I needed a notepad for my desk, and decided to make one that uses a roll of adding machine paper. This paper comes in rolls that are 2.25 inches wide, and that would suite my needs very well in writing down addresses while on the phone, and making temporary lists.

Supplies

Supplies used:

3/8's inch lumber (I used a small amount of pine from my scrap pile)
a short length of 3/8's inch dowel
a short length of brass pin stock (it doesn't have to be brass)
an old hacksaw blade
two small screws
a pair of wooden knobs (purchased from a craft store)
one roll of adding machine paper
wood glue
4 rubber feet
wood stain & tung oil

Tools used:

drill and bits
band saw
propane torch (for annealing the hacksaw blade)
sandpaper

Step 1: Make a Pattern

Begin by drawing a pattern. My pattern is designed for a 7 inch long notepad holder to provide sufficient space for writing. You can make this longer or shorter, depending on your needs. The dimensions of the base plate and ramp are noted as "1" and "2" on the drawing.

Step 2: Cut Out the Wood Parts

Transfer the patterns to the lumber and saw them out. I clamped the left and right sides together and sanded the shape as a unit to make sure they were exactly the same. Also, while they are clamped together drill a 3/8's hole for the spindle that holds the paper roll.

Step 3: Assemble the Parts

Glue the parts together using wood glue. After the glue cured I used small brads to reinforce the glue joints. The brads were probably not necessary, but I like for things to stay assembled!

Step 4: Prepare the Paper Bale and Tear Strip

The paper bale will keep the paper aligned as it comes off the roll and the tear strip will be at the end to allow the paper to be torn off cleanly.

I made the paper bale from a piece of 3/32's brass pin stock, with the ends bent as shown. The tear strip is from a worn hacksaw blade. I heated the blade with a propane torch until it was red hot, then let it cool on its on. This anneals the steel so it can be sawed and drilled. After it was cool, I sawed it to length and drilled holes in each end so it could be mounted (shown in a later step). I also painted the hacksaw blade.

Step 5: Stain & Add Finish

Trim the 3/8's dowel to fit the holder allowing for roughly 3/8's inch overhang. On one side of the dowel glue a knob on, but leave the other side as a friction fit (so the dowel can be removed for paper changes.

Stain the wood (including the knobs) and use your choice of finish. I used tung oil.