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Cardboard might seem like an odd material for a desk lamp, but with a low-heat LED bulb this 15" lamp can shine all night in glorious maker style. It's light, it's sturdy and it's flat-pack. What's not to love?
I originally designed this lamp to go on my own desk in the Instructables Lab, but due to popular demand I've had to make a few more. It's now available on the Instructables Store. I hope you like it!
I designed the lamp using Autodesk 123D and Autodesk 123D Make, then cut the parts using a laser cutter.
Here's how it all fits together:
I originally designed this lamp to go on my own desk in the Instructables Lab, but due to popular demand I've had to make a few more. It's now available on the Instructables Store. I hope you like it!
I designed the lamp using Autodesk 123D and Autodesk 123D Make, then cut the parts using a laser cutter.
Here's how it all fits together:
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Signing UpStep 1Designing the lamp model
I started by designing a 3D model of the lamp using Autodesk 123D, which is freely available online.
To make a cross section of the lampshade, I used the Draw tool and the 3-Point Arc tool. Notice the grooves on the inside of the lamp; they're carefully sized to hold the electrical lamp components in place once the lamp is assembled. Everything else was just roughly estimated and tweaked as needed.
To turn the cross section into a 3D object, I used the Revolve tool. This tool spins a profile around an axis of your choice, producing an object with rotational symmetry.
I made the stand using a combination of hand-drawn splines and hemispheres, adjusting it until it looked sufficiently lampy. At the time of writing, Autodesk has not yet included a tool for accurately measuring the lampiness of a 3D model, so I had to judge that entirely by eye.
I joined the two parts together using the Combine tool (set to Join mode), then exported the object as an STL file.
To make a cross section of the lampshade, I used the Draw tool and the 3-Point Arc tool. Notice the grooves on the inside of the lamp; they're carefully sized to hold the electrical lamp components in place once the lamp is assembled. Everything else was just roughly estimated and tweaked as needed.
To turn the cross section into a 3D object, I used the Revolve tool. This tool spins a profile around an axis of your choice, producing an object with rotational symmetry.
I made the stand using a combination of hand-drawn splines and hemispheres, adjusting it until it looked sufficiently lampy. At the time of writing, Autodesk has not yet included a tool for accurately measuring the lampiness of a 3D model, so I had to judge that entirely by eye.
I joined the two parts together using the Combine tool (set to Join mode), then exported the object as an STL file.
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The store doesn't have a place for reviews, so I'll review it here: There were no instructions included: What you see here is what you get. That was enough to 'get er done', but maybe some insider insight would have produced a better build. As it was, the laser burned part numbers/markings were cryptic and a fair number of joints had to be forced. All well and good when I'm making stuff out of old boxes, less cool when I paid for a laser cut kit. Sorry to rant, but not sorry enough to quit... The packing method used (Cling wrap a pile of cardboard pieces to one big pice, throw a heavy lamp unit on top) ensured numerous parts were bent. Lastly, QA was asleep: I received two #7 discs, and no #8 disc.
So maybe a store is not a good idea.
Happy Valentines!!
I have been trying to get help with 123D-Make. Everytime I try to import a file, the software just crashes. I tried different OBJ files. Have you run into that trouble? Any idea what I am doing wrong?
some of the best line tools from older autocad.
www.coroplast.com
I think a CNC router or maybe a CNC controlled knife would work better.
Thanks in advance :)
You have done a most marvelous job, PenfoldPlant!. In this present world where things are made to throw away, you have shown how to repurpose everyday renewable materials.
I have Solidworks but i dun know how to slice this 3D model into 2D slices. Any Solidworks experts here kindly advise?
Have you tried running 123D Make in order to slice up your models? It's available free online at: http://www.123dapp.com/make
Actually, i was googling for a solution on doing it in Solidworks when a kind soul has actually put up a solution for me. Will try that.
Can i be Instructables Lab sole distributor in South East Asia for the lamp? Your design has inspired me to design a similar structure, but holding a simple DC motor and you guess it, a USB fan.
Will try to draw it in Solidworks and upload it asap. I do not have a laser cutter or access to one, so i guess will have to cut it out by hand and see how it turns out.
People like you will truly change the world, not like others who hold fancy concerts..
Rgds,
Eric
The lamp's now available in kit form on the Instructables Store. It comes completely un-assembled, so if you like puzzles it should be perfect for you!