This project was built and designed by Billy from Newton Makes. It’s a clever, collapsible display stand made from reclaimed wood that’s often considered scrap—but the final result looks like a high-end woodworking piece.
This project highlights the potential of “garbage wood,” proving that with a little creativity and technique, you can make something beautiful, functional, and gift-worthy from rough materials most would toss aside.
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Turning Firewood into a Gift-Worthy Build
Billy begins this project by digging into his pile of offcuts and firewood scraps. The key is finding wood that’s dry, stable, and free from rot—regardless of how rough it looks on the outside.
Knots, irregular edges, and minor imperfections are not only accepted but celebrated. They add to the visual interest and rustic charm of the finished display stand, giving it a handmade character that polished store-bought items lack.
Milling and Setup
Once the right piece of wood is selected, Billy mills it down to a manageable thickness. This involves flattening, squaring, and cutting to rough dimensions.
Rather than starting with pre-surfaced lumber, Billy uses the rough stock as-is. This adds some extra prep work, but it keeps the project cost low and gives the final piece more visual appeal with natural live edges and grain variation.
To make clean, repeatable angled cuts, Billy creates a jig for use at the table saw. This simple fixture stabilizes the wood and improves safety, making it easier to cut precisely without needing extensive sanding afterward.
Making a Template
A critical part of this project is the use of templates. Billy makes a master template for the top board of the stand. This piece will hold the legs in place, so it needs to be consistent.
After tracing the shape onto the wood and attaching the template with spray adhesive, he rounds the corners and cuts notches that will accept the legs. These notches can be created with a scroll saw or by drilling and chiseling to clean out the corners.
Duplicating the Legs
To ensure symmetry, a second template is made specifically for the legs. Rather than trying to shape two identical parts by hand, Billy traces the template onto each leg blank and removes the bulk of the material with a bandsaw.
Double-sided tape holds the template in place while a router trims the final shape. This method guarantees that both legs are identical and slide cleanly into the top notches.
Creating Wedges for Support
The collapsible stand stays upright thanks to a pair of wedges that lock the legs in place. These are cut at an angle using the same jig setup from earlier, ensuring repeatable and accurate results.
Fine-tuning is done with a hand plane and sanding block until each wedge fits snugly. The combination of the notches, legs, and wedges creates a surprisingly sturdy structure that doesn’t need glue or fasteners to hold together.
Finishing the Display Stand
Before final assembly, all pieces are sanded smooth and the edges are eased slightly to remove any sharp corners. Billy then applies a finish that enhances the natural character of the reclaimed wood and brings out the contrast in the grain.
While waiting for the finish to dry, Billy reflects on how woodworking blends creativity with problem-solving. The project itself may be simple, but it’s packed with thoughtful design choices and teaches valuable lessons in planning, precision, and working with imperfect materials.
Final Assembly and Practical Use
With everything dry and prepped, the display stand is ready for assembly. Its collapsible design means it can be taken apart and stored flat, making it ideal for people with limited space or for gifting purposes.
This stand works great for holding snacks at gatherings, displaying small items in a retail setting, or even just as a countertop decoration. It’s functional, but it also feels like a conversation piece because of its rustic charm and visible craftsmanship.
Why This Project Matters
Billy’s build is a reminder that woodworking doesn’t always have to start with expensive hardwood or a long list of tools. With smart design and good technique, even the roughest piece of wood can be turned into something impressive.
This project is especially satisfying because it combines sustainability with skill-building. You’re not just making a display stand—you’re learning to see potential in overlooked materials.
Please support Billy by visiting his website here: https://www.newtonmakes.com/shop.