Phone charging egg

[Christophe Mineau]

I don't know if it can be considered as a tool, here is my new charging station for my smartphone,
it's my charging egg :



As I'm an Android fan, the format is micro USB, so it's easy to pass the plug through a 12mm hole.
The plug and cable are melted into hot glue.
(this part not so pretty, next time I would use synthetic wood instead).

[Paul Jones]

Christophe,
I like your use of the hot glue for securing the cable. You can add a round felt pad to the bottom and no one will know the difference. I too am an Android fan.
Regards, Paul

[kbalch]

Thanks Christophe! I've added your Phone Charging Egg to our Miscellaneous and Woodworking categories, as well as to your builder page: Christophe Mineau's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Phone Charging Egg by Christophe Mineau

tags: charger, glue

[mr95gst]

That is pretty slick! I would be interested to see more process photos and what tools you used to mill it after turning it on the lathe. That is an odd shape to hold on a band saw or table saw. Unless you are planning on selling them. In that case, keep it to yourself.

[Christophe Mineau]

Hi, thanks !
No, I have no secret, I am happy to share my process.
For this one, I turned the egg, and cut the inclined plane on the bandsaw, using different scrap wedges hold with masking tape.
The other cuts were made with the Japanese saw.
I then planed and refined the flat surfaces with my large Japanese chisel, the egg being held in my luthiery vise (which has cork jaws).
The under channel for the cable was cut on the router table.

This thing has had a lot of success in the family, and I plan to make others.
I may try somewhat differently, maybe cutting the flat surfaces before turning.
It could be interesting also to have the usb plug installed in a transversal round dowel, so that the angle could be adjustable.

I think there is room for enhancement, your turn now !
Christophe

[DIYer]

Cute! I would have settled for a plain slab but this whimsical one adds a touch of cheerfulness to its surroundings.

[mr95gst]

Ok, I gave it a shot. However, mine is not as elegant or refined as Mr. Mineau's. I started with a hardwood 2x4 I pulled off a shipping pallet at work.