How to Make a Simple Display Stand

 When I'm testing out a new pattern I often use MDF for the first prototype. It's less expensive than wasting a great piece of hardwood. That's what I've done for this display stand. 

Supplies and Equipment

• ¼" MDF, Baltic birch plywood, or hardwood
• Display Stand Pattern
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/E or Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 460
• Proxxon Delta Sander OZI/E
• Acrylic paints

Instructions

1. Print the display stand pattern of your choice, and cut two blanks of appropriate size.
   
   
   
2. Tape the blanks together with painter's tape to facilitate cutting both at the same time.
   
   
   
3. Mist the back side of the pattern with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blanks. The painter's tape makes removal of the pattern easy without leaving any sticky residue.
   
   
   
4. Use the bandsaw or scroll saw to cut out the shape.
   
   
   
5. Sand the edges with the Delta sander. I use the Delta sander mounted in the Precision Vice FMZ.
   
   
   
6. Since this was a prototype, I could stop here, knowing that the design works. But, it seemed that I could still make this a serviceable display stand, so I coated each piece with gesso, and then painted them with acrylic paint. If this were a completed hardwood stand, I would probably opt for a waxed or oiled finish.
   
   
   
7. The final step in making this prototype functional was adding hinges. Problem: even the slimmest nails/screws split the MDF. Solution: I cut two ½" x 2"pieces of aluminum tape for hinges. For a hardwood stand, I would choose tiny brass hinges.
   
   
   
8. So, now I have a functional display stand from a prototype. I know the design works, so I plan to make more using a variety of hardwoods.
   

Carole

How to Make an Easy Display Stand with Proxxon Tools

 This easy display stand is a great project for getting to know your Proxxon tools. You can easily adjust the dimensions of the stand to meet your needs.

Supplies and Equipment:

• 6½" x 4¼" x ½" wood blank
• 6½" x 1¼" x 1/8" wood blank
• Two 6" lengths of ¼" dowel rod
• FolkArt Home Décor Antique Wax
• Proxxon Table Saw FET
• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TBM 115
• Proxxon MICRO Bandsaw MBS/E
• Proxxon Delta Sander OZI/E

Instructions:

1. Use the table saw to cut the backing piece to size using the extendable table extension, if necessary.
   
   
   
2. Use the bandsaw to cut dowel rods to length and the 1/8" facing piece to size.
   
   
   
3. Mark pilot  holes for the support dowels on the backing piece. Even if you are changing the dimensions of your display stand, the measurements for these pilot holes will work.
   
   
   
4. Mark pilot  holes for the support dowels on the facing piece.
   
   
   
5. Using the bench drill press, drill ¼" holes in the backing and facing pieces. Use the adjustable fence to maintain accurate alignment of the holes. Use a piece of waste wood under the pieces to minimize tear out.
   
   
   
6. Use the Delta sander to sand all surfaces using progressively finer grits of sandpaper.
7. Insert the dowels in the backing piece with 1½" to the front. 
   
   
   
8. Add the facing piece. The support dowels and facing piece can be glued in place with a liquid wood adhesive, or left unglued so the stand can be dismantled for storage.
   
   
   
9. Add the finish of  your choice to the display stand. I used FolkArt's Home Décor Antique Wax. 
   
   
   

Carole