How to Make Small, Useful, Easy-to-Take-With-You Phone Stands

Seems like everyone is always on the go, and using their smartphones at the same time. You'll love these small, easy-to-take-with-you phone stands when you're on the go. One folds to pack in the tiniest of spaces. The other is there for you everyday as a key chain fob.

Supplies and Tools for the Folding Acrylic Stand

• 7" x 3" piece of acrylic (I used 1/16" thick, but you could use 1/8")
• Two ¾" hinges
• E6000 adhesive
• Pattern shown below
• Proxxon Table Saw FET
• Proxxon Scroll Saw DSH/E

Supplies and Tools for the Key Chain Fob Stand

• 3" x 1" piece of hard wood (I used bubinga)
• 1 eye screw
• 1 swivel latch or split ring
• Pattern shown below
• Proxxon Table Saw FET
• Professional Rotary Tool IBS/E and Drill Stand MB 200

Instructions for the Folding Acrylic Stand

Begin by covering one side of the acrylic with  painter's tape. Cut the acrylic in half to make two 3½" x 3" pieces.

On the painter's tape on one of the pieces spray repositionable adhesive. Put the two pieces of acrylic together forming a sandwich with the painter's tape in the center.

Cover one of the exposed sides of this sandwich with painter's tape. Spray the reverse side of the pattern with spray adhesive, and adhere to the painter's tape. Because you're cutting both sides at the same time, you'll end up with the right and left pieces for the stand—each an identical mirror image of the other.

3"H x 2 3/8"W

Following the pattern, cut the pieces on the scroll saw. If necessary, lightly sand any rough edges.

Position the hinges to be sure they are aligned. I taped mine to a teflon mat on top of my grid work surface. Use a dab of E6000 to glue the hinges in place, taking care not to get adhesive in the hinges. Carefully line up the second wing of the stand making sure the bottoms are level. Let the glue dry for 24 hours.

Instructions for the Key Chain Fob Stand

Adjust the blade height on the table saw and cut a 3" x 1" piece of hard wood. The blade should extend slightly above the height of the wood.

Set the longitudinal stop on the table saw so the blade cuts the leftmost side of the notch on the pattern below. Set the blade  height only to the top of the 5/8" high notch.

Make the first cut.  Using the scale on the longitudinal stop, move the stop 1/8" to the left. Make the second cut. Continue alternately moving the stop and making a cut until the notch is ½" wide. (If you have a case on your device you may need to increase the width of this notch.)

Setting the longitudinal stop

 If necessary, sand any rough edges. On the end of the stand, mark the center for the eye screw.

Select a drill bit the same size as the eye screw, and use the professional rotary tool and drill stand to drill a pilot hole.

Add the screw eye and swivel (or split ring) to complete the stand.

Now, you're ready to be on the go with your smart devices.

Carole

Make the Best Ever Tablet/Phone Stand

This project is easy to make and inexpensive, but yields high returns on usability. It is the best stand for your tablet or phone.

Tools and Supplies:

• Proxxon Table Saw FET
• Proxxon Delta Sander OZI/E
• 9" length of ½" MDF (medium density fiberboard) or wood
• FolkArt Ultra Dye and Varnish by Plaid Enterprises

Use the Proxxon Table Saw FET to square up the MDF to 9"x3". (If you're tablet is larger, increase the length and width of the MDF to accommodate your device. If you're making this stand for a phone, then you can reduce the length accordingly.)

Use the 9"x3" MDF blank as a guide to set the blade height on the table saw. You want the blade at least 1/8" lower than the thickness of the MDF.

Next, adjust the angle of the blade to 15°.

Remove the blade guard. Yes, I know that is it there for protection, but you won't get a full length cut with it in place. Now is the time to be sure you have no distractions. You need to be even more careful than normal.

Snug the right side of the board to the longitudinal stop, and position the stop so that the first cut is ¾" from the left side of the board. Make the first cut. Using the scale for the longitudinal stop, move the stop 1/8" to the left. Make the second cut. Continue alternately moving the stop and making a cut until the notch is ¾" wide. (If you have a heavy case on your device you may need to increase the width of this notch. Note that this may also require you to increase the width of the stand to ensure correct balance.)

Next, sand any rough or uneven edges using the Proxxon Delta Sander. Paint the stand with FolkArt Ultra Dye, and seal with the Ultra Dye Varnish.

When the paint dries, you're ready to enjoy your best ever tablet stand.

Note: I do not recommend this as a beginning project for the table saw because the blade guard is removed. Get totally comfortable using your table saw before your try this project.

Carole