Device charging station
Do you have an area in your house that looks like this?
For some reason, our kitchen counter has been our recharging area for a long time. It is always cluttered and as we get more electronic devices, it becomes more and more confusing to find the right cord for the gadget you need to charge. Plus, it’s right next to the stove. Not the best place for all this.
I made this charging station so we can easily charge all our devices (well, six of them at least) and keep all the messy cords hidden. Only one cord plugs into the wall: the one attached to a power strip that hides in the back behind a sliding panel.
The charging cords fit into slots, preventing them from sliding back into the box when not in use.
I made this using 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch plywood, but it would be a great project to build using some special wood you’ve been saving. If you would like to build the charging station, here are a full set of plans:
Plans
- PDF version (with cutting template for sides)
- SketchUp file
*****
January 11, 2013 @ 1:59 pm
Nice charging station variation – one thought – some chargers tend to heat up during charging process so you could drill some holes or route slots (like in vent covers) in the back board to improve air flow in the box
January 11, 2013 @ 7:28 pm
Thanks for this great idea,,,
January 11, 2013 @ 10:37 pm
Why didn’t you post your latest Mere Minutes on your web page?
I check here for one stop Mortal Gratification. (Somehow that just sounds dirty, but I don’t mean it that way.)
Was your latest Mere Minutes unworthy of your Web page for some reason? Censorship is such a harsh mistress.
Now I find myself wondering what else I have missed. Was there a video revealing the secret of life and I missed it? Suddenly I feel all sad, alone, and abandoned out in the cold.
Don’t mind me. (sniffle). I’ll be okay. I just need a few moments alone to pull myself together. Talk amongst yourselves.
January 12, 2013 @ 1:54 am
Excellent simple build as usual will definatly have to build one of these maybe a bit larger I have an 8 plug board extra long to accomodate wider power supplies I agree that it needs some holes or slots for air venting looking forward to see what you come up with for the rest of the year cheers
January 12, 2013 @ 10:57 am
As always thank you so much for the great work and for taking the time to share with this online community.
I have few questions/suggestion if you don’t mind me asking. I always try to use the least material as possible and was wondering if it wouldn’t be better to drop the two side shelf support pieces. Also since this charging station is not going to hold heavy items, wouldn’t be better to go with a thinner piece of plywood.
My last suggestion: how about a sliding piece to lock the cables in instead of the small wholes. As you know some cable (like iPhone cables) will not fit through the small holes nor through the slots of the top shelf.
I know it’s easier to sit here and criticize your hard work, but I m just trying to help with my comments and suggestions.
Once again, thank you so much for taking the time to share.
Have a wonderful day.
January 13, 2013 @ 2:46 pm
I bet if you put this charging station inside one of your heater vents you could save a lot on your home energy bills.
Nice job Steve. I like it.
Byrdie
January 15, 2013 @ 4:03 am
GAAAAAHHH!!!!! I built one of these and now my house has burnt down; thanks Steve; I should have known after my previous house burnt down after making your ‘furnace’ – boiler – vents. I suppose your next project will be a place to store both matches and fire-lighters, there goes my next house. Tut.
January 16, 2013 @ 9:25 am
didn’t u apply any finish? and why not?
February 15, 2013 @ 6:53 am
Some chargers draw power when nothing is connect, most of this is converted into heat , so time for some vents. Nice work
August 24, 2013 @ 1:12 pm
Hi,
Great site! I spend a lot of time here.
I already made your garden bench and am thinking of having a go at this project.
Just one question; what is the thickness of the plywood? I could not find it on the plans and it wasn’t mentioned in the video.
thanks,
-d
January 15, 2014 @ 2:35 pm
Why is there no plan of procedures???
August 28, 2014 @ 7:25 pm
Hi Steve
I am in the process of building charging station for my night stand. I looked at all the diagrams and cut according to the measurements. I then started making rabbets for the all the different parts. After I got those done I printed the patterns for the sides. I had my boards cut to 9 1/2″ x 6 3/4″. When I tried to glue on the template I found that the template is almost an inch to big for the 9 1/2″ board. If I remember right it was 10 1/4″. My plan was to print to patterns and cut each one with a jig saw (I just getting started in woodworking so I don’t have a band saw) but now I can’t do that. I will have to ask a friend if he minds cutting them out for me. Also, the front holes don’t have a diameter in then plans. I know you mention something about it in the video but it would be nice if it was in the plans. Anyway, thanks for providing the plans and video because I would ever been able to do this with out them.
One last thing I have also built the candy coffin and it was a real struggle because the miter angles where not in the plan. I know that you say you just kind of guessed but that made it really difficult for me. I don’t want you to think that all I do is complain. These are some of the easiest plans I have found to follow and for a new woodworker that is important. I am grateful for them.
November 15, 2016 @ 12:07 pm
is there anywhere i can get a list of supplies?
November 29, 2016 @ 10:34 am
This is a cool project, I’m doing it with a student in a tech class but found that there isn’t a measurement for the holes on the face. I can guess but it would be nice to know what you used. I’d like it to be proportional to the size of the face.