case:
Materials Needed:
- Wood veneer or thin wood sheets (1/8 inch thick)
- Phone case (as a base for fitting)
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Wood glue or super glue
- Clamps or tape
- Craft knife or saw (if using thick wood)
- Wood finish (oil, wax, or lacquer)
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Pencil
- Clear acrylic sheet (optional, for additional protection)
Instructions:
1. Choose the Type of Wood
You’ll want to pick wood that’s thin enough to shape around your phone without making the case too bulky. Wood veneer is a good option because it’s thin and flexible. You can also use thin plywood or craft wood sheets.
2. Prepare the Phone Case Base
The easiest way to create a wooden phone case is by using an existing plastic or rubber phone case as a base. Select a case that fits your phone well and can serve as a mold for the wooden case. You can either buy a cheap case or repurpose an old one.
3. Trace the Phone Case Shape
Lay your phone case on the wood veneer and trace its outline carefully with a pencil. This will serve as the guide for cutting the wood to fit the case. Be sure to mark the location of buttons, ports, and the camera lens.
4. Cut the Wood to Shape
Use a craft knife or saw to cut out the shape of the phone case. If you’re using a craft knife, score the wood several times along the marked line and snap it along the score. If using a saw, make sure to cut slowly and carefully to avoid splinters.
5. Cut Out Slots for Buttons and Ports
Once you have the basic shape, use a small saw or craft knife to cut out areas for buttons, the charging port, camera, and speakers. It’s important to measure carefully to ensure that everything lines up perfectly.
6. Smooth the Edges
Sand down all edges and surfaces of the wooden piece to remove any roughness and ensure a smooth, comfortable fit around your phone. Start with a coarser grit sandpaper and finish with a finer grit for a polished look. Be thorough but gentle to avoid removing too much wood.
7. Shape the Wood to Fit the Case
Take the original phone case and glue the wood veneer onto it. Use clamps or tape to secure the wood in place, making sure it fits snugly over the phone’s shape. You might need to adjust the thickness of the wood to match the case’s size, so do test fitting before gluing it permanently.
8. Apply Glue and Attach the Wood
Once everything is aligned properly, apply a thin layer of wood glue or super glue to the phone case’s surface. Press the wooden veneer onto the glued surface and hold it in place with clamps or tape. Allow the glue to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Trim and Shape the Edges
After the glue is dry, use a craft knife or sandpaper to trim off any excess wood around the edges. The goal is for the wood to sit flush with the phone case.
10. Finish the Wood
To give the wood a finished look, apply a wood finish of your choice. You can use an oil, wax, or lacquer to protect the wood and give it a smooth, glossy appearance. Allow it to dry fully before moving on to the next step.
11. Optional: Add a Protective Layer
For extra durability, you can add a thin layer of clear acrylic or plastic over the wooden case to protect it from scratches. Cut the acrylic to match the dimensions of your phone case and glue it in place.
12. Final Assembly
Once the finish has dried, remove the clamps or tape and carefully check if the phone case fits properly. Insert your phone and make sure all the buttons, ports, and camera are accessible.
Tips:
- Design: You can personalize the phone case by adding custom carvings, stains, or wood-burning designs before finishing it.
- Protection: The clear acrylic layer not only protects the wood but also adds an extra layer of durability against drops.
- Alternative: If you’re not comfortable with carving out the phone case from wood, consider using pre-made wooden phone case kits that require minimal cutting and just assembly.
By following these steps, you’ll have a custom, wooden phone case that’s both functional and stylish. Enjoy your unique creation!
If you’re interested in improving your woodworking skills, consider checking out Teds Woodworking Course for detailed plans and step-by-step guidance: Teds Woodworking Course.