Introduction: Super Easy Tablet/Phone Stand for Bedside
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About: Married father of 5 (4 boys and 1 girl). A Captain in the Fire Department with over 25 years of service. Grew up turning wrenches at my fathers garage. That turned into a love of building things with my hands.
I wanted to make my wife something special for Christmas as she loves my handmade projects. I didn't have a lot of time so I came up with this stand for her bedside. It's very easy to replicate with any kind of wood. The measurements can be made to fit any situation or purpose. This would work well for a desktop or even a cookbook stand for Grandma...what ever the need for a easy stand...this is it. Even comes apart easy for storage in a drawer or briefcase.
You don't need to put the shelf on top if you don't want to. I put that there for her glasses. She's always feeling around for them when she wakes. This way if they're always in the same spot, it would be easier for her.
You don't need to put the shelf on top if you don't want to. I put that there for her glasses. She's always feeling around for them when she wakes. This way if they're always in the same spot, it would be easier for her.
Step 1: The Build.
Using Brownheart wood. I cut two sections at 9" long. I sent them through the planer to smooth them out as Brownheart is difficult to sand.
I selected one section and cut it into a T by removing 1 1/2" from each side. The measurement for the base I just eyeballed. The height between the shelves this was going into was 11". I didn't want it to be crammed in there and all it was really propping up was her cell phone and cell phone case.
Once cut, I laid centerline and traced the base board. I drilled a hole and took it to the scroll saw to cutout the rectangular hole for the base to slide into.
I selected one section and cut it into a T by removing 1 1/2" from each side. The measurement for the base I just eyeballed. The height between the shelves this was going into was 11". I didn't want it to be crammed in there and all it was really propping up was her cell phone and cell phone case.
Once cut, I laid centerline and traced the base board. I drilled a hole and took it to the scroll saw to cutout the rectangular hole for the base to slide into.
Step 2: Final.
The angle for the bottom I made by using a straight board. I set the stand up on a level surface and then slid a board up to the side. I then traced the angle of straight board onto the stand. I then took it to my bandsaw and cut the proper angle for it to sit level. I messed around getting the angle I liked and ultimately ended up making the base portion at 8.5" and not 9". This got it to sit at an angle that made the phone visible while laying down.
You can decide what base length is best as you make yours. Just remember, it will change one you angle cut the bottom so you'll have to keep that in mind.
The top eyeglass shelf was made from scrap. I traced to angle using the same method. Using a forstner bit, I attached it to top by counter sinking the screws. I then used the handle of a used foam brush to glue plugs into the screw holes. I used a router to round it all off.
At the end, I figured it needed a place to run the charger cords through. Using a 3/4" forstner bit I drilled a hole for the cords to run through. I didn't drill all the way through with the 3/4" bit. I stepped it down to 1/4". That way the cords wouldn't fall out.
When you set this up, you first have to run the cords through the rectangular hole. Then insert the base and run the cords up through the center hole. When you set it down. The weight of the stand sits on the cords and prevents them from ever moving. Works great.
Finished off with boiled linseed old and poly. Really brought out the grain. Brownheart is beautiful...difficult to work with....But awesome when done.
Super easy project. If you have any scrap laying around you could make this in an hour or so. I've actually seen a couple of people make chairs out these. Like a full sized adult chair.....I may try that next.
Enjoy.
You can decide what base length is best as you make yours. Just remember, it will change one you angle cut the bottom so you'll have to keep that in mind.
The top eyeglass shelf was made from scrap. I traced to angle using the same method. Using a forstner bit, I attached it to top by counter sinking the screws. I then used the handle of a used foam brush to glue plugs into the screw holes. I used a router to round it all off.
At the end, I figured it needed a place to run the charger cords through. Using a 3/4" forstner bit I drilled a hole for the cords to run through. I didn't drill all the way through with the 3/4" bit. I stepped it down to 1/4". That way the cords wouldn't fall out.
When you set this up, you first have to run the cords through the rectangular hole. Then insert the base and run the cords up through the center hole. When you set it down. The weight of the stand sits on the cords and prevents them from ever moving. Works great.
Finished off with boiled linseed old and poly. Really brought out the grain. Brownheart is beautiful...difficult to work with....But awesome when done.
Super easy project. If you have any scrap laying around you could make this in an hour or so. I've actually seen a couple of people make chairs out these. Like a full sized adult chair.....I may try that next.
Enjoy.