Introduction: Customizable Plywood and Acrylic Hinged Lamp

By Hower Engineering

This is a re-make of Sculptural - Customizable - Plywood Lamp. It has been redesigned such that it can be made from 1/4 inch laser cut material. The pieces will be layered to form the components of the 3/4 inch pieces used in the original project. This also allows for the use of other 1/4 inch material such as acrylic to create a multitude of other pattern designs.

Supplies

  • laser cutter
  • 1/4 inch plywood
  • 1/4 inch clear, translucent, or solid color acrylic
  • candelabra bulb socket
  • switched power cord
  • 1/8 inch diameter brass rod
  • LED antique light bulb
  • wood finish
  • sandpaper
  • wood glue
  • acrylic glue/solvent
  • wood clamps

Step 1: Cut Out Hinged Pieces

Using the laser cutter, cut out all the hinged pieces. There will be six pieces for each hinged section consisting of layered 1/4 material. The original project used five hinged pieces. The bulb height was not specified in the original project and the bulb I found was taller than it so I ended up needing six hinges. After cutting out the hinged piece layers, glue them and clamp them together while the glue dries. When the glue has dried, sand off the edge scorch marks from the laser cutting. If your laser cuts the acrylic pieces cleanly you only need to use the acrylic solvent glue to put them together.

Attachments

Step 2: Cut Out and Glue the Top and Bottom Sections

There will be two sections for the top and bottom of the lamp. These consist of two 1/4 inch thick layers with holes for the brass rod and one solid 1/4 inch layer. The solid layer keeps the brass rod from extending all the way through these sections. Glue these together and sand off the scorched edges.

Step 3: Cut Out the Next Section of the Lamp Base

This is the second section from the bottom of the lamp base. As with the other sections, glue, clamp, and sand off the edge scorch marks.

Step 4: Candelabra Bulb Section

Glue the top base section together and glue it to the other two base sections. Glue the next two layers of the candelabra bulb section together and glue these to the base. Screw the candelabra socket onto the base. Attach the power cord wire to the bulb socket. Glue the final layer of the bulb section onto the other two, covering the power wires.

Step 5: Assemble Hinges and Place on Brass Rod

Depending on how many hinged pieces you need, cut the brass rod to fit the length necessary for your lamp. Insert the hinges onto the brass rod in any order you choose. The clear acrylic hinge can be anywhere you like. Since this design is made of layered 1/4 inch material, you can have more clear hinges, substitute translucent or colored acrylic, or other types of wood. There are a multitude of combinations you can use.