Custom Note Pads

In addition to the 8″×12″×1/2" plywood and a drill press listed in the Bill of Materials, you will need:

Materials:
1/2" thick stack of computer paper trimmed to 8 1/2"x 6 1/2"
(2) 1 1/2" Binding Posts 1/4" in diameter – I got mine from McMaster
(1) 10" strip of leather (anything between 1/2" and 1 1/2" wide should work)

Tools:
1/4" drill bit
sanding paper

Secure the piece of 8″×12″ plywood on the x-carve

Open the Easel Note Pad# file.
Using the rough size bit first (mine was set to a 2.55mm bit), carve the rough pass

Next, change out your bit to the size you need to complete any detail. For the “Ideas” design shown, I used a 1/32" bit. Be sure to change your speed and depth settings for the smaller bit so you don’t break anything :)

Once you have removed your project from the X-carve, it’s time to sand. Flip it over and sand any residual (or tabs) from the back of the piece that may still be holding it together. I also sanded the top plate and the base to remove any sharp edges or splinters waiting to happen.

Note: You may want to leave the bottom edge on the back of the top plate as sharp as possible. This is the edge you will rip the paper against when tearing off notes from your pad. A nice sharp edge makes that much easier.

Align your top plate with with the top of your stack of sized paper on the drill press table. Using a 1/4" drill bit, drill straight down through the pre-carved hole and through the stack of paper. Being very careful not to lose the current alignment, move to the second hole and repeat.

Very carefully and slowly, use the 1/4" drill bit to drill one hole on either end of the leather piece.

While you still have the paper and top plate holes aligned, insert the 1 1/2" binding posts through the top of the top plate and the paper. Then align your base plate holes from the underside of the paper and insert the remainder of the binding posts through the base plate. Then place the leather over the ends of the binding posts and insert the screws to hold it all together. Be sure to tighten your screws so it doesn’t come loose down the road.