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

Plate Stand Made with Proxxon Scroll Saw

I have a passion for lovely china, and enjoy displaying unique pieces. So, I decided to make a wooden plate stand using my Proxxon scroll saw.

I prepared my pattern as detailed in my business card holder post. Here are the two pattern pieces, ready to cut.

I can't tell you how much I love this Proxxon scroll saw!! It makes creating ever so much fun—and it's easy!!

When the pieces where cut, I removed the patterns, and used my Proxxon Delta sander to sand the pieces to a smooth finish.

Cut pieces ready to be sanded

The next step was staining and adding a finish coat to the pieces. I used a blend of raw umber and black-green acrylic paints that I rubbed on with a soft cloth. After those paints dried, I added highlights with golden rub-and-buff. The last step was sealing the pieces with matte PPA.

Here is the plate stand pattern in SVG and PDF formats.

Carole