DIY Charging Station

Instructions

1. 1Router the top grooves

   Cut a board for the top piece at 10 1/2" x 3 1/2"x3/4". Router two grooves 1/2 inch deep with one 1/2 inch wide and the other 3/4 inch wide. Each groove is 3/4 inch from their respective side of the board. If you have a device with a case thicker than these measurements then adjust accordingly.

2. 2Prepare the sides

   Cut two boards that are 5 1/2" x 2 3/4" x 3/4". Using the Kreg jig make a pocket hole on each board making sure to align them with the part of the top that is not grooved. The sides will be flush with the back of the top which is the side closest to the 3/4" groove. If you don't do this the screw will show in the groove.

3. 3Connect the sides

   Using 1 1/4" Kreg screws, attach the two sides to the top piece built in step one. Make sure the sides are flush with the back of the top piece which is the side closest to the 3/4" wide groove. This is so that tablets and other larger devices are in the back and the smaller devices are in the front. Again make sure the screws are not in the areas that were grooved. To avoid splitting the ends of the top piece I drilled a small pilot hole into the top piece through the pocket hole to give the screw some room.

4. 4Prepare the bottom

   Cut a board 9"x2"x3/4" for the bottom piece. Use the kreg jig to make a pocket hole in each end.

5. 5Align the bottom

   Using glue and a clamp attach the bottom piece to the two sides. Make sure the bottom is flush with the front of the station. This leaves a gap in the back in case you want to run wires out the bottom to something that won't be on the charging station, or if the station won't sit directly over an outlet . (We have an Echo Dot that will remain on the counter)

6. 6Prepare the front

   Cut the front piece to 5 1/2"x10 1/2"x3/4" and using two hinges, attach the front to the bottom piece.

7. 7Install knob

   Using a drill bit install the knob of your choice to the front piece.

8. 8Paint/Finish Wood

   Paint the charging station to your liking and then install on the wall. We used a creme wax to give the pine wood a bleached wood finish.

9. 9Add hole for mounting screw

   I wanted to make sure the charging station would be firmly attached to the wall so I drilled a pocket hole in the middle of the underside of the top piece. I will use this hole to attach the station to the wall with a 2 inch screw.

10. 10Drill holes for charging cords

    Use a 3/8" drill bit to drill 3 holes in each groove. I spaced them evenly so that I could fit two tablets and three phones in the grooves. Use your devices to decide where the best placement of the holes would be. Some chargers have larger ends, especially the after market ones. Be sure to make sure the hole is big enough and adjust drill bit accordingly. I found that the 3/8" drill bit fit all my charges although some were fairly tight.

11. 11Gather your tools

    I used both a drill bit and an impact gun to make the holes and drive the screws. You will also need a bottle of wood glue, kreg jig, 1 1/4" screws, tape measure, clamps, 3/8" drill bit and a phillips bit. You will also need a power strip if you plan to use more than two chargers. I used a power strip that had two USB ports and three outlets. This way I could charge up to 6 devices at one time if you include the leftover wall socket. If you choose to use a power strip, be sure to make sure it will fit in the dimensions given. You can easily adjust dimensions. My power strip is 7" x 2", add to the overall dimensions by how much bigger yours is.

12. 12Glue sides

    Add glue to the sides before attaching them to the top piece. Make sure to spread it evenly so that it covers the whole end without excess squeezing out.

13. 13Screw bottom to the sides

    Using the 1 1/4" kreg screws attach, through the pocket holes, the bottom to the sides. Remove the clamps when done and wipe off any excess glue.

14. 14Install magnetic catch

    Install a magnetic catch to keep the front closed.

15. 15Install on Wall

    I used a 2 inch screw and adhesive to make sure the station stays solid as it is used on a daily basis. Install over an outlet so as to hide all the cords. For more details on how to make the most of this project, visit https://www.tidbits-cami.com/diy-device-charging-station/