DIY Compact Portable Magnetic Laptop Shelf Build Instructions
Step 2
Mount Folding Brackets to Board
Page 1: Overview & Step 1: Drill Holes
Page 2: Step 2: Mount Brackets
Page 3: Step 3: Glue Magnets
Page 4: Step 4: Add Anti-Slip
Page 5: Options & Variations
Page 6: Photos of Shelf in Use (IUEC)
Page 7: Read More, FAQ, Recipient List
*Edit 2024; I now sand paint off bracket and glue magnets to the bracket before mounting brackets to the board as explained in dedicated Magnetic Brackets web post.
Also see note bottom page 1 about Board Chamfer
*Edit 2024; IMPORTANT brackets sanded for better glue bond, see full details here
To mount the folding brackets to the board I both mechanically fasten and glue them. Are both necessary? No. Glue alone won’t holdup over time. Mechanically fastening with bolts will but I chose to do both as a middle finger to all the half a$$, corner cutting BS we deal with daily.
First thread the M4 bolts into the the board. Test fit the bracket over the bolts then remove to apply glue. Apply a thick coat of Flexible Contact Adhesive (I use Gorilla Glue or Loctite Glue) in the recess of the folding bracket to fill the void, along the edges of the bracket and on the board down the center line of the bolts hitting the bolts so the glue acts as thread locker.
Gorilla Glue Clear Grip: https://amzn.to/37KJhJw
Loctite Clear Silicone: https://amzn.to/3lEtkuT
Note, a notch was cut into the Mainstay board. We will discuss that shortly.
*Edit 2024; this is not the chamfer on the flat side as discussed page 1.
Once glue is applied, set the folding bracket onto the bolts and snuggly fasten with M4 nuts. Don’t over tighten because the folding bracket has a recess in the center and over tightening will draw the board inward some causing it to curve and smiley face your board. Ask me how I know.
Make sure the bolt is flush with the top of nut or only protrudes a little. If anymore than pictured below, the folding bracket won’t quite close all the way. Remember this is an ultra low profile folding bracket. If you can’t purchase the correct size, cut, grind or file the bolt down as needed. This is why I wasn’t able to use nylon insert lock nuts (aircraft nuts), they were too tall.
There is not much room between the nut head and the recess in the bracket to fit a conventional nut driver. I just ground down a cheap 7mm nut driver to make the walls thinner. My precision Wiha electronics nut driver set only went up to 6mm.
Once the glue sets up, it will solid fill the recess void in the center of the folding bracket making for a more rigid overall build. It’s best to use a flexible glue though as the board will flex some in use and when you remove the shelf from a metal surface.
Optional Notching Edges
If you use a board that is flat on both sides (Faberware Basics) or place the recessed side up and flat side down on the Mainstay, you won’t have to route or cut a notch in the edge for the folding bracket.
I wanted to try several variations of this laptop shelf, so I notched some Mainstay Boards to compare flat top vs recessed top vs Faberware flat/flat. I just used a router which was quick and easy.
I found that I prefer the recessed top for the option to hold material that could roll off including hardware, pens, flashlight etc. so I don’t recommend doing this step, just put the flat side down / recessed side up on the Mainstay boards.
If you don’t want a recessed top, I recommend the Faberware Board.
Mainstay/Dexas Board: https://amzn.to/3bbfMm3
Farberware Basics Board: https://amzn.to/3lzA0dZ
- 8” Steel Folding Bracket: https://amzn.to/2Cjr36a
- M4 Machine Screws 8, 10, 12, 14mm: https://amzn.to/2G8Ocu0
- M4x0.7mm Metric Nut: https://amzn.to/311Y3Ks
- Gorilla Flexible Glue: https://amzn.to/37KJhJw
- 7mm Nut Driver: https://amzn.to/2F2Ggu3
- OPTIONAL
- Loctite Flexible Silicone: https://amzn.to/3lEtkuT
- Router: https://amzn.to/32BYKtn
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Next Page for Step 3: Glue Magnets
Edit 2024; Dedicated web post on new Magnetic Bracket config
Page 1: Overview & Step 1: Drill Holes
Page 2: Step 2: Mount Brackets
Page 3: Step 3: Glue Magnets
Page 4: Step 4: Add Anti-Slip
Page 5: Options & Variations
Page 6: Photos of Shelf in Use (IUEC)
Page 7: Read More, FAQ, Recipient List
Hey Kevin, how is version 3 coming along? I can’t imagine what your plans are for making it “thinner, lighter and more compact.” I’ve been a lurker for a while as I was going to make my own invention just as you have done, but you have done a ton of the trial and error as well research into making your shelf.
