DIY GIMBAL PROJECTS: BUILD A WOODEN SMARTPHONE GIMBAL STEP BY STEP

If you enjoy woodworking and creating useful tools with your own hands, building a diy gimbal can be an exciting project. In this DIY gimbal project, we will show you how to build a wooden smartphone gimbal using simple materials and common woodworking tools. From measuring and cutting the lumber to assembling the frame and creating a custom phone holder, each step will guide you through the process of turning basic wood pieces into a functional phone stabilizer..

Materials and Tools Needed

Before starting this diy gimbal woodworking project, prepare the following materials and tools:

Large Wooden board
Screws or bolts for pivot connections
Brad nails or staples for additional fastening
Table Saw
Drill driver
Nail gun
Orbital Sander
Measuring tape
Pencil and marking tools

Step 1: Measure and Determine the Required Wood Length

Before begin this woodworking projects, organize the wood pieces according to their function in the gimbal structure. The wooden gimbal consists of three rectangular frames, a handle structure, and a smartphone holder.

Prepare the following wood pieces:

1. Handle Support Structure

The handle is attached to the outer frame through a supporting piece that provides a secure connection.

1 × 25 cm wooden strip (handle)
1 × 18 cm wooden strip (used to secure the handle to the outer frame)
1 × 70 cm wooden strip (main support piece)

2. Main Frame Components (Three Rectangular Frames)

The gimbal frame is made up of three nested rectangular frames that work together to create a stable structure.

Outer Frame

2 × 30 cm wooden strips
2 × 23 cm wooden strips

Middle Frame

2 × 26 cm wooden strips
2 × 18 cm wooden strips

Inner Frame

2 × 18.4 cm wooden strips
2 × 17.8 cm wooden strips

3. Smartphone Holder Assembly

The phone holder is mounted at the center of the inner frame and is supported by additional wooden pieces.

1 × 8 × 8 cm square wood block (phone holder base)
3 × 8 cm wooden strips (used to secure the square wood block)
2 × 18 cm wooden strips (horizontal supports for mounting the phone holder)

Step 2: Cut the Lumber with a Table Saw

After marking all measurements, use a table saw to cut the lumber into individual pieces.

A table saw helps achieve straight and accurate cuts, which are essential for building a balanced gimbal frame. When cutting, keep the wood firmly against the fence and maintain a steady feed rate to create clean edges. Always wear appropriate safety equipment, including eye protection and hearing protection, when operating power tools.

Step 3: Drill Pivot Holes for Frame Movement

The next step is preparing the connection points that allow the gimbal frames to move.

Mark symmetrical drilling positions on the inner, middle, and outer frames. Drill matching pivot holes on opposite sides of each frame so the frames can be connected with screws or bolts and rotate smoothly.

Use a drill driver to create the pivot holes according to your design. Accurate hole placement is important because uneven positioning can affect the balance and movement of the finished gimbal.

Step 4: Assemble the Three DIY Gimbal Frames

Unlike a traditional fixed wooden frame, a gimbal requires separate sections that can move independently.

Connect the outer, middle, and inner frames using screws, bolts, or other pivot connections. Make sure each frame can rotate smoothly without excessive friction.

Avoid permanently fixing the nested frames together, as free movement between the sections is essential for stabilization.

Test the movement after assembly and adjust the connections if the frames do not rotate smoothly.

Step 5: Smooth the Wooden Edges

After assembling the main structure, use a orbital sander to smooth and shape the edges of the wooden components.

Sanding improves the appearance of the wooden gimbal while making the handle and frame more comfortable to hold.

Step 6: Attach the Handle Support Structure

Once the main frame structure is assembled, attach the handle support components to the outer frame.

Use the 18 cm wooden strip to secure the 25 cm handle piece to the frame, then reinforce the connection with the 70 cm support piece.

Screws, or brad nails can be used for these supporting parts to create a strong and comfortable handle.

After installation, check that the handle feels balanced and comfortable when holding the gimbal.

Step 7: Build the Smartphone Holder

The smartphone holder is one of the most important parts of the diy gimbal because it keeps the phone secure and centered.

Use the 8 cm × 8 cm wooden block and additional support pieces to create a holder that fits your smartphone.

Drill mounting holes and adjust the holder design based on your phone size. The holder should grip the phone securely while keeping the weight centered.