Homemade Indoor Flag Pole Stand

Flags are widely used to display patriotic pride, team loyalty or symbolize an organization's beliefs. The use of flags dates back centuries to the first square pieces of cloth tied to the ends of spears by the Romans. Today we display flags in many ceremonial fashions. One such display is the indoor flag stand. Elaborately crafted or simply built, all flag stands serve the same purpose: a safe display for that which is dear to us.

Things You'll Need

• Safety goggles
• 3/4-inch-thick plywood sheet
• Marking pencil
• Measuring tape
• Carpenter's square
• Circular saw
• Drill press
• 1-inch spade bit
• Wood glue
• Hammer
• 12 finishing nails
• Medium-grit sandpaper
• Stain or paint

Instructions

1. Mark the plywood sheet with a pencil, measuring tape and carpenter's square to the following sizes:
   2 pieces each:
   12 inches square
   5.5 inches square
   4 inches square
   2.5 inches square

2. Cut the eight marked pieces out of the plywood using the circular saw. Recheck the size of each piece after cutting.

3. Set aside the two 12-inch squares. Using the measuring tape, mark the centers of the remaining six pieces.

4. Drill a 1-inch hole through the marked centers of the six pieces of plywood using the 1-inch spade bit and drill press. Drill slowly to avoid splintering or splitting the wood.

5. Prepare for assembly by smoothing the edges of all eight cut pieces using medium-grit sandpaper.

6. Glue the 12-inch pieces flat together with edges even. Glue remaining sets together in the same fashion. Set aside to dry according to the glue manufacturer's instructions.

7. Mark the center of the 12-inch block with pencil and measuring tape. Attach the next level by gluing the 5 1/2-inch block to the center of the 12-inch block and securing it by hammering a finishing nail in each corner of the smaller block. Continue to add the 4-inch, then 2 1/2-inch layers in the same fashion. Allow glue to dry.

8. Finish the project by staining or painting the flag stand as desired. Allow the paint to dry completely before using.

Tips & Warnings

• If stain is used to finish the flag stand, products with a wood sealer will protect the project from water damage.

• These flag stand plans will hold up to a 1-inch-diameter flagpole; for larger diameters adjust the size of the spade bit used.

• Follow safety suggestions and wear safety goggles when operating circular saw and drill press.

• Follow manufacturer's guidelines for ventilation when using wood glue, paint or stain.

References

• Flags: A History of Flags
• Getting Started in Woodworking: Skill-Building Projects That Teach the Basics: Aime Ontario Frasier; March 15, 2003