I came up with the same idea a year ago when I saw a shelf like it mounted with screws in a PLC console and I told the tech I was working with that it would be awesome to mount one of those with strong magnets and have it moveable around all of our different work areas and sites… they just shrugged and I stayed busy with work as I was the FNG. Finally with a little more down time and days of research several months ago, I saw that you had the same drive as I for a product/project like the one you have created. Anyhow, great work thus far on your personal project, I hope to order the materials soon so that I can have a couple of shelves lying around in my laptop bags/work truck.
Thanks,
Version 3 won’t start for a while as I have other projects to complete first.
Version 1 took me nearly 20 years to complete when I found the half started project while cleaning my basement and finally finished it. Version 2 had been in my head for years but took that long to find the proper hinges.
The key to Version 2 is the low profile hinges and the magnet configuration. I will explain the science behind the magnet config in a future update but its important to do the magnets exactly as I have, alternating the poles.
I have one model that uses 1/32″ thick magnets and holds very strong. Yes 1/32″ paper thin magnets. The key is the alternating poles.
I will update this post in the future with more info but time is very limited and I make little to no money off these posts (1-3% off amazon links) so its hard to justify the time.
Good luck and remember you can help support this website and YouTube channel by Subscribing, hitting Like & Commenting on videos.
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Kevin thank you so much……it works great it’s perfect for relay testing on switch gear.
I changed it a bit and used clear acrylic instead …it’s better for me
Thank you
Chris
That’s awesome! If you like email some photos and I will post them on a dedicated section to display peoples variations.
Did you use acrylic or Lexan? I have found in my experience Lexan is easy to cut and drill than acrylic. For example I used Lexan on this panel mount build https://youtu.be/a826q0I0a_Y buy used acrylic on a previous build https://youtu.be/YOzw9btb–k
Hello Kevin,
Fantastic Idea and thanks for sharing with everyone. My question is about the magnet. Does the magnet can damage hard hard drive or any other parts on the laptop? How strong the magnet should be to effect and damage the hard drive?
Thanks,
Thanks, and good question.
Anything is possible but practically, no. Remember powerful magnets are in hard drives but fields are shunted. Just don’t store the laptop shelf magnet side touching the laptop (likely would still be fine but just to be on safe side). Store it cutting board side towards laptop. I will make an edit fully explaining the magnetic shielding, concerns etc later today but it’s important to use the magnets I specify and alternate poles.
I’ll post my edit as a reply here as well.
Dude. Can I please just buy a version two from you ? Email me please. Kevdok13@gmail.com
I do fire alarm programming a lot and am always struggling with my tablet. This is amazing but I want it to be top quality and you seem to have all the small bugs worked out beautifully. If so let me know
Sure for enough money but once you add my price + shipping cost you may just want to build your own for around $50 in material.
I would be willing to sell some of the versions I already have built for $150 + shipping. I have no idea what shipping would cost but if you are interested I will find out. The remaining models are listed on page 6 towards the bottom: https://www.kevingittemeier.com/magnetic-shelf-v2/6/
I understand the struggle! Having a portable shelf can be a life saver.
Hey Kevin,
Have you ever tried this with a wooden board? I don’t see any draw backs.
I have not.
I like to use these cutting boards because they are light weight, inexpensive, durable, readily available and most of all suite the task perfectly.
A wooden board would look very nice and work well but not ideal for a hard use application in the field like I use mine. I have thought about making a nice wooden one just as an example though and posting video and pics.
Keep a lookout on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/KGittemeier
Do you have another source for hinges that you like? As I type this, Amazon only has one of the 8″ brackets of the type you recommend in stock.
Or even an alternate hinge?
I have no acceptable alternate (I have tried many) and I have not been able to find that hinge anywhere else. Keep in mind that they are sold in pairs so that “1” in stock will allow you to make a shelf. They come in and out of stock often so keep checking if you want more.
When I see them in stock I buy several bc more and more co-workers keep wanting to buy shelves from me rather than build it.
Also note that I just added a page 7 with more info. More pics and info coming soon about “Pro Version”.
