Woodpunk LED Desk Lamp

Step 8 Build a Counterweight

As you may have guessed from looking at the pictures, the Woodpunk LED lamp is big, and a little heavy.  Well, not that much heavier than a metal desk lamp, but enough that the "upper arm" can't extend past vertical without the whole thing tipping over.  So what to do?

Well, if you're planning to clamp the lamp to a table, there is nothing to be done.  Skip this step.

But, if you'd like it to be freestanding, you'll need to add a counterweight to the base.  Most desk lamps will have this of course so I shouldn't feel so bad about having to include this step.  I really should have integrated the weights into the design a bit better, but oh well.

Included in the designs is a small box that can be assembled, filled with something heavy, and attached under the base to keep it weighed down.  The box is made of four layers, two of 1/2" wood and two of 1/4".  When stacked together, the box is a bit shorter than the "toes" on the base, and so it slips discreetly underneath.  Cut out the pieces by stacking, as with the other pieces, then glue together the bottom and sides.  Clamp until dry.  There's no need to sand smooth just yet...

Fill the box with something heavy.  I bought a bag of fine lead shot ages ago, that I use exclusively for filling counterweights like this.  A far more noble cause than killing small animals, IMO.  When filled the box should weigh nearly two pounds.  Glue on the lid once the box is filled.

Once the glue is dry, sand the sides as a single piece to get a nice smooth finish.  The counterweight is now ready to be glued to the base of the lamp.

Comments

[AJC894]

Thanks

[AJC894]

where do you get lead shot and how much dose it cost.

[jeff-o]

I bought mine at a hunting store. Lead shot is (of course) normally used for shot guns. I think the 25 pound bag was $50 or so. You can ask if they'll sell you a smaller quantity though.