Battery-Powered Book Lamp

After seeing this similar Instructable, I was inspired to make a self-enclosed version. This project doesn't require any soldering skills and is perfect for a beginner. The book lamp is surprisingly bright and can be used as as (surprise!) a reading light.

I hope you enjoy this Instructable! Thanks!

Step 1: Materials

• A 27 LED Portable Worklight
• A Book That is 1-1/4" Thick (at least)
• An X-acto/Razor Blade
• A Phillips Head Jeweler's Screwdriver

Step 2: Taking Apart the Light

The goal of this step is to make the flashlight as thin as possible. Remove the three screws in the back cover of the light. The back cover should now come off. You'll see four more screws. Remove these as well. The front cover should now come off. If your book is thick enough, you can leave the reflector in. My book wasn't so I had to remove the reflector. Roll up a piece of tape, and stick it as described in picture two.

Step 3: Preparing the Book

Trace the light's outline onto the first page of a book that you are willing to cut up. Add at least 1/4" all the way around the outline. If you don't do this, you'll end up with a hole that is just barely too small, and I know from experience that isn't fun.

Use your x-acto blade to carefully cut out this shape. Don't angle the blade when cutting, or you'll end up with a lop-sided hole. This step is the most time-consuming step, so take your time.

Step 4: Making the Book Lamp

Place your modified lamp inside of the cut out hole and close the book. If your book doesn't close all the way then your book is too thin. If it does close all the way, then you can glue the light in place. Make sure you glue it so that the LEDs are facing the front of the book.

Step 5: Congratulations!

You now have a working battery-powered book lamp! Use it on your bedside table, or display it for guests. Whatever you do with it, have fun!

Please comment and leave suggestion about how to improve this Instructable.

Comments

[Daisydo]

Cool idea! And the pictures came out well. I would make one small suggestion- maybe a thin plastic (clear or colored) to fit over the hole and lights to give it a more streamlined look. ....and I don't see the point in announcing that you "don't get the point". A light is pretty much self-explanatory, no?
Anyway, great job, fun together! I like the added bonus that my boyfriend wouldn't be likely to borrow this when he loses his flashlight!

[funtogether]

Thank you for the comment! I thought about adding some sort of plastic cover, but my book was so thin that the flashlight just barely fit in. I was afraid that a plastic cover in my book would prevent it from closing all the way, but the idea is first-rate and, if possible, I strongly recommend that you try it! Thanks for the suggestions and the positive attitude!

[ClenseYourPallet]

I think this is awesome! Beautiful and mystical. Very cool project that I will try soon... You have my vote

[funtogether]

Thank you for the comment and vote!

[Rangemaster42]

I don't see the point

[funtogether]

The goal of this project was to make a fun, easy, slightly mysterious, bedside book light. It doesn't have too many practical uses but it is an extremely enjoyable project!