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How to make a custom wooden 'antique' iPad case

by Chris Rawson Apr 6th 2011 at 9:00AM

Gary Katz, the same DIY guy behind this cool iPhone shoebox theater, has crafted a delightfully retro-looking case for his iPad 2 out of "about $20 worth of materials." Calling it "An iPad Case from 1945," Katz used a bill of materials that just about anyone might find in their garage or basement: a few blocks and squares of wood, an old pair of shorts, screws, a luggage tag, magnets, wood glue and wood stain.

All put together, the case looks like something that'd be right at home in my grandparents' den, and I mean that in a good way. At the very least, I have to give Katz credit for producing something with a custom retro look without also going steampunk like virtually everybody else. The case does indeed look like it belongs in a film noir from the 40s; if I had even the slightest degree of handicrafts skills (I definitely don't), I might try my hand at making one of these myself.

Katz has posted full instructions for reproducing his efforts, so if you've got the materials, the skills, and you'd like a case that looks like it could go well with a fedora, a scotch on the rocks and a midnight fistfight in a Los Angeles bar, get cracking.



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Gary Katz, the same DIY guy behind this cool iPhone shoebox theater, has crafted a delightfully retro-looking case for his iPad 2 out of...
 

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Steven Fowler

I've been wanting a real wood case for my iPhone (and when I eventually get one, iPad), but most of the ones I see look too wooden. I guess that doesn't really make much sense, but what I mean is something that looks and feels like (and is) wood but matches the sleek design of Apple's devices. Here's an analogy: I want a 1946 Chrysler Town and Country, but most of the ones I have seen are more like a 1930 Ford wagon (check google if you don't understand what I mean). And I know that there are some out there that are what I am talking about, but they usually seem too expensive and ironically some of the best looking ones are actually plastic. Of course, I already have a cheap case, so I can wait.

April 06 2011 at 10:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Shorty

That brown looks like early-phone gear form back in horse-drawn cable-pull truck days. Rocks but the wrong color bro. Try destressed olive drab (steampunk the Presidio San Francisco 6th US Army logo hello) as in re-purposed army surplus. Old MARS radio equipment.

April 06 2011 at 2:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
natebrogdon

In the words of Rory Breaker:

"No."

April 06 2011 at 12:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dave

Holy hideous batman!

April 06 2011 at 11:04 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
glad

I've just received my leather case (probably not but sprayed to smell like it) from a dealer on amazon for £4 ($6) thats will do me and its got a built in stand to it ass well. far too many overpriced ipod/ipad/iphone cases.

April 06 2011 at 9:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
JustAnnuthaDewd

That looks like… um… um… like… ah…

Well it's not for me.

April 06 2011 at 9:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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