ISketchPad

So drawing on the iPad is great. Though the smaller models aren't so great for your wrists. The ergonomics are terrible. While the display area is pretty large, there's not a lot of space to rest your hand. A sketchpad already exists that can be bought but at over $100 it's another purchase I don't want to undertake. Which got me thinking; it's basically just a simple frame. Can't it just be made?

I don't have access to a 3D printer, but layering is a basic and universal concept. And my prior experience with laser cutters really primed me to think in layers.

So I ordered 1/8" thick (~3mm) Masonite boards from my local art supply store and got to measuring.

Supplies

• An iPad (optional)
• Masonite/Birch boards
• Marker/pencil
• jigsaw/hacksaw
• fine tooth saw
• rotary tool (optional)
• masking tape
• ruler
• square
• drill
• sandpaper
• vice/clamps/bulldog clips
• safety glasses
• vacuum cleaner

Step 1:

Ipad dimensions:

• Thickness: 7mm - (0.27")
• Width: 170 mm - (6.69")
• Length: 240 mm - (9.44")

Take your iPad out of it case and measure its dimensions. Note them down. Mine is the 2018 (6th gen) so you might have to alter the design to fit your tablet. Used 11x14" boards to extend the tablet, but still be portable. FUTUREPROOFING!

Step 2:

Use your marker to rough out a cutout for your tablet. Mark the center point.Tape over the lines, depending on the opacity of your tape, you might have to trace over the tape. Placing the tape is the prevent chip-out.

Step 3:

Drill holes using the drill at the 4 corners of the cutout. Make sure the diameter is equal or bigger than the jigsaw blade.

Step 4:

(Learned this later, but clamp down a straight edge to help guide the jigsaw) start slowly cutting along the marks. You'll have to ease into the straight lines. Use the fine tooth saw or rough sandpaper to finalize the edges.

Once the board is cut, use it to determine the cuts and holes on the second board.

Step 5:

Once you've cut the boards, glue them down atop each other.

Look back your work and... realize it's a bit of a mess. When I do insert the tablet, it fits but the power button keeps getting accidentally pressed. So while drawing, the tablet would sometimes turn off. WHICH IS INFURIATING. But hey, the core concept was there.

Step 6:

Go back to the proverbial drawing board and open up a vector app. I use Illustrator CS5. Using the pen, direct selection, rounded rectangle and selection tools draw rectangles to fit the dimensions of your tablet.

Mine were:

• Thickness: 7 mm (0.27")

• Width: 170 mm (6.69")

• Length: 240 mm (9.44"")

Step 7:

Go to the very talented people at Toronto Laser Services and send them your file to prep and cut the birch. Go to their page for file setup specifications (TLS Setup) for stroke paths and colours. Or, simply download the EPS and modify it to your liking.
They were consummate professionals (observed Covid-Safe guidelines) and really helped my figure the best way to lay out the file. It was a joy to work with them! Check them out on Instagram or Youtube! Here's the process of cutting my boards. Enjoy the chillest vid on the internet :)

Step 8:

Take the masking tape off and do a quick fitting. By doing so, I noticed that I miscalculated the dimensions of the second panel and would have to cut off a bit of wood. Don't worry, I fixed my error in the EPS, so it should be good now.

Step 9:

Mark out the cut. If you have one, use a rotary tool to cut into the material. Using my dremel, I scored a hole to fit my fine-toothed saw and finished the cut with it. Had more control on the cut using a hand tool. Obviously you won't have to do this with the updated file.

Once the fix is completed, use either rough sandpaper or the rotary tool to even out the cut.

Step 10:

Glue the panels together with wood glue. Use a foam brush or your fingers to spread the adhesive. Make sure to keep everything lined up. I kept squaring the panels on my cutting mat on all sides to ensure alignment. I used bulldog clips to secure the panel together afterwards. This glue cures after about 30 minutes. Follow the directions on your bottle as they may differ. After drying, sand off any residue with a fine grit.

Step 11:

Enjoy your new pad! I already have a case for my tablet, and switching between the Isketch pad and case can be a bit annoying. However, the ergonomic benefits outweigh any inconvenience. You could always add a large rubber band to keep the tablet in the pad 24/7.

Thanks again to Toronto Laser Services for cutting and advising on this project. And basically saving my wrists!