What kind of glue do you use? Also if that was a little wider I could clean a fish on it
Elmer’s Glue, and it’s plenty big enough to clean your gold fish crackers.
Thank you for this DIY, the details are awesome. I plan to make my own, only bigger. I have a 17″ laptop that is 16″ wide. I also have a laptop top tray that I use when sitting in a chair or bed at home. So, I plan to buy a cutting board that is 24″ by 14″ by 1/2′ thick. My question is, how thick are the boards that you use? I need to know the thickness of your board in comparison to the bolts you use so I can size bolts for my application. How far do your bolts stick out from the bottom of your board? (thickness of board + how far the bolts stick out should = the total length of bolt needed).
Also, in your opinion, do you think a 14″ board (front to back) would be OK with the hinges and amount of magnets you use? Or, do you think there may be an issue with magnetic attraction to the surface due to the additional leverage from the longer board?
The Mainstay/Dexas boards I use are about 1/4” thick with 3/8” edges because they have a recessed top so a lip around the edges. With this board, 12mm screws recessed works well. You will need it to be about 3/16″ passed the board to pass through folding hinge and thread the nut but too long interferes with hinge closure. Be sure to account for recess if you plan to recess your screws.
A 24” x 14” by 1/2” thick is a big heavy board. I would try to make do with something a little smaller. I have seen the plastic cutting boards like mine, bigger than my dimension but still about same thickness and light weight. I believe the linked bracket will work will a smaller lighter board.
For your board you will likely need a larger bracket (larger B measurement in diagram on link) The magnets are plenty strong enough but the leverage will be the issue. At one time they sold a lager hinge on the same link but I don’t think the B measurement was any longer, only the A measurement.
Good luck and let me know how it goes.
Super excited to get started on this project of yours myself! Just purchased all materials. I’m going with the Farberware 11” x 14” board. Your instructions above recommend to go with the 8mm M4 bolts. However while comparing the length of the bolts with the thickness of the board (just over 1/4” thick) I won’t appear to have enough bolt left over to thread the nut. Perhaps the thickness of the Farberware has changed.
After reading the most recent comment above, I should use a 12mm M4 bolt with a 1/4” board, correct? Or am I not recessing the bolt in far enough?
Yes 8mm. My measurements account for using flathead countersink screws and countersinking the hole. The depth of countersink must be precise though because too much tread on the other side (the nut side) will result in the folding hinge not closing properly (see pic page 2). Ideally the bolt end will be flush with the nut with no protrusion or even a little recessed. Locktite on screw or dab of glue on screw nut once secured, don’t overtighten.
I recommend countersinking a little shallow first then checking. You want the heads flat with surface and not protruding but they can can be recessed a little (below surface) without issue.
I also recommend just buying 8, 10 & 12mm lengths. They are not very much money, you’ll be sure to have what you need and may use them for other projects as well.
I do my magnets different now and just completely cover the entire bracket with 3 rows of 20 1/4″x1/4″x1/32″ thick magnets. I’ll try to put a pick and notes on the site this weekend.
Here is a video with one done with this magnet configuration and spray painted:
https://youtu.be/KE2LjRiIgmk?si=CaGfWp5UsEvuFkRV&t=210
Good luck and let me know how it turns out.
Why not just buy this side shelf for toolboxes from harbor freight and put the magnets on it?
https://www.harborfreight.com/side-tray-for-5-drawer-mechanics-cart-and-6-drawer-full-bank-cart-yellow-59447.html
I own that folding shelf and while it’s great for what it is, it’s too big and heavy to be a portable laptop shelf (for me). It won’t fit in a laptop bag or tool backpack. It’s bigger than it may seem from photos.
I’ll post a video of it in my Conex storage container web post.
Thanks for the suggestion though.
I have long searched for something similar but smaller but I have yet to find anything adequate.
2024; In 2021 I started experimenting with 1/8” x 1/8” x 1/32” and 1/4” x 1/4” x 1/32” super thin magnets which I find to be far better for my portable magnetic shelves than the 1/2” x 1/16” magnets. I now recommend the 1/4” x 1/4” x 1/32 for best compromise of functionality, ease of build and cost (1/8” is better but harder to build and more costly). I also use new magnet coating, see dedicated post here https://www.kevingittemeier.com/magnetic-folding-shelf-brackets/