Charging Station

Directions

• Use Safe Techniques for Small Parts

  Building the Charging Center requires cutting a number of small parts. When working with small pieces, it’s important to keep your hands away from cutting blades. Plus, small pieces can have a tendency to bounce around on a saw table after cutting. For that reason, on this project you’ll glue longer “blanks” together, and then cut them apart to make some of the smallest parts. That way, you’re working with larger pieces as you cut. So, read through the steps in this project before you start cutting to familiarize yourself with the process before you start cutting. As always, keep safety in mind as you work.

• Cut Long Strips and a Tablet Base

  Cut three Long Strips to length from a 1/2"x2 board, as shown in the cutting diagram. Next, cut the Tablet Base to length from a 1/2" x 1/2" square dowel, as shown in g the cutting diagram. These pieces are cut to final length from the start.

• Assemble the Strips and Base

  Glue two Long Strips together, making sure that the ends and edges are flush. Add the Tablet Base, and then add the third Long Strip. Make sure all of the parts are flush on the bottom and ends. You can use a small square to help check. Clamp the parts together while the glue dries. After the glue dries, scrape off any excess, and then sand the surfaces smooth.
  

• Cut and Glue Up Blanks

  Cut five Blanks to length from 1/2"x2 boards, as shown in the cutting diagram. While you’re at it, cut two oversize Filler Strips, as well. These extra-long pieces will get cut apart after they’re glued up. Glue and clamp the five Blanks together to create the Short Strip Blank. Make sure the edges and ends are flush. Also glue one of the oversize Filler Strips on, as shown. Clamp the assembly. Allow the glue to dry, then scrape off any excess, and sand the surfaces flat. With a miter saw, trim the wider end of the Blank to create a smooth, square surface. Cut off as little as possible. Next, mark the length of the Filler Strip Block (1"), and cut it to size. Finally, cut remainder of the Blank to create the 5"-long Short Strip Block.
  

• Add another Filler Strip

  Glue the second oversize Filler Strip to the Short Strip Block at the location shown. Note that one end of the Filler Strip will overhang the end of the Short Strip Block. When the glue is dry, trim the Filler Strip flush with the end of the Short Strip Block. Remove excess glue and sand as needed.
  

• Add the Phone Base

  From a 1/2" x 1/2" square dowel, cut two Phone Bases to length, as shown in the cutting diagram. Apply glue to the Phone Bases, and then clamp them to the Short Strip Block, as shown.
  

• Make the Tray Bottom

  Cut two Tray Bottom strips to length from a 1/2"x2 board, as shown in the cutting diagram. Glue the two long edges together making sure the top and ends are flush. Allow the glue to dry.

• Continue with Assembly

  Now you can begin bringing all of the pieces together as shown. Before you glue everything up, position the pieces without glue just to make sure everything fits together correctly. It’s much better to find out before you have glue on all of the pieces. When you’re ready for assembly, first glue the Short Strip Block assembly to the Tablet Base. Then glue the Tray Bottom in position. Next, glue on the Filler Strip Block, and clamp everything together while the glue sets.
  

• Add the Final Long Strip

  Cut the last Long Strip to length from a 1/2"x2 board as shown in the cutting diagram. Apply glue to the appropriate places and clamp this Long Strip to the charging center assembly. Clamp the Long Strip in place. Once the glue dries, scrape off any excess and sand the entire assembly as needed.
  

• Add Feet

  Cut four Feet to length from a 1/2"x2 board, as shown in the cutting diagram. Glue the Feet to the bottom of the Charging Station at the locations shown. Clamp them in place, or secure them with tape, while the glue dries.
  

• Finish It Up

  With the assembly complete, you can apply the stain or paint color of your choice. We used a black stain for a dramatic look. Then we dressed things up a bit with felt fabric—1/2" strips applied to the Phone Base and the Tablet Base, plus a larger piece in the bottom of the tray. You could apply a different type of fabric, use cork, or skip this step altogether if you choose.