Introduction: Super Easy Free Adjustable Tablet-Stand From Cd Spindle

About: I'm a Dutch guy doing things with music and technology. At the moment I'm finishing my MSc in Industrial Design. Not limiting myself to any genre or discipline, I like to work on anything related to music, des…

So I love to use my tablet for nearly all basic internet browsing; email, facebook, reddit, skype etc. But one thing that's constantly annoyed me, is that when I watch a (youtube) video, I have to keep holding the tablet steadily in front of me with one hand. This gets tiresome so I wanted to have some sort of stand. 

Looking around on the internet, there are a lot of different types stands available, but they're quite expensive, yet very simple. So why not make one myself?

Being lazy enough not to want to leave the house, I looked on Instructable for inspiration. While most of them were easy enough to make from scrap parts, they nearly all shared a common weak-spot: they are not adjustable. As the screen is so reflective, its important to be able to aim it to somewhere with the least amount of obtrusive reflections.

My method uses a standard cd-spindle with six simple slots cut into the edge. As the spindle is barely damaged by this, you could even start using it as a cd-spindle again if needed. The contraption is perfectly stable for me, and as its made out of soft plastic, there is no danger of damaging your device. The only downside I have found is its appearance; however you look at it, it remains just a spindle supporting your tablet. If you want you could decorate it to be a bit more fancy, but I'm quite happy using this bare 'McGuyvered' solution.

Oh, and if you enjoy this Instructable, please vote for me in the contests by clicking "Vote" in the top right corner. Thanks!

Wicked! This Instructable got featured on LifeHacker!

Step 1: Materials

There are not many Instructables with fewer materials:
  • Spindle from writable CDs/DVDs, size doesn't mattter
  • Box cutter or precision knive

If you don't have a spindle yourself, your dj or movie-loving friend will have one.

Step 2: The First Cut

Just pick any place on the little upstanding part on the edge of the spindle and make a vertical incision. Now cut a shape like this \__|  just a bit wider than the thickness of your tablet. 

The vertical edge will be supporting your tablet, while the diagonal will allow easy placement.

Step 3: More Cuts

Now make two more of these cuts, each one wide than the last. This to account for circular shape of the spindle.

Step 4: Mirror the Cuts

put your tablet with one side in the first hole you cut and put it vertically against the spindle rod. Now mark the place to cut on the other side and basically mirror the same cuts you made before. The end result should look like the image. The margin of error is quite small; if you've made a mistake, you can just use another slot.

Step 5: Done!

Congratulations! You have a free adjustable tablet stand which is scratch-save and allows for at least six different angles.

Oh, and yes, there is a stain on my screen because I accidentally sat on it :( But thanks to joshatron9695, I finally removed the stain by using a suction cup. Awesome! Check out the details here.

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