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The 10 Minute Laptop Stand

The 10 Minute Laptop Stand
After putting one of those $30 prefab plastic laptop stands back on a store shelf I began thinking of an easy way of gaining similar functionality without the wastefulness or expense. Rummaging around my local hardware store I came across the materials needed to build this simple yet effective laptop stand for about half the cost of a commercial one.

 
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Step 1Required Materials

Required Materials
I purchased all of the materials needed for this project at my local Home Depot.

Materials Needed:

Simpson Strong-Tie OT structural joint tie 12"x12" - part# 044315774300
4 Rubber Anti-Skid Pads with included screws - part# 039003096444
3/4 inch wooden dowel - part# 049437396911
small bolt and nut


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39 comments
Sep 5, 2010. 11:14 AMDragonothe says:
You could cut the dowels on an angle to fit the bottom of the laptop.
Feb 6, 2010. 2:03 PMlooker1995 says:
Home Depot, as well as most hardware stores, offer non-skid rubber pads to prevent scratching things such as table tops or hardwood floors. You can get a variety of tan felt pads also, but I would use some of the black rubber type. They are round, self adhesive, and available in a variety of diameters. Sticking those on top of your dowels should solve any scratching issues.
Aug 12, 2009. 3:55 PMHardCoreHacker says:
How much did all of those supplies cost?
Jan 29, 2010. 11:20 AMgodofal says:
5 bucks probably  if u buu it new, but  free if ur a bit of a scavenger ;)
Jan 28, 2010. 11:29 AMravencrop says:
Excellent!
May 14, 2009. 10:23 PMcaityjay says:
Yeah, I was thinking it was upside down the whole time XD I think at least putting a couple of rubber stoppers on the tops of the dowels would help with the denting issue, and definitely prevent any scratching of the case. Very cool; simplistic whilst managing to avoid tackiness. I like it.
Apr 24, 2009. 9:12 PMmcpguru says:
Can you add your rotting soul to my compost pile? My wife will be getting one of these when she needs the stand. I'm still chained to my desktop.
Dec 27, 2008. 2:09 AMmarkvid says:
yeah macbook pro! same as mine!! :--)
Jan 28, 2009. 8:06 AMshooby says:
It's like they mass produce them or something! Wowie!
Apr 16, 2009. 6:07 PMreese08_93 says:
nice one lol
Feb 13, 2009. 12:25 PMDerin says:
Ownt.
Feb 4, 2009. 6:43 PMtipsychimp says:
thats just an internet rumor
Feb 14, 2009. 10:30 AMTaotaoba says:
Thats a nice one
Dec 26, 2008. 2:08 PMAhmed.AlAmir says:
Great instructable! How about filing the top of the dowels into a slope to help stabilize the laptop?
Mar 9, 2008. 1:38 PMalfonso says:
I'm going to have to build this, I just got a MacBook Pro and its like having a jet engine on my desk. Nice instructable.
Dec 19, 2008. 2:40 PMphant0m_sp00f3ra says:
I got a 17" MBP and holly sh!t they're very hot! congrats mate!
Sep 8, 2008. 6:43 PMmondaymonkey says:
I just bought a Compaq CQ50-106CA and it is seriously intensely hot. Those Turion 64 processors are amazing performers, but run VERY hellishly hot. Considering that its got a fsb of 2.0ghz its pretty dam hot.
Apr 6, 2008. 10:03 AMglynlowen says:
you could make one a lot more easily out of wood!!!!
Mar 14, 2008. 8:55 PMcornboy3 says:
This is cool, but it doesn't look very sturdy. I think you are relying to much on for a $1500 laptop.
Mar 27, 2008. 2:44 PMcornboy3 says:
I mean like three Rubber Anti-Skid Pads making it so you cant knock it flying? hmm maybe if you flipped it over makeing the metal t touching the laptop
Mar 11, 2008. 2:48 PMdavis_brud says:
Cool but would this work better upside down?
Mar 13, 2008. 5:47 PMkafene says:
I think that's a better idea... the contact point might dent the Powerbook.
Mar 11, 2008. 6:41 PMchalky says:
THE BEST LAPTOP STAND SO FAR BAR-NONE! CONGRATS:)
Mar 9, 2008. 6:56 AMgmjhowe says:
great instructable, just like that, it was made! ive been eyeing up the structural joints at my local wickes for making something along these lines, this has deffinatly helped. thanx, maybe i can finally replace my kenex laptop stand
Mar 9, 2008. 3:10 PMDa_Fudge says:
haha. K'nex laptop stand? your laptop must be light as a feather for the K'nex to hold it up!
Mar 10, 2008. 5:32 AMgmjhowe says:
Actually, if you contruct the knex properly it works a treat - see following www.instructables.com/id/Knex-Laptop-Macbook-Uber-Docking-Stand/ and also
Mar 10, 2008. 7:42 PMrasta_bhoy says:
I never get bored with all these k-nex instructables. too bad I broke all of them in half a long time ago. hehe
Mar 11, 2008. 5:36 AMgmjhowe says:
you can buy the stuff dirt cheap nowadays car boot is ur best bet!
Mar 10, 2008. 6:37 PMburtonboarder.snow says:
Hey thanks for this it works great the only problem is my nearest home depot does not carry the same Simpson but it was no problem I found one that was a little smaller but we bought an extra for it so we drilled some holes and attached the extra on and everything works perfect thank you here are some pics
Mar 10, 2008. 7:45 PMBARBARIANROCKER says:
very nice, we also have laptops that need stands. Good Instructable
Mar 9, 2008. 10:31 PMfishlee says:
Simple!! Cheap! Great job!! I'm going to have to make this one! THANKS
Mar 9, 2008. 4:56 PMGorillazMiko says:
WOW, great Instructable! Images are very good, very easy steps to follow, everything is just awesome. Amazingly done job, +1 rating.

I really hope to see more from you.
Mar 9, 2008. 10:53 AMmutface says:
That instructable is awesome! I'm using it right now!
Mar 9, 2008. 8:46 AMLinuxH4x0r says:
Great instructable, and nice MacBook pro I'd put stoppers on the other end of the dowels so it doesn't scratch it
Mar 9, 2008. 7:58 AMBrennn10 says:
Great instructions! This definitely will come in handy when I eventually purchase a laptop.
Mar 9, 2008. 12:35 AMthewoodcarver says:
Nice and simple easy to follow

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