This is a super basic ramp for laptops that would normally be smothered during use. Having sufficient cooling is important for speed, and if you have a laptop, cooling only comes from the fan, which can sometimes lose effectiveness when placed on something such as cloth. It helps to regulate air flow to the vents at the bottom of a laptop, and also doubles as a shelf for a few small objects. Plus, the wood is 100% recycled!

Step 1: Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Here's what I used for this project. Note that some of the listed items are interchangeable

-A palette (with at least 3 cross-beams on it)

-8 wood screws

-A wood drill bit that matches the screws (and a drill)

-Reciprocating sander (or just sandpaper)

-Miter saw (not pictured)

-Wood glue/wood filler

-Jigsaw (the cutting kind)

-Hammer

-Protractor and marking tool

-Clamps

Step 2: Step 2: Deconstructing the Palette

After you have your tools, we can get stated.

First, separate the cross beams from the palette. These should be the short ones, and if possible, get at least 3. You'll need as much wood as you can get!

Once you've gotten the boards free, remove the nails. If a hammer just isn't working, use a screwdriver to try and pry them up. Remember that we need as much wood as possible, so try and avoid damaging anything past the edges.

Step 3: Step 3: Remove Damaged Edges

This is when you'll want to use the miter saw.

In order to make sure our wood is as sturdy as possible, cut off the edges where the nails were. Try and salvage as much as you can with the cuts though, as depending on your preferences, the ramp might be larger than you bargained for.

Remember to use proper eye and ear protection when operating any sort of machinery, especially cutting ones.

Step 4: Step 4: Preparing the Wood

Now that you have your pieces, get ready to shape them.

BEFORE you do that, you’ll want to measure the dimensions of your laptop, so you know how big to make the ramp. For me, my width was 11 ½ inches, and the length was about 2 feet.

Also, you’ll want to measure the angle you want the stand to be. Most people will be comfortable with different angles of their computer. Mine is at a 15 degree angle for reference, but feel free to adjust as necessary.

Before you start cutting, make sure that the piece you will be keeping has a flat top at the end of the triangle. You’ll need this to mount the shelf later.

It's important to mark exactly where you're cutting, as precise cuts will be helpful later on.

Step 5: Step 5: Cutting the Wood

Now that you've marked, it’s time to cut.

Using the jigsaw, cut along the earlier mentioned lines. Be sure to wear proper eye and ear protection while doing this. If you have enough room left on the board, use it to make a second shelf (the rectangular ones) You should end up with the above pieces.

Step 6: Step 6: Drilling the Holes

Before we get into the screws, use the sander (or just sandpaper) to clean the surface of the wood. I used standard 100 grain for this, and it came out with a nice, smooth finish.

Once you have the pieces sanded, it’s time to assemble them. Use a drill to drill two holes at the end of each board. They should go through the triangle pieces sideways. Be sure not to drill the holes too close to the edge of the board, or each other. You should have four holes in the side of each triangle piece when this step is complete.

Step 7: Step 7: Assembling

Now that you have your holes, you can use the wood screws to fasten the shelves in place.

Be careful when using a drill instead of a screwdriver, as too much torque could cause the wood to splinter. If you want to, use wood glue to hold the pieces together before you put the screws in.

The two rectangular planks should go one over the other, but one at the top, and one at the bottom. This should make two layered shelves.