Reading Valets
About 1 year after my wife gave me the idea for a reading valet, it finally happened. Briefly, she was wanting something to rest a book on top of that she could also hide her phone and set her ear buds case on. After completing a few projects prior, I was left with some scrap wood. She selected some beautiful walnut that had some white sap wood on it which made for some nice interest.
I took this opportunity to experiment with some production processes so I prepared the walnut for her valet while also preparing other scrap woods for additional valets. Shortly after this project started, she asked for 2 more to be able to gift to two of her friends. I gladly took on the challenge and instead of making three, I made eight. I chose scrap cherry, white oak, African Mahogany, and hickory for these, as well as one valet idea that was made with a variety of narrow scrap pieces. The milling process began and went relatively well without complications. The only piece that required additional steps was the variety piece because it had additional cuts and glue-ups to create a unique pattern.
Once the milling was completed, the 3 different pieces were all cut to their final width and length. Each valet consists of 2 vertical “triangle” pieces and 1 base piece. A new challenge was created. I needed to make a jig to be able to cut thin and tall pieces at the table saw to get a steep angle. This is necessary so that the peak of the triangle is not too wide so it does not damage the spine of a book. Using scrap plywood, I made a vertical table saw jig that rests and slides along the saw fence. This jig can also be used to make tenons for mortise and tenon joints, bridle joints, and more. Once this jig was completed, I was able to set the saw blade to 72.5 degrees to make 17.5 degree cut on each triangle part, and when combined, would make at 35 degree angle which felt ideal for the task.
The glue of choice, as this is primarily end grain, was epoxy. This would allow for a strong bond that should be able to take the weight of any book being set on it. Next up was setting the triangle part onto the base. I decided that an inset would be best so one side does not sit all the way to one side of the base part. Next, I decided to add an angle groove , that matches the same angle as the triangle, into the base piece to support E-readers, tablets, or phones if anyone uses those devices to read. This also would serve a purpose to hold a cook book or recipe while cooking.
The triangle part was glued to the base with epoxy. and the groove was flushed to the triangle part with sanding and chisels. All that was left to do was sand the whole piece smooth and put on finish. These pieces turned out great. My wife changed her mind and wanted to have the unique pattern piece, we called the scramble patter, for herself. Her friends got the walnut version and also the African mahogany version. These are a quick build now that I have built a process for them. They make great gifts for reading lovers and also compliment any reading space. Buy one that is available now or contact us for a custom one!
