First Project? Build This Simple Phone Stand
Before tackling furniture, practice on something small. This phone stand takes thirty minutes and teaches fundamental skills.
Materials
One piece of 3/4″ hardwood, roughly 6″ x 4″. Scrap works fine. No hardware needed.
The Cut List
Cut a groove 3/8″ deep at a 75-degree angle. That’s the phone slot. Round the back corners with sandpaper. Done.
Why This Project?
Simple enough to complete in one session. Uses basic skills—measuring, sawing, sanding. Results in something actually useful.
The angle matters. Too steep and the phone falls backward. Too shallow and it tips forward. Figure out 75 degrees with a protractor or angle finder.
Making It Better
Add a second slot for a tablet. Route a channel for a charging cable. Apply a nice finish. Once the basic stand works, improvements teach additional techniques.
Start here. Build confidence. Graduate to bigger projects when this feels easy.
