The 2023 model-year stands are functionally similar to the 2021 versions but received a few design tweaks. Most significant is a size increase to better accommodate the larger phone used by the requester. I also decided to machine the backs out of a single piece rather than have glue-on bits for the hinge points. Lastly, I changed the square-cut prop-holding slots to a couple rows of angled holes which I thought looked a bit classier.
In addition to the two requested stands, I made a few extras for a total of five, each from different woods including Maple, Cherry, Oak, Poplar and Wenge. The Poplar is a thermally modified (AKA roasted) version so it is much darker then the usually-almost-white raw wood.
In addition to the two requested stands, I made a few extras for a total of five, each from different woods including Maple, Cherry, Oak, Poplar and Wenge. The Poplar is a thermally modified (AKA roasted) version so it is much darker then the usually-almost-white raw wood.
The obligatory 2D plans
The SUV'd version of last year's sedan model
Since we've been down this phone-stand-building road a couple of times already, I've just included a big array of captioned photos.
The wood selection (less the Maple)
Cutting a piece of Wenge
Chopping oak to length
Taping base & prop pieces to the planing sled
The Maple back is shown mounted to a machining support and is getting hinge points cut
Cleaning out the bulk of the wood between hinge points
The five backs taped to their squared-up 2x4 supports
Routing the Oak back around the hinge points
Hinge points (plus an extra pair of temporary supports) machined out
Cleaning up the hinge points
The bases get an extra layer glued to the front edge
Drilling the hole-positioning jig (in a 31-year-old vise made for me by my machinist brother)
I made three "precision" popsicle-stick jigs to help drill the hinge holes accurately
Drilling a bottom hinge hole (0.039") in the Maple back, followed by a 7/64" counterbore
A different jig was used to guide the middle hinge hole position
Trimming a corner on the Cherry base piece
Prop and base pieces cut to shape
Routing the phone support area on a base piece
Drilling prop holes at the appropriate angles (67, 71, 75, 81 and 87° for those with an angular bent. Ha!)
Cleaning up the prop hole edges on the Wenge base
Rounding off the bottom edge of a prop
Carving the year into the base edge
Five stands ready for the finish
First coat of varnish going on
Varnished pieces hung up to dry
One of my anti-favorite operations
Holes are even more fun!
And finally...assembly
Completed
