Simple CNC Lamp

Here in this Instructable, I will be showing you how to build a very simple CNC machine lamp. In this design I am using 3/4" wood for the base, and 1/2" wood for the shade to make it easier to bend with a kerf cut.

Step 1: Download the Files

First you need to download the attached dxf files to be able to input it into the machine. Once you have you can cut out the base and shade. I cut the base out of 3/4" wood from a CNC machine and the shade from 1/2" wood from a laser cutter. Although I'm sure you can use the CNC machine for both with the proper bit.

Step 2: Cut the Base

Once you have the files downloaded you can input them into the machine, and start cutting the base. Once down you will have two like pieces that have a slot to conjoin the two pieces.

Step 3: Join the Base

Simply slide the two together, making it one object that will stand by itself.

Step 4: Add a Light

For this you might need to trial error for yourself. I took the dimensions of a light bulb socket i had on hand, and designed the hole around the socket. But rather if yours is bigger or smaller, its an easy fix. Simply take a sander and sand down the edges on the inside where the bulb will be nested to make it bigger for a bigger bulb, or take some electrical tape (any will do really) and put some take around the bulb without covering any buttons or switches until it fits.

Step 5: Assemble the Lamp Shade

(I didn't have a picture of the shade being cut, my apologies)

Once you have the second piece cut out, you need to be really careful. the Kerf cut on this makes the integrity of the shade very fragile and can break if you bend it to quickly or to far, but will hold up if careful to just join the two ends making a circle. I used Gorilla wood glue to make the two ends stay, as you see me and my friend holding it together. I recommend putting some clamps or any other device to hold it in place to wait for it to dry, as it could take up to one day to fully bond.

Step 6: Attach Shade

Now take the shade and carefully place it on the four outcroppings on the ends of the lamp, and use the same glue to glue it into place. Once again, I'd use clamps to hold all four ends together, doing each side one at a time as this part could be rather difficult.

Step 7: Plug It In!

That's it! All you need to do now is put this in a corner of your living room or wherever you might put it (I will be putting mine in my garage because it will fit in with all of my tools and what not) and plug it in.