Build a stylish wireless charging station for your watch and phone for less than £20!

If you’ve been browsing for a convenient dock to simultaneously charge your smart devices at night, you may have noticed how pricey these products can be. This is no surprise: since it’s an item that will always be visible on your nightstand, it is as much of a piece of home décor as it is a functional appliance, so people are often willing to spend extra to get one that looks attractive.

But what if you could make one yourself, that is just as good-looking as the ones priced at £100+, and equally reliable? Here is how mine turned out, and after having tested its reliability for over 12 months now, I am ready to share how to build one with you all so you can do the same 😄.

Do it yourself!

Below you can find the files and instructions to make a wireless charging station that can simultaneously charge an Apple Watch together with any Qi-compatible device (e.g. iPhone, wireless headphones, etc.).

Before you start, know there's only one important constraint: you'll need to have access to a laser-cutting machine. If you work or study at a technical university, you will most likely have easy access to a facility with this sort of machinery. Otherwise, a quick Google search should reveal a variety of laser-cutting services near you.

All you need is:

• 1x Clear acrylic sheet (3mm thickness)

  
  

• 1x Clear acrylic sheet (5mm thickness)

  
  

• Laser cut files:

Laser cut files.zip

Download ZIP • 110KB

• 4x M4x10mm Flathead screws

  
  

• 20W Qi Wireless charging module (get it on Amazon):

  Please note: if you choose to use another charging module, you may need to modify the laser-cut drawings. The laser-cut files I provide here have been designed to make this particular model fit in. I previously tried other models and providers but this one has proved to be the most reliable in my experience (I am writing this post after a full year of everyday use).

  
  

• A standard Apple Watch charging cable:

  You may use the one you already have for your Apple Watch, or you can get an additional one for cheap online (Amazon sells them for under £7, but I can't recommend any particular listing since I used the charger I already had).

Instructions:

1. Cutting the Outer Layers:

   • Take the 3mm clear acrylic sheet and use the "Outer layers.dxf" file to cut two identical pieces.

   • Pro tip: Keep the protective foiling on the acrylic sheet during cutting to avoid burn marks.

   • Optional: For a more aesthetic look, consider leaving the foiling on one side. I did this for mine (see pictures), and if the foiling is all-white or all-black, it adds a nice visual contrast.

     
     

2. Cutting the Inner Layer:

   • Take the 5mm clear acrylic sheet and cut one piece using the "Inner layer.dxf" file.

     
     

3. Assembling the Base:

   • Place the 5mm piece on top of one of the 3mm outer pieces. Align them using the M4 screws.

   • Note: The screw heads will also act as small feet for the station, ensuring stability.

     
     

4. Inserting Charging Modules:

   • Insert the wireless charging module and the Apple Watch charging cable into their respective slots in the 5mm acrylic piece.

   • Note: You will need to fold the cables of the wireless charging module to make it fit neatly. You may also use the help of a double-sided tape or other sort of adhesive to make the module stay in place.

     
     

5. Finishing the Assembly:

   • Place the remaining 3mm "outer layer" piece on top of the assembly.

   • Tighten the M4 screws completely to secure all layers together.

And that’s it!  You’ve just built your own sleek charging station. Now you can enjoy a clutter-free nightstand and a stylish way to charge your devices. Feel free to customize it further to suit your style! 🧑‍🎨