How to Build a Nightstand Bookmark
This nightstand bookmark holder is one of the first projects I tackled when I launched COLwood Craft. I love the simplicity of the design and the unique functionality of this piece. Below you will find the steps I took to complete this build.
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Disclaimer: Follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer of the tools you are using. If you do not feel comfortable making a cut or using a specific tool, do not do it! These tools are dangerous if not used properly and can cause serious harm to you or others if misused.
STEP 1: Cut Boards to Size
I used my table saw to get my initial cuts down to size. I cut each board at 7 1/4 inches. 3 boards are needed at this length.
STEP 2: Set Blade Angle
Using the Wixey Digital Angle Finder I set my table saw blade to 60 degrees. The angle gauge on this Ryobi Table Saw isn’t the best so it takes a little patience to get it set properly. It is really important that the angle is set to exactly 60 degrees or the boards will not line up.
Use a few pieces of scrap lumber to do some test cuts to ensure that the angle is set properly before cutting the product boards. This will help save me from frustration when it comes time to glue up the piece.
STEP 3: Make Angled Cuts
To set the table saw fence to the correct distance I place one of the boards on the saw and line it up with the blade, ensuring that I will only be removing enough material to make the 60 degree angle cut. Slide the table saw fence over to the board and lock the fence into place. This will allow me to make the same cut multiple times.
I make the first cut on each board. Repeat the process for setting the table saw fence to ensure I am not removing more material than is needed and make the second cut on each board. It is important to pay close attention to the direction that each angle is facing on the boards. I want the angle to face inward.
STEP 4: Sand Sand Sand
Once the cuts are complete it is time to sand each piece! I make sure not to sand away any of the ends of the boards as I do not want to impact the fit of each board when I glue it up.
NOTE: If you plan to stain the bookmark I recommend doing it before you glue it up. If you have any dried glue that seeps through that you don’t catch and sand down, the stain will not properly take to the wood.
STEP 5: Glue up
The final step to complete this bookmark is to glue it all up! Utilize painters tape to act as a clamp to hold each piece together. I add the tape to the boards before I add the glue. I used a clamp to hold the first board in place, applied wood glue to the second board and lined up the joints. Add glue to the third board and position it in place. Ensure that all of the joints line up and use the painters tape to hold it all together.
Make any adjustments needed to ensure everything lines up and add a few more pieces of tape. Let it dry for at least 6 hours before removing tape. I typically wait 24 hours just to be on the safe side.
STEP 6: Remove the Tape and Display with Pride!
That’s all it takes to build one of these nightstand bookmarks!
