The tablet stand is a good project for the beginner builder and pine is the wood of choice for its low relative price as well as its workability. Students might be interested to discuss the differences between softwood and hardwood, and why pine would be a good choice to use. Download Project
Tools & Materials
Material List
- SPF lumber 1” x 6” x 20” long
- water based stain or vegetable oil – other finishes such as felt pen/pencil crayon would also allow for student design and personalization.
- wood glue
Tool list
- sandpaper (increasing grits) – start with 80 and work to 220
- sanding blocks
- tape measure
- speed square
- clamps
- coping saw or small hand saw
Procedure
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Gather materials and tools.
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Using the tape measure and speed square carefully measure out all pieces using the CUT LIST: One ¾” x 5 ½” x 9”, One ¾” x 5 ½” x 6”
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Clamp your material to a table and begin cutting out each of your laid-out pieces. Ensure your saw will not cut into your table and is clearly free of any other obstacles.
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Sand each of your pieces using sandpaper and a sanding block. Be sure to remove any rough edges.
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Spread wood glue along the faces of the two smaller pieces, and glue onto the large piece as diagrammed. Match the long ends and leave a 1” gap (this is where the tablet rests). Clamp and allow to dry. Wipe away any excess glue using a damp paper towel.
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Once your glue has dried (at least 1 hour), remove the clamps. Sand your project using sandpaper and blocks. Sand in the direction of the grain. Start with the 80 grit and move up to the 220 grit until smooth.
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Apply your water-based stain, or alternate finish.
Extension Challenges
- Play with angling the sides of the cut using a mitre box and hand saw.
- Customize the width of the stand for a specific tablet for either portrait or landscape arrangements.
- Use a paint finish and customize a design on the large face in a contrasting colour.
- Create a design on the large face using a wood burner or small rotary tool (Dremel)