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This is about as small a build as woodworking gets — three parts, three steps — which makes it a good weekend project when you want something finished same-day. The only technique that matters is the arched cut on the base: take your time tracing a smooth curve before you cut, since a wobbly jigsaw line on a piece this visible is the one thing that'll make the whole build look rushed.
The 2x4 upright is deliberately over-built for how little load this piece carries, which is exactly the point — it's what keeps the backboard from wobbling every time a balled-up piece of paper bounces off it. If the finished base doesn't sit flat on your particular floor, felt pads underneath solve it without another trip to the saw.
| Item | Qty |
|---|
| Plywood or project panel, 3/4"13" x 15-1/2" base. | 1 each |
| Pine, 2x4, 24 in | 1 each |
| Pine, 1x10, 16 in, or plywood scrapBackboard — either works. | 1 each |
| Wood screws, 2" | 1 box |
| Wood glue | 1 oz |
| Felt padsOptional — helps the base sit flat on uneven floors. | 4 each |
Overall cost: $. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| BasePlywood or project panelJigsawed into an arched shape. | 1 | 3/4" × 13" × 15 1/2" |
| Upright postPine, 2x4 | 1 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 23 1/4" |
| BackboardPine, 1x10 or plywood | 1 | 3/4" × 9 1/4" × 15 1/2" |
Buy 3 boards at 8 ft.
1 board
1 board
1 board
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Trace and cut the base into an arched shape with a jigsaw — go slowly for a smooth curve, since this is the most visible cut in the whole build.
Attach the 2x4 upright to the base with 2" screws (longer screws work too — 2-1/4" just matches what's needed in the next step).
Attach the backboard to the top of the 2x4 with 2" screws and glue. If the finished base doesn't sit flat on your floor, add felt pads underneath to slightly elevate and soften the contact.
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