Introduction: Laser-cut Desktop Lamp (LED)

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In this tutorial/how-to I will show you how I made a desktop lamp using a lasercutter and bright white Led-strips

Step 1: Brainstorming + Design Inspiration

In this step I began brainstorming to come up with cool and good ideas.

I began experimenting with LED-technology and conventional light bulbs.

Eventually I came up with a list of requirements:

-LED lights = Durable

= Low energy consumption

= Uniform and strong loght

-Lasercutting = high quality

= black cutting lines, giving the lamp a finishing touch

-attachment = butterfly nuts = cheap

= easy to readjust

= no tools required

-design = natural forms

= functional

= fully adjustable

-safety = integrated wiring

= insulation

Step 2: Designing + Sketching

I soon started drawing and came up with these basic sketches. The shape I liked most was the one with the 'banana arms as I like to call them. So I started planning on how to produce it and how to get it working.

Step 3: Prototyping

Using parquet insulation I quickly made a template for my banana shape and made some different designs.

Using toothpicks I could change the product in a lot of different ways. Easy, quick and cheap!

Step 4: Decisions

I chose this design, because I think it is the most balanced looking and it's also very user-friendly and easy adjustable. I made a final drawing with everything on that I needed, so I won't forget to lasercut a piece.

Step 5: Production

I began with gluing together veneer, until it was 8mm thick, I used a roller and ordinary wood glue.

I tried aerosol glue but this didn't work as well as wood glue.

Make sure you glue the nerves 90° to each other to minimize stress and bending of your laminated veneer.

Afterwards I clamped the pieces together to ensure they did not start bending because of the glue.

Now you got yourself some pretty cool and ultra-strong laminated veneer.

Step 6: Lasercutting

This is a very cool and rewarding step.

I used the free program Inkscape for drawing my parts to be cut out by the laser.

Make sure you use vector drawings and not any with pixels.

The precise settings for the laser can be read in the manual, and you should really read these before cutting anything.

I include 2 drawings for the lasercutter and one on how I build up the 'banana' shape

I would not recommend you using these, because they have been dimensioned for a specific surface area

Attachments

Step 7: Installing the LEDs

In the initial drawings I didn't make space to put the LEDs in, so I cut them with a jigsaw.

For the LEDs, solder them prior to building in, otherwise it will be a lot harder.

The LEDstrips have adhesives at the back, like a sticker. These work very well, even after a bit of heat.

I also cut a bit in the veneer, so I can fit the connector in the base of the lamp, to make it look as clean as possible.

Step 8: Assembly

Now all you have to do, is bolt the butterfly nuts together making the lamp complete.

This is an easy and rewarding job, as you can see it come together very quickly.

A final testing is done, and the Desktop Lamp is finished.

Step 9: The End

I have enjoyed this build a lot, as I also learned how to lasercut.

Hopefully some of you want to recreate it, if you have any questions or comments feel free to ask!

If you could also give it a vote in the contest I would like to thank you a million times!

Cheers

Nicolas