Yet Another Batman Lamp

Been thinking about making fun bed light for my son, and came up with this one after I saw a similar bookshelf. But it turn out there's quite a few of these already, I discovered. But here's my version.

You'll need:

• MDF wood board
• LED strip
• Wire
• 12V Connectors
• Adaptor
• Paint
• Switch

• Jigsaw
• Drill
• Router (optional)
• Printer

Step 1: Find Some Wood

I used a thick piece of MDF I had lying around.

I printed this batman logo and used for masking. (Using photoshop theres a nice feature called "find edges" so you don't waste your ink)

I've attached the photoshop template I used, the outline and the image is in two separate layers.

Step 2: Cut Out the Figure

Use a jigsaw to cut the wood, take care with the edges MDF is quite soft.

Step 3: Sand the Sides

Even out the sides by hand using sandpaper. Take care not to round the edges.

Step 4: Cut and Place the LED Stips

Cut the led strip, place it about the same distance from all edges. Mark the placement with a pen.

Step 5: Optional: Mill the LED Path

Mill the path where the LED will sit.

I did this since i don't want direct light from the LEDs when looking at it from the side. You could get the same result by masking the side of the LED strips I guess.

Step 6: Solder the LED Strips Together

Tin all the pads first, then solder on the wire. Cut the wire only after the first end is soldered on, that makes it easy to get the perfect length to the wire.

Step 7: All Wired Up

Connect the end wires to a 12v standard connector. (I ended up extending the wire with a nicer white cord)

Step 8: Paint the Edges

If you use MDF, you will need to paint the sides with wood paint or primer before spray painting. Otherwise it's likely that the spray paint wont stick.

Step 9: Spray Paint

Spray paint the sides (and the front maybe, just in case the print doesn't work out)

Step 10: Cut the Print

I found a print that fit quite well to the shape, google "Batman Arkham origins".

Printed on three A4 pages, taped together and cut with a sharp razor to create nice (almost invisible) matching edges.

The ink in my inkjet printer ran out, so I printed this using a laser printer on thick matte photo paper. Turned out ok anyway.

Step 11: Add Distance

I cut small flat wood pieces that will create a distance to the wall for the nice glow effect.

Step 12: Hooks to Hold It

Added two hooks the hang it from. And drilled a hole for the wire so it not easily pulled out by accident.

Step 13: Fix the Print to the Front

I used thin strong double sided tape, but any glue that doesn't mess up you print should be fine.

Step 14: Hang It on the Wall

Step 15: Admire the Result

Comments

[mgeoverty]

Que cargador o convertidor usas para poder hacer q prenda, de 12 volts?

[dmilesson]

Puede usar cualquier convertidor antiguo para electrónica que ya no esté usando, siempre que tenga una salida de 12 voltios CC.

[rhenagan]

I'm going to build one of these for a birthday present but I'm having a problem finding the LEDs that I can solder together. What type did you use and where did you find it at?

[MarcoC254]

I love your job !!! I am not a premium user. Where can I download the image?

[Lori Simpson]

This is pretty awesome! TFS :-)

[cliffyd]

me likey!!!

[damian.gorzelanczyk]

Hi! Your project is really cool! I will make it soon, of course, but I've got one question. How thick was your MDF board? :) Thank you in advance and I wish you a Merry Christmas! :)

[Trever73]

Thanks for the direction. Turned out great!

[SanjanaN1]

is it possible to connect the leds to a battery and connect a switch?...if so can u please explain how i can do it?..it wld be really helpful :)

[dmilesson]

Sure, but batteries for a lamp is not great as they will run out quite fast... Just google it

[SanjanaN1]

ohh okay..thanku..:D

[aymiChulis]

Would you ever consider making and selling this? I've been looking for a batman logo lamp for a friend's birthday and this is the only one that truly caught my eye, it's really well done! Unfortunately I don't have the tools or skills to make one myself.. it was a long shot but I figured I would try and ask :) thanks!

[aymiChulis]

You know what it's probably too late as I would have loved to have it before Aug. 4th; would have hated to rush you if it were even considered. Again, great work on the lamp! I'm sure your son loved it.

[dmilesson]

Thanks for the feedback! But I don't take orders :)

[mikhailJ]

Fantastic, thanks!

[JessicaS18]

Can you please upload that batman logo in pdf? I cant open that Photoshop file :/
And did you use 2 A3 Papers to print it?

[elvin.merlo]

Great job! what image did you use for the print on the front on how did you transfer it onto the wood??

[ElNats]

Hi Elvin, he found a print that fit quite well to the shape, google "Batman Arkham origins". On STEP 10 he explains how to do it.

[elvin.merlo]

Ahhh I didn't see step 10! Thanks!! I just got all of the supplies, wish me luck

[ElNats]

Hi, im new here. You did an awesome job! My 4yo son (and I) loves it... what is it size? (Width/height) we will work on it this weekend...i hope.