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Charging Station

This charging station provides a compact way to store and charge your phone and tablet.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: 3.8–7 hours
Cost: $

Cut list

Part	Qty	T × W × L	Material	✓
Long Strip	4	1/2" × 1" × 10"	—	☐
Tablet Base	1	1/2" × 1/2" × 10"	—	☐
Short Strip	5	1/2" × 1" × 5"	—	☐
Filler Strip	7	1/2" × 1" × 1"	—	☐
Phone Base	2	1/2" × 1/2" × 1"	—	☐
Tray Base	2	1/2" × 1" × 4"	—	☐
Foot	4	1/2" × 1" × 1"	—	☐

Materials

Item	Qty	✓
Board, 1/2" x 2 (1 1/2" actual width) 36"	3 board	☐
Square Dowel, 1/2" x 1/2" 36"	1 board	☐
Felt fabric (6" x 12" minimum size)	1 each	☐
Wood glue	1 each	☐

Overall cost: $. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.

Tools

Miter Saw
Random Orbit Sander
Bar / Pipe Clamps — optional
Combination Square — optional
Tape Measure — optional

Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Charging Station

Cut list

Materials

Tools

Instructions

1. Use Safe Techniques for Small Parts

2. Cut Long Strips and a Tablet Base

3. Assemble the Strips and Base

4. Cut and Glue Up Blanks

5. Add another Filler Strip

6. Add the Phone Base

7. Make the Tray Bottom

8. Continue with Assembly

9. Add the Final Long Strip

10. Add Feet

11. Finish It Up