Tree LOG Lamp | Study Lamp

This is a Desk Lamp made of a dry Tree branch, also you can call it a Tree LOG Lamp. It is basically a Study Lamp that runs on 5V power supply.

In this instructable, I have shown how to make this tree log lamp out of a dead tree branch at a minimum cost at home.

Due to its very natural color and texture it is a piece of interior decoration as well a Home Decor item. This Lamp has a bright 4V LED strip and a SPST ON-OFF switch. It can be powered by any 5V DC source, like your mobile charger. Circuit is protected by Diodes, so it lowers 5V to 4V and give nominal voltage to our LED.

This can be a perfect use for students, office workers, project makers or any any kind of table use where a steady light is needed. It is naturally made that means it is mostly eco-friendly and bio-degradable.

This Lamp is useful as a Study Lamp, Desk Lamp, Office Lamp, Night Lamp or any other way you can find its use.

Tools & Materials

I have tried to make it as affordable as possible, so I used very common Tools and Materials that anyone can easily find themselves,

TOOLS

Hacksaw
Jigsaw (optional)
Wire Nipper
Soldering Iron
Sandpaper
Brush
Drill Press
Screw Driver

MATERIALS

Old Dry Tree Branch (main body)
Wood Glue
USB wire (2 core)
Varnish (coating agent)
Acrylic (frosted)
Piece of Wood (base)

COMPONENTS

Micro USB Female
On/Off Switch (SPST)
Diode (1N4007)
4V LED Strip
Screws (M3x35mm)

Find a Suitable Tree Branch

The first thing that we need to find a Dry Tree branch that has its unique shape and size. I found this piece of Tree Log with a narrow stem attached to it. It's very familiar to mount an LED and a base so easily.

I peel out the outer layer and found the beautiful natural Texture that come out and then I cut the top and the narrow stem according to my size.

Prepare Tree Log

Next, I sanded the tree branch and made the surface a bit smooth. Then I cleared the branch holes with a large stick, so that it becomes hollow and we may pass and hide our wires through them.

LED Placement

Then I marked the length of the LED strip and carved a spacing in the narrow stem to sit and hold the LED. I used simple wood carving tools to wipe out the excess.

Insert Wires

Here I used 2 core USB wires for the connections. I inserted the wire through the branch holes, so that no extra wires keep hanging around and it looks neat and clean.

Making Base Plate

Here, I used a 6x3 wood piece to make the base. A rectangular base is stable enough to hold the Tree branch. Then I made a hole where the wires will come out, so that I can soldier the wiring in the bottom of our base.

Make Wire Placements

Here I curved more path for our wires to go straight to the switch and settle within the base.

Carve Switch & Cable Positions

Next, I made a rectangular hole to fit the switch in it and more paths for our wires to fit in and to keep in place, so that no bulkiness may occur.

Make DC Power Inlet

Here, I used a Female micro USB to make the power Inlet. Now it will be easier to connect any 5V DC source or plug any Mobile charger and turn on the light.

Base to Branch Attachment

Next, I drilled three holes for inserting Screws to fix the Tree Log with the base.

Applying Coating

Then, I applied Varnish as a coating agent to my Lamp pieces. It protects the wood from insects, gives shininess and a tint look.

Placing LED Strip

Next, I added a 4V LED strip to the narrow stem where I already curved the place. I soldiered the USB wire terminals to the +'ve' and -'ve' of the LED strip.

Then, I covered the top with a piece of Frosted Acrylic sheet, so that the light gets scattered.

Fixing Tree LOG to Base

Then pass the other end of the wire through the base hole and fix the Tree LOG to the base using the screws.

Wiring Connections

Now comes the wiring part. See the schematic diagram to easily understand the wiring of our circuit.

As you know, we have used a 4V LED strip and a 5V DC source to power it up. But the problem is when we run 4V LED with 5V it gets very hot by the time.

So, we have to use a heat-sink at the back, but in our case there is no place to use a heat-sink. But, we need to lower the voltage so that it doesn't get heated over the time and damage LEDs in future.

That's why we used Diodes here to lower the voltage, from 5V to 4V DC.

Note: Resistors are also used to lower the voltage, as from 12V to 5V, but Diodes are only used in lowering 1-2V, e.g. from 5V to 3.5V, etc.