3 in 1 Headphone / Laptop Holder With a Lamp

In this instructable, I made a headphone stand. This has been a huge request on my YouTube channel. So, I figured it was time to check this one off the to-do list.

The stand was made of mahogany scrap wood. The base of it has an LED light that stays lit when it's plugged in. Along the back, there is a slot for a laptop or a tablet to be docked. On the neck of the stand, there is an LED lamp for needed light. Even though the lamp is facing the rear, it's a great way to keep clutter off the desk. Simply turn the light source to the direction you need light. The light is controlled via the rocker switch in the back.

Parts used in the project:

Scrap mahogany
RGB LED http://amzn.to/2iT Ie1j
White LED http://amzn.to/2k qx0Sp
Light switch - http://amzn.to/2x4w Rbi
Clear Acrylic PlexiGlass http://amzn.to/2BD C9Bs
Stain http://amzn.to/2iU rirt
Polyurethane http://amzn.to/2iWB u2M
LED Cover http://amzn.to/2BE16 g1
DC Jack (inlet) http://amzn.to/2hQ kUip

Find me here:

Youtube

Instagram

Step 1: Shaping the Stand

I had a few pieces of stock mahogany on hand, approximately 2.5in thick.

I started by sketching up the neck part of the stand. Then, cut away the unwanted part. Set the miter saw up to make a 15-degree cut on both ends. Take one of the cut off ends, then trace the head of the stand on that part. Then split it into two. Clamp and glue the two parts on the head, one on each side.

Shaping the head:

After the glue has set, take a round object trace out an arch. Then remove the unwanted section.

Step 2: Making the Base

The base was also cut to a 15-degree angle along the front. I centered the neck on the base then outlined the shape. Next, cut this section out, make sure you to cut inside the lines (will be a tight fit). Then, take a chisel to clean out the opening.

I need the base to be thick so I can have the room to store the component and also enough support to hold the laptop.

Step 3: Dressing Up the Neck

I want to keep this with the modern look and clean lines. To make the headphone sits properly I shaved off the corners in the middle of the head.

I also wanted to add something different to the stand (more so as a bonus). So, adding a lamp seems to be a good option. It’s not something I would use all the time but if I needed one its right there. I just happen to have a piece of LED cover that I traced on to the neck part. Then, I chiseled out this section to that the cover sits flush. The next thing I did was drilled a hole from the bottom of the stand to the LED lamp section. To avoid any mistakes, I drilled from both ends and met in the middle. The goal is to be able to past the wires through the neck.

Step 4: Adding Plexiglass

Now, we are getting into the fun part. I used a 1/4in sheet of plexiglass, then trace the base on it. At the bandsaw, I set the fence the same thickness as the plexiglass.

Ripping the bottom

I made two passes on the saw. I kept the first rip then proceed to make a second rip. Discard the second pass, the plexiglass will replace it. Cut the plexiglass down to match the base then make a hole in the center (3 to 5in hole). Next, transfer the hole on the base and route it out.

Next, clamp all three pieces (the stand, plexi, and the bottom). Sandwich the plexiglass in between the bottom and the base. Drill out a hole for the switch and the DC jack.

Screw the bottom on

After all the fine tuning is made, clamp everything once more. Then pre-drill holes to and countersink the holes so the screw heads sit flush.

Step 5: Adding Your Finish

Use sawdust with wood glue mixed to fill any gaps. Then, sand the entire stand.

I then stained the stand with one coat of stain. Allow enough prior to applying polyurethane.

Step 6: Adding LED

If you have ever use LED's before you'll more than likely have a piece laying around. If not ill have a link below.

If you want color changing LED, you’ll have to use a strip with the led controller. I’ve committed to one of the three available color “blue”. You have a choice of RED, GREEN, BLUE or you can get creative and mix the color. Simply connect the positive leg to 12v on the strip and the negative leg to the blue.

The led for the lamp is even simpler there is only positive and negative. After extending the wires install the strip in the slot. Then install the cover.

I also solder conductors on the DC jack and the power switch.

RGB LED: Click Here

LED Lamp: Click Here

Step 7: Wiring

This may look complicated, but it's not. Let's see if I can clarify.

- The LED strips (both) and the dc jack will both be wired with a positive and a negative.

(1) Place all the components in its location. Take the ground (leg) from the following.

- The RGB Led (pick the color)

- The Negative from the White light led strip

- Negative on the DC Jack

Note: Twist all of them together.

(2) Take the positive from the following

- The RGB Led (12v)

- Positive DC Jack

- One leg from the light switch.

Note: Twist all of them together.

(3) Connect the following

- The Positive from the White light led strip

- One leg from the light switch.

Note: Twist all of them together.

Once everything is connected dab a little bit of solder on them to lock it in place. The cover the splice with shrink tube or any kind of wiring connector.