Under-cabinet magnetic tablet holder for kitchen recipes
Some months ago, I started building a recipe book around Mealie. My tablet lived in a little stand on the counter. It picked up crumbs, was in the way, and the stand was too short to easily read while cooking.
I wanted an alternative that:
- Was not on the counter
- Was closer to eye-level with an adjustable angle
- Would allow the tablet to stay on a charger in use
- Would tuck away when not in use
- Didn't feel chintzy or unstable
- Would allow me to easily remove the tablet
- Wouldn't rely on wood screws
- Wouldn't require a 3D printer or fabrication skills beyond drilling holes
- Wouldn't be too ugly
I mulled solutions like wall mounts (didn't want to drill tile) and a magnet behind a cabinet door (still need to store the tablet elsewhere to charge, unclear holding power) before settling on this approach.
It's essentially just a friction hinge and a plate to hold some magnets.
| Item | Link | Cost (as of 6/25) |
|---|---|---|
| 6061 Aluminum Bar (8"x3"x0.3") | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSQX5G4T | $11 |
| Adjustable Torque Hinge | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FN3VYQBK | $18 |
| M6x10mm Threaded Nut Insert | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4RF8RTD | $4 |
| Neodymium Magnets 110lb 1.26"x1.18"x0.24" | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1M73Y18 | $10 |
| Adhesive Metal Plates 1.18"x2.36" | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GCJT3XQW | $4 |
| USB-C Magnetic Adapter | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GFD4SPDB | $7 |
| M6 Bolt Nut Assortment | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FGV89DVB | $10 |
In use
Generally, it's great. The hinge adjusts to any tension and easily holds the tablet tucked and at a usable angle. The tablet doesn't move in use, though I'll stabilize vibrations with a finger if I'm typing something lengthy. The magnets are powerful enough that I can adjust the support angle by grabbing the tablet, but they don't prevent me from removing it.
Build thoughts
- I used a drill, a drill guide, a couple of bits, and an M6 tap set. I did a bit of edge chamfering with a bench grinder. The grinder and the tap set aren't really necessary.
- The magnets are too powerful. Four would be plenty, even at a smaller size. Low-profile neodymium bar magnets (amazon.com/dp/B0CZMRT14T) would be even better. The adhesive included with the magnets was strong enough to negate the need to screw them in place.
- Because the magnets are so powerful, the two threaded screws I added for handles are redundant. I'm using them as cord wraps, but wouldn't bother installing them again.
- I chose aluminum for the plate because I opted to tap my bolt holes, and it was light, stiff, and in the right shape, but you could just as easily use thinner steel, HDPE, or wood, pairing bolts with nuts. Anything over 0.3" thick won't allow the hinge ends to be parallel in the storage position.
- The threaded nut inserts would have benefited from a bit of countersinking. They're slightly proud of the shelf bottom, so the hinge isn't perfectly flat. I may fix this. The tablet will end up parallel to the bottom of the cabinet.
- When pre-drilling the cabinet floor for the nut inserts, use a drill depth stop to ensure you don't punch through. Pick an insert length suitable for your cabinet. I wouldn't recommend wood screws for this, they'll work loose over time. Nut inserts also look very clean.
- If you have a particularly deep lip on your cabinet, you can always mount the hinge on a wood spacer. Likewise if you want more angle adjustment range.
- The USB-C "Magsafe"-style adapter, I used because I had one; any right-angle USB-C cable would be just as good. Cable routing can be more concealed if you mount the tablet upside-down.
- Add $5 for a spray can to make it a nice black.
Anyway, hope it's of use or inspiring to someone. Happy making!