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This instuctible will show you how to turn an ordinary hardback book into a hidden switch for a lamp or other corded device.
Last fall, I was looking for a gift for my wife and came across the Secret Passageway Switch at Blight Designs (http://blightdesign.com/misc_book.html). Blight Designs was sold out, but I thought I could make something a bit simpler that didn't have to be screwed to the shelf or run a chain and string through the pages of the book.
This is what I came up with:
Last fall, I was looking for a gift for my wife and came across the Secret Passageway Switch at Blight Designs (http://blightdesign.com/misc_book.html). Blight Designs was sold out, but I thought I could make something a bit simpler that didn't have to be screwed to the shelf or run a chain and string through the pages of the book.
This is what I came up with:
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Signing UpStep 1Gathering parts and tools
First, you need to gather materials and tools.
Materials:
13.5" or so of 1"x1/16" aluminum
1 Lutron lamp dimmer model #TT-300H-BL or equivalent
1 push button switch (I used a Philmore #30-003)
2 small zip ties (not pictured)
Some assorted shrink tube
2"x1"x1/16" adhesive backed neoprene (optional)
Tools:
Drill with 1/8" and 15/64" bits (or whatever size you need for your zip ties and switch)
Center punch (not vital but it helps to keep the bits from walking in the soft aluminum, a nail and hammer will work too)
Soldering iron and solder
Wire cutters/strippers
Something to heat the shrink tube (I used a mini torch)
Something to bend the aluminum (a bench vise works well)
Something to cut the aluminum to size (I used a band saw, but a hacksaw or tin snips work too)
Ok. Now we have that out of the way, on to the fun part . . . .
Materials:
13.5" or so of 1"x1/16" aluminum
1 Lutron lamp dimmer model #TT-300H-BL or equivalent
1 push button switch (I used a Philmore #30-003)
2 small zip ties (not pictured)
Some assorted shrink tube
2"x1"x1/16" adhesive backed neoprene (optional)
Tools:
Drill with 1/8" and 15/64" bits (or whatever size you need for your zip ties and switch)
Center punch (not vital but it helps to keep the bits from walking in the soft aluminum, a nail and hammer will work too)
Soldering iron and solder
Wire cutters/strippers
Something to heat the shrink tube (I used a mini torch)
Something to bend the aluminum (a bench vise works well)
Something to cut the aluminum to size (I used a band saw, but a hacksaw or tin snips work too)
Ok. Now we have that out of the way, on to the fun part . . . .
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now, wouldn't it be a lot easier to just use a rope pull switch (if that's the correct name)? you'd pull the switch by pulling the book like you would normally..
Thanks! The bend break wasn't too hard to make. I'll see if I can put together an Instructable on it soon.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Mini-Press-Brake/
When I finished my basement a few years ago, I included a book-power hidden door connected to an electric linear motor that I picked up while working for a hospital bed maker. Was not nearly as clean or neat as your design though!
Someday I'd like to have a book (or other object) that includes a wireless tilt-switch for the control. You all also got me thinking about connecting an MP3 player so that when the door open, it either creaks or plays the Scooby Doo theme or some such. Ah, if only I had the time...
I looked at a lot of switches. The problem with micro-switches is that all the ones I could find were momentary. For this to work the way I wanted it to I needed a latching on/off switch.
I used the lamp dimmer for its pass through wall plug. I was trying to keep my project as clean and simple as possible. A pigtail would not have had the same function.
You don't have to hold the book to keep the light on. The switch is an on/off latching switch. To turn the light on, you would tilt the book slightly towards you and then release it back to the resting position on the shelf. To turn it off again, you would do the same thing.
Otherwise the concept and making is excellent!
Actually the switch is an on/off latching switch, not a momentary switch. So, when you release the book the light turns on and stays on until you tilt and release it again. My wife uses hers to turn her desk lamp on and off every day.
Thanks for checking this out! This is my first Instructable, so I really appreciate the comment.