Introduction: "Hidden" Projector Shelf

Do you have a large projector, but no where to place it to project it onto the wall. You just keep it in storage, then when you have a group of friends over, you have to readjust it on the table to center it on the wall/screen. You won't have to do this anymore...

Here's my solution to the problem I had. My room is small (and finally finished, now to move everything back in) and not alot of room for everything I have, so I improvise to make everything "fit". I didn't use my projector a whole lot (usually on a screen I put up outside for our firepit gatherings. It's a 8'x12' :) ), but when I did, it was a pain to setup. I also wanted an area to practice with my plastic bb pistol, so I solved my problems with this idea.

I had already made this shelf, so I made up some plans in paint so you can follow the basic steps on how to make one of your own ;)

There's a short and long version of video below. The long version may take a while though...

Step 1: Materials and the Basics...

Materials you'll need (you can also improvise, as I did):

1. Wood boards (amount depending upon the size of your projector)
2. Two hinges
3. Right Angles/brackets
4. Screws/Nails
5. Screw driver/hammer
6. Jig saw/hand saw/circular saw (etc.)
7. Tape measurer and pencil
8. Router (optional)

The basic design as depicted below is that the shelf would fold down to allow you to place the projector on the top while the other shelf supports it. It would fold back up to take up less space after you were finished using the projector.

Step 2: Here's Some Steps


1. First thing you want to do is: Measure how big your projector is and add 1-2 inches to that to allow "overhang" to turn the projector.

2. Cut out a section of board (or attach boards together) to become the "top board" (projector shelf).

3. Cut another two boards (about 1/2 the length of the top board) to become the support and bottom boards.

4. Attach the hinges to the top and bottom boards. Make sure the hinge is facing away from the wall.

Step 3: Support Is Needed...


Now we attach the "support" board to the top board using some right angle brackets.

Here's where you can get creative... You can choose to router out a picture holder in the bottom board if you want to make it fancy :P
Also whatever you plan to place on top of the "support" board should be securely attached, so it won't fall off when you flip it down.

Attach the shelf, through the bottom board, to the wall (use long screws) and use whatever method you want to attach the shelf upright. I used a hook and eye to keep it up.

These were my original ideas floating around in my head, but they changed as luck would have it...

Step 4: My Version: Notes and Pictures...


As you may have noticed, my version differs to that of the paint pictures. I found this basket and decided to use it instead of the shelf idea, cause it allows the target to be at the right level to shoot at and holds everything.
Due to the log wall being uneven, I decided to make the bottom board in sections depending on how far the wall stuck out. Later I plan to redo this and make it look better, but for now I have other things to do (such as organize my room)...

I added two pieces of wood on top to mark the placement of the projector. I also used some "wire" holders to mark the placement of where to place the adjustment board I needed. The adjustment board allows the projector to project at a downward angle onto my screen, but needs to be removeable since the shelf wouldn't be able to close with it there.