Introduction: Pallet Wood Laptop Riser
Thank you for checking out my first ever instructable!
The idea for this project came from a pain in my neck. I found that working for long periods of time on my laptop sitting down at a desk was causing me to adopt a very bad posture which turned to neck ache. So I decided to try and make something that would raise my laptop screen to a level that I could stare at for prolonged periods of time with no pain.
I had quite a few pallets left in my Garden from a project that I attempted last year and did not finish, so I wanted to try and make use of that wood.
I've been inspired by a great deal of the fantastic pallet woodworking instructables on this site, although this is the first time I've tried one. My favourite I've come across so far (and what I will be attempting next) has to be the Wine Rack by the wonderful foradoescritorio so please check that out when you get a chance.
Anyways, enjoy and I welcome any questions.
Step 1: Tools Needed
Pallet Wood
Rubber Mallet (to break up the pallet)
Circular Saw
Orbital Sander and grit 60, 180 and 240 pads
Variety of clamps
Pencil
Set Square
Drill with 8mm bit
Dowel master or dowel kit
Wood Varnish
Paint Brush to apply Varnish
Step 2: Reclaim a Pallet
Step 3: Dismantle Pallet
Step 4: Cut Pieces
4x 14"
8x 9"
Make cuts using a circular saw or hand saw and keep hold of the off cuts (we'll come to these later on)
Remember to use safety goggles as wood chips will fly everywhere.
Step 5: Sanding
Step 6: Gluing
Arrange the pieces into 3 groups (left side, middle and right side) working on 1 group at a time apply the wood glue and clamp together whilst drying
Step 7: Cutting the Slope on Sides
It doesn't matter which, but decide which end you want to be the front and which you want to be the back, in the third photo I've gone with the right as the front. Measure 5 inches down from the top and mark it with a pencil.
Take a scrap piece of wood that you know is straight and place one end at the mark you have just made, place the other end in the bottom left hand corner, and make a mark. This is the angle we will be cutting.
In order to cut straight I've measured the distance between the blade on my circular saw and the edge of the saw frame, which works out to be just under 1.5 inches.
Now I will make another mark on the wood 1.5 inches above the previous marks
Place the scrap wood back in place using the two new markings and then clamp everything's securely into a workbench ready to cut, we will use the scrap wood as a guide.
Make the cut using the scrap wood as a guide
You should now have the sides completed, you can sand the fresh cut sides again so as to match the smoothness of the rest of the pieces
Step 8: Dry Fit and Adjustments
Step 9: Joining the Top and Side Pieces
Step 10: Creating the Lip
I cut mine to be 2cm each
Measure 5 cm from each side of the main structure and make a mark, then place and glue the two pieces for the lip. Keep these in place with clamps and wait to dry.
Step 11: Apply Varnish and Finish!
To finish this project, I applied a clear matte interior wood varnish, although it said to apply two coats minimum, I found I was more than happy with 1 coat.
And that's it! leave it to try and then try it out.