Wooden Space Lamp

by Aviv Mussali in Workshop > Woodworking

25458 Views, 554 Favorites, 0 Comments

Wooden Space Lamp

10734157_10152819695645139_4193038287708359874_n.jpg

It all started with a broken floor lamp that only the lighting pole was saved, so I've decided to build its surround, using wood and my passion for space. The first part of this project is creating the lamp itself, using an existing lighting pole, and the second part (which will be described in a future instructable) includes some games with arduino and LEDs inside.

Materials

10484773_10152819696860139_3065295165867857799_n.jpg

Materials are pretty straight forward, I have chosen the height to be 125cm and base of 30cmx30cm, you can choose whatever you like:

  1. 2 boards of 125 x 28 x 1 (cm)
  2. 2 boards of 125 x 30 x 1 (cm)
  3. 4 poles of 125 x 3 x 3 (cm)
  4. 4 rubber leggings.

For the pro ones, you can cut your own wood, I just went to the local carpenter and asked him nicely to cut these for me :)

Drilling Drilling Drilling

10345770_10152819697305139_8909485174524850594_n.jpg
10613016_10152819697590139_8376472525870372294_n.jpg
10404099_10152819698190139_1317296367564689282_n.jpg
10610910_10152819694150139_2100299709359871924_n.jpg

I have use some clamps to get all the boards tight to each other, and started with drilling the holes. The tightest you get the boards to each other the less problem with the wood you will have (it might crack from the other side of drilling). In case you do get it, you can just use it as an inner side.

Here you can have your freedom with the size and how many you will do. The bigger the size and the more that you have - the more light you will get, I wasn't looking for another light source in my living room, but for an aroma light.

For drilling the holes I have used two kinds of bids:

  • Small holes: 3.5mm bid
  • Big holes: 5mm bid

This step is the most important one, so it really shapes your lamp. Even thought there are (so) many holes, keep doing it, keep cleaning, and sanding - so you get the best results.

Glueing

10687123_10152819698675139_6601865242000422716_n.jpg

Pick the inner side, and glue to the 28cm width boards on both sides the 3x3 poles, make sure you use wood glue, and keep these tight for 24 hours. I had only 5 clamps, but in case you can get more - the better. This step is very important for the lamp, so keep it as straight, balanced, and tight as you can.

It is also possible not to use a pole but to use different leftovers of other wooden projects. It doesn't really matter what you use as long as it has 90 degrees corner.

All Together

1601381_10152819699655139_8616623724657991731_n.jpg
10801849_10152819696440139_5129413095813156025_n.jpg
10801481_10152819699220139_131088516178992380_n.jpg
10449518_10152819694965139_3394918821589199728_n.jpg

Now it's time to glue everything together, into the lamp.

Make sure before this stage that everything is tight, and if you have better tools than I used (although it's possible to use small clamps also here) you are welcome to use.

The main purpose is to glue the 30cm boards to the 28cm boards.

If at the end you have some loosen areas you can also use some nails to get it straight and tight.

Some Color

10647175_10152819695335139_3398954549380513875_n.jpg

Pick your favorite color and start painting it. I have used a poly-sander.

Make sure that when painting you use 3 layers, 24 hours between each one, and after each one use 00 sand paper to sand it gently. You can sand it again at the end to get smooth touch.

Final Step!

10365863_10152819695500139_3132231124432959352_n.jpg

Now just put a lighting pole inside, I have used an old IKEA pole which I had and was about to throw away, but now it's given new life :)

Hope you liked this one, let me know if there's any question!

Aviv Mussali.