This $1.26 Woodworking Project Is the PERFECT Christmas Gift!! // Easy DIY gift idea 2026
Make a floating phone holder from a small 2×4 block by routing a centered pocket for a phone magnet ring.
- Cut and glue two 12-inch 2×4 pieces together, then square the blank to 2½ × 2½ inches.
- Cut the holder’s angled profile, trace the magnet ring, and route a pocket to match its depth.
- Sand and finish the holder, then glue in the magnet; a 10° base angle gives it more tilt.
The build includes practical cutting and routing demonstrations that are easier to follow visually. · Best for: Woodworkers looking for a small, customizable gift project.
The creator demonstrates a floating phone holder made from 2×4 stock and a phone magnet ring. He shows shaping, routing, and finishing, and suggests a 10° bottom angle for extra tilt.
Materials, cost, and project plan0:00
- A quarter of a 2×4 and one roughly $1 magnet are used per holder; the creator estimates $1.26 per unit.
- He says one quarter of a 2×4 can yield four holders and plans to give or sell them.
Glue up and shape the blank0:59
- Cut the 2×4 in half at 12 inches, glue the pieces together, clamp, and let them dry.
- Remove the rounded edges and cut the blank to 2½ × 2½ inches.
- Mark 2 inches from one side and cut a 22.5° angle; make the matching bottom cut.
Add optional tilt and mark the magnet pocket1:53
- The remaining stock may allow extra pieces; the creator cuts two optional 10° base angles in opposite directions.
- Center the phone magnet ring by eye or measurement and trace its outline.
Route the magnet pocket2:48
- Set a small router bit to the magnet’s depth and clamp the workpiece to scrap wood.
- Route the traced circle, moving the clamps as needed to keep the router clear, then test-fit the magnet.
Shape, finish, and test3:35
- Optionally cut the corners at 45° on the table saw to create an octagonal shape.
- Sand, paint or stain, and glue in the magnet.
- The creator reports the holders fit and work; he prefers the extra tilt from the 10° base.
Step by step
- Cut the 2×4 into two 12-inch pieces, glue them together, clamp, and let the glue dry.
- Square the blank, removing rounded edges, and cut it to 2½ × 2½ inches.
- Mark the profile, cut a 22.5° angle, then cut the matching bottom profile.
- Optionally cut a 10° angle on the base for more phone tilt.
- Trace the magnet ring, set the router-bit depth to match the magnet, and route the pocket.
- Test-fit the magnet; optionally cut 45° corners, then sand and apply paint or stain.
- Glue the magnet into the pocket.
Tools & resources mentioned
- Phone magnet ring — fits into the routed pocket and holds the phone.
Notes are AI-generated from the video's transcript and may miss nuance.