Mini Tables - Monitor Stands

The Idea:

I wanted to make something for my family that would keep them guessing up until they had to assemble it.  Conveniently they all needed some type of monitor stand or TV stand.  They usually come out to the shop and snoop around so I wanted to make something that would not be immediately distinguishable.

The Prototype:

Plywood box with mitered corners with a 1 inch gap in the middle.  Cut the"bottom" off and then made the legs out of scrap.

The Build:

Now to make a prettier version made out of 1/2" maple and 1" oak.

(I do my glue-ups in the basement in the winter)

Put a screw in for re-enforcement, didn't want any monitors crashing down.

Make a box to complete the look and increase confusion upon opening.

What they unwrapped:

I got a lot of puzzled looks and no one knew what it was - Success!

Final Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this project.  I was able to practice my miters and angled dado's with a bottom parallel to the top of the leg.  I also was happy with the way that the two species of wood contrasted inside the package. 

I ultimately did add screws to the legs, I felt a bit nervous with just the glue knowing that a expensive electronic devices would be sitting on this.  The extra reinforcement might not have been necessary but I'd rather overbuild this than under build it.

Thanks for looking! 

Stress Blocks - White Elephant Gift from Scrap Wood.

Idea:

I needed to make a White Elephant Gift for a party with minimal impact to my wallet.  But I also wanted to make something that wouldn't immediately be thrown away (hopefully). So I drew up a box in Illustrator, had it printed and then glued it down to some cardboard.

The Build:

Needed some clear plastic sheeting and all I had was a 3 ring binder cover.

Fill it with scrap of different shapes and sizes.

Final Thoughts:

I'm happy with this quick build and I think whoever is lucky enough to pick it will be too.

Thanks for looking!