Introduction: Typewriter IPad Stand
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About: I am an electrical engineer, originally from Philadelphia, PA and now living in Portland, OR.
My USB Typewriter Conversion Kit allows you to easily retrofit your old typewriter to work as a keyboard for computers and laptops, or even for tablets such as the iPad. In fact, you can even position your iPad on the roller so it acts as "virtual paper" for your typewriter. I just love the effect of seeing a 100 year old typewriter working in perfect concert with a cutting edge gadget like the iPad. If you haven't already, please check out the USB Typewriter instructable here.
However, you don't need to make a USB Typewriter if you simply want to use your trusty typewriter as a iPad stand or charging station -- in this simple instructable, I'll show you how.
However, you don't need to make a USB Typewriter if you simply want to use your trusty typewriter as a iPad stand or charging station -- in this simple instructable, I'll show you how.
Step 1: Prepare the Support
To make your iPad support, you will need only one thing: a strip of brass or steel measuring 2in x 12 in x .025 inches thick. I buy this at my local art supply or hobby store. You can also buy it on Amazon here.
Once you have obtained the brass strip, use scissors to cut it down into a 2inx6in rectangle, as shown. Steel scissors will cut through brass quite easily, but you must go slow -- if you have them, you can use tin snips instead. In this picture, I am demonstrating with a piece of scrap metal.
NOTE: If you have purchased a USB Typewriter from my store, the stand is provided already -- there is no need to make one, so you can skip this step.
Once you have obtained the brass strip, use scissors to cut it down into a 2inx6in rectangle, as shown. Steel scissors will cut through brass quite easily, but you must go slow -- if you have them, you can use tin snips instead. In this picture, I am demonstrating with a piece of scrap metal.
NOTE: If you have purchased a USB Typewriter from my store, the stand is provided already -- there is no need to make one, so you can skip this step.
Step 2: Insert Support
Next, simply place the support behind the roller, as if you were inserting paper into it. Before inserting it, you may decide to bend the support to change your tablet's viewing angle.
Step 3: Place IPad on Typewriter
Now, place your iPad in a protective sleeve, such as this one, and then place the iPad on the typewriter. Double check that it is secure -- if not, remove the support and adjust it to a different angle. Your iPad stand is good to go!
Next, you could take this project one step further by converting your typewriter into a fully functioning keyboard dock for your tablet -- check out my USB Typewriter instructable here!
Next, you could take this project one step further by converting your typewriter into a fully functioning keyboard dock for your tablet -- check out my USB Typewriter instructable here!