How to Build Podiums From Wood

Podiums come in many designs.

Most podium plans are for a generic box-type podium. But you don't have to build what everyone else has. You can construct an attractive podium with four large legs running vertically to the bookrest. It's a see-through podium that, depending on the church or organization can include a figure, carving or symbol inside the legs particular to that usage. Its easy to build, and will stand alone in a world of box podiums.

Things You'll Need

• 4 pieces plywood, 18 1/2 inches by 22 1/2 inches by 3/4 inches
• 2 pieces oak lumber, 24 inches by 3 inches by 3/4 inches
• 2 pieces oak lumber, 20 inches by 3 inches by 3/4 inches
• 4 bar clamps, 36 inches
• 12 pieces oak lumber, 3 1/2 inches by 42 inches by 1 inch
• Table saw
• 100-grit sandpaper
• 24 wood screws, 3 inches
• Cordless drill or screw gun
• 4 hand clamps
• 2 pieces oak lumber, 18 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches by 1/4 inch
• 2 pieces oak lumber, 22 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches by 1/4 inch
• 1 piece oak lumber, 3/8 inch by 1/2 inch by 22 inches

Instructions

1. Build the base by gluing two pieces of the plywood together. Miter all of the ends of all the 3/4-inch lumber at 45 degrees. Glue and wrap the base with it, leaving a 1 1/2-inch reveal at the bottom. Clamp with the bar clamps and let dry for an hour.

2. Glue the legs. Make four separate stacks of the 42-inch-by-1-inch lumber, three pieces each with glue. Then clamp all four stacks together and let dry for an hour. Trim each leg to 3 inches wide and trim one end square. Set the saw blade at 10 degrees and miter the top of two of the legs at 36 inches to the longest point of the miter. Cut the other two legs at 39 inches to the longest point of the miter. Sand the legs.

3. Measure in 1 inch from the sides and 1 inch from the back and front of the base. Draw a 1-inch perimeter on the inside of the top of the base. Screw the legs to the base on these inside corners using 3-inch screws in their respective corners with the long points of the miters facing forward.

4. Center a piece of plywood on top the top of the legs. It should have a 10-degree tilt facing to the back. Glue and screw it down to the top of the legs. Spread glue on it. Then place the top piece on and clamp it down.

5. Miter all four ends of the 1/4-inch lumber pieces at 45 degrees. Glue and wrap the bookrest with them. Clamp and let dry for an hour. Glue and clamp the 3/8-by-1/2-by-22-inch piece for the bookstop on top on the back edge of the bookrest.

6. Sand lightly, and then apply stain and lacquer.

References

• Audio Affair: Hi-Fi Racks Podium

Resources

• "Woodworking for Serious Beginners"; Pamela Philpott-Jones;1995