DIY Desk Lamp

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Introduction: DIY Desk Lamp

Want to add some style to your space? I got you covered with this DIY contour lamp. This lamp is made from plywood wrapped with iron-on veneer. I used an LED puck light, but any light can be used. It's also equipped with a toggle switch and a cool mahogany lamp base. The parts and tools used are listed below:

Parts used:


-Puck Lights http://amzn.to/2oAsGSl
-Veneer

I used red oak http://amzn.to/2xN8uTj
See more options http://amzn.to/2xMKQpU
Scrap Mahogany

Shrink Tube- http://amzn.to/2x3zE9V
Light switch - http://amzn.to/2x4wRbi

Power Supply - http://amzn.to/2fGjgEF

Tools used:

Chest Vest - Link
Jawhourse Portable Material station- Link
Jig Saw – Link
T-Track Flex-Hold Arm - Link
Router - Link
Router bit kit- Link
Router table- Link
Push bloc- Link
Ryobi Bench sander- Link
Drum sander kit - Link
Mini Travel Iron - Link
Soldiering iron kit - Link
Drill- Link

Step 1: Shaping the Lamp

First: I used a small sheet of 3/4-inch oak plywood. Then I marked out a rectangle (12.5in by 14in )

Second: I made a marked 3-inch from each corner. Then used a paint can or a round object to create an arch in the corner.

Third: Cut out the shape with a jigsaw or a bandsaw. Stay close to the line. This way you can sand the wood to the line.

Step 2: Duplicating the Shapes

If you don't have a router, just duplicate the same shape three times the same way.

If you have a router, then you can use a flush bit. Just use two-sided tape to hold the nice recent cut piece of plywood. Then shape the second piece of plywood and follow the same steps for the third.

Mark a line along the inside. I made a quick jig to make my mark. If you have a marking tool you can use if for this. Refer to the video to see how this was done. After cutting out the inside, I can then sand it down to the line I marked.

Then transfer the shape over to the other plywood using the same method used to duplicate the interior. I ended up shaping the fourth piece of 1/4-inch plywood to make the lamp frame thicker. Once all the pieces are ready, glue them together using wood glue. Clamp and allow enough time for the glue to dry.

Step 3: Applying Veneer

Cut the veneer so you have a bit of an overhang. This way you can trim the veneer to the lamp frame.

I applied the veneer to the interior first -- at the location where I plan to install the light. This is where I started and end the veneer. With the idea, the light will hide the joint. After ironing on the veneer, you can use an edge trimmer or a utility knife to trim the edge.

Step 4: Adding the Electronics

At the veneer joint, center the light up and drill a hole for the wire to pass through. Next, router a groove from the outside of the lamp frame from the top to the bottom. If you don't have a router you can chisel this out. Then, install the light. Route the wire in the grove that was cut into the frame.

Then, chisel out a hole for the on-and-off rocker switch (as shown in the picture). Next, drill a hole near the switch for the power supply wire.

Wiring the Switch:
Next, separate the wire from both the light and the power supply. Attach the positive leg on the light switch. (The power supply on one leg and the light on the other.) Then splice the two negative legs together. I also used Heat shrink to prevent the wires from touching.

Wrap the veneer along the outside of the lamp frame. Make sure the veneer meets at the bottom -- this way your seam can be hidden.

Step 5: Making a Base

I had some scrap mahogany on hand, and I used It to make a simple lamp base.

The base can be as long as you like. I made this one 6.5 inches. The ends were cut at 30 degrees.

Then I routed out the center for the lamp to sit.

Step 6: End Results

Step 7: Social Links

For more cool projects, check out my links below:

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Facebook: Like

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    21 Comments

    0
    mket
    mket

    4 years ago on Step 7

    very nice. Thank You.

    0
    vhajar
    vhajar

    5 years ago

    cool project.. have plan to replace LED with this ible
    https://www.instructables.com/id/Pixella-Android-Smart-LED-Controller/

    0
    chevymudnut
    chevymudnut

    5 years ago

    Great job you made it look simple would cost a fortune in the store keep up the great instuctables

    0
    diycreators
    diycreators

    Reply 5 years ago

    Thank you, yes think so too.

    0
    Eh Lie Us!
    Eh Lie Us!

    5 years ago

    I like the mini iron. Is that a travel version? I've never seen one that compact.

    0
    diycreators
    diycreators

    Reply 5 years ago

    Yes its a travel iron.

    0
    Paco Clavo
    Paco Clavo

    5 years ago

    Excellent, clear, concise, detailed instructable, and a beautiful, well thought-out and constructed lamp. Well done!

    0
    diycreators
    diycreators

    Reply 5 years ago

    Thank you

    0
    cavalier19
    cavalier19

    5 years ago

    Neat & great looking lamp

    0
    diycreators
    diycreators

    Reply 5 years ago

    Thank you.

    0
    ajayt7
    ajayt7

    5 years ago

    Very elegant lamp. And what finishing! Awesome workmanship

    0
    diycreators
    diycreators

    Reply 5 years ago

    Thanks!

    0
    Linuxmanmdk
    Linuxmanmdk

    5 years ago

    Very good. Love it.

    0
    diycreators
    diycreators

    Reply 5 years ago

    Thank you

    0
    timdekker1825
    timdekker1825

    5 years ago

    Wow, it looks great! :)

    0
    diycreators
    diycreators

    Reply 5 years ago

    Thank you!

    0
    annrrr
    annrrr

    5 years ago

    Nice! You have so many beautiful and simple (but genius) projects!