Ikea Lack Plus (light)
Everyone knows that table because it's the Ikea's philosophy essence for an extremly low price. Built from nothing more than 4 screws, air and wood fibers can withstand a lot considering how flimsy this material is.
Here's how it's made:
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/11/video-inside-an-ikea-factory/
What is the most striking flaw though, is the surface that wears out quickly. You can put a sheet of glass over it to add some glamour or you can go even further and add a light source beneath, and have a cool clubbing accessory!
I've been thinking of making an evenly backlit surface, but it turned out to be not possible using that low budget.
Sticking white foil sheet blocks too much light, transfer paper lets too much, 2 cathodes can't evenly light the surface.
Thinking about the problem drove me to a simple solution such as - christmas lights!
So, what you will need:
A lack table
Sheet of custom cut frosted glass
LED Christmas lights
Two rolls of double sided foam tape
reasonably long electrical cable
miscellaneous plugs, switches, tools
Here's how it's made:
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/11/video-inside-an-ikea-factory/
What is the most striking flaw though, is the surface that wears out quickly. You can put a sheet of glass over it to add some glamour or you can go even further and add a light source beneath, and have a cool clubbing accessory!
I've been thinking of making an evenly backlit surface, but it turned out to be not possible using that low budget.
Sticking white foil sheet blocks too much light, transfer paper lets too much, 2 cathodes can't evenly light the surface.
Thinking about the problem drove me to a simple solution such as - christmas lights!
So, what you will need:
A lack table
Sheet of custom cut frosted glass
LED Christmas lights
Two rolls of double sided foam tape
reasonably long electrical cable
miscellaneous plugs, switches, tools
Cut It, Cut!
You ca cut the table with a paper knife with no much trouble.
Mark a stripe around the edge as wide as the foam tape (20mm).
In the corners there are cubes that hold the screws. I didn't know that so I scraped the surface from them, you may want to leave untouched finish over them, they are around 5,5cm in size.
Take out the honeycomb.
Mark a stripe around the edge as wide as the foam tape (20mm).
In the corners there are cubes that hold the screws. I didn't know that so I scraped the surface from them, you may want to leave untouched finish over them, they are around 5,5cm in size.
Take out the honeycomb.
Accesorize
Insert what you think is right.
Using an IBM connector allows you to unplug the cable when not needed.
Using an IBM connector allows you to unplug the cable when not needed.
White Inside Out
Paint the inside, glue a sheet of paper to the bottom.
Connect
Solder the wires and test connections.
I've changed my mind and moved the power socket to the leg. More convinient.
Glue the leg, wires doesn't strech!
Feed the cables through through back of the leg.
I've changed my mind and moved the power socket to the leg. More convinient.
Glue the leg, wires doesn't strech!
Feed the cables through through back of the leg.
Sticky Stuff
Prevent lights from moving using scotch.
Stick the foam tape over the glass. Watch out for air bubbles.
Foam tape is incredible, it holds so firmly!
You have only one chance to align the glass, my is off for a milimeter or two.
Second person may come in handy.
Stick the foam tape over the glass. Watch out for air bubbles.
Foam tape is incredible, it holds so firmly!
You have only one chance to align the glass, my is off for a milimeter or two.
Second person may come in handy.
Be Proud
Time for the final blink-blink!
Flip the switch and reward yourself with something that looks great with light shining from below.
Flip the switch and reward yourself with something that looks great with light shining from below.