How to Build a Lectern
A lectern rests before a speaker, with a place to set a book. The name lectern comes from the word "legere," which means "to read." Building a good reading stand that looks nice in front of a presenter takes a little solid work. Craft your own portable folding lectern by making the pieces and setting the pieces together.
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Things You'll Need
- • Wood board, 1/4 inch by 24 inches by 50 inches (cedar, oak or mahogany)
- • Saw
- • Screwdrivers, Standard and Phillips
- • Sandpaper (120, 180 and 220 grit)
- • 16 small wood screws, flat head
- • 4 brass hinges, medium sized (1 and 1/2 inch), with 16 Phillips head screws
- • Stain
- • Wood finish
Instructions
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1
Saw the board into five pieces. Begin with the front piece by cutting 6 inches across so you have a board that is 24 inches wide by 6 inches tall. Cut a back piece 8 and 1/2 inches high and 24 inches wide. For the sides, measure a 14 and 1/8 inches high by 16 and 1/2-inch wide rectangle. On the left, measure up from the rectangle bottom 9 and 3/8 inches. On the rectangle right, measure up 4 and 1/2 inches. Draw a line from the high left mark to the low right mark to make a diagonal. Cut out the rectangle, and then cut along the diagonal to make two sides. Cut off the 7 and 1/2-inch piece from the wood. Last, trim the remaining wood to a 18 and 1/2-inch deep by 24 inch wide top.
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2
Make two vertical joint cuts on the front, back and the two sides, and shape the front. On the bottom of the front piece, cut two rectangular joints 1/4-inch wide and 2 and 1/2 inches high, each 1 inch in from the side. On the top of the back piece, cut two rectangular joints 1/4-inch wide and 4 inches deep, also 1 inch in. For the sides, make one rectangular joint 1/4-inch wide and 2 and 1/2 inches deep on the top, 1 inch from the short side, and one rectangular joint 1/4-inch wide and 4 and 1/2 inches high on the bottom, 1 inch from the high side.
Shape the ends on the front top by rounding the corners. Then, sand all five pieces three times with 120-grit, 180-grit and then 220-grit sandpaper.
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3
Assemble the back and sides. Stand the back and place the side joint over the left back joint. Place the right side over the right back joint.
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4
Put the front on. Place front over the left and right side joints.
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5
Secure the top to the sides with hinges. Screw two hinges on the inside of each side against the top diagonal edge. Place the top upside down on the bench. Turn the lectern over on top of the top. Align the top in the base. Secure the four hinges to the underside of the top with wood screws.
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Stain and finish the piece. When you want to carry the lectern around, the front and back come off and the sides fold in.
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Tips & Warnings
Build the lectern with flush joints so the stand rests stable and the book sits well on the stand.
If you want the lectern to rest easy on a table and not scratch the surface, add four rubber feet on the side bottoms.
