Post 10: Final Design Updates, Max Palish

Project Reminder: 

My final project will be a simplistic, low profile wooden light fixture taking inspiration from the minimalist aesthetic. It will be constructed from a hallowed out 2×4 plank of wood, a 3/8th acrylic sheet and warm LED strip lights. The dynamic component of this project will be from the LED’s ability to change shades, so as the light is on it will periodically cast out different shades of warm light. 

Purchasing Progress:

As of now, I have all the raw components to complete this project. I purchased both the warm LED strip and clouded acrylic plastic sheet off of amazon and picked up a nice 2×4 from the local Home Depot. While I believe all necessary tools will be provided in the Idea Forge on campus, I may have to purchase any specialty ones that arise as I being fabrication.

Design Updates:

After picking out my 2×4 wood, I realized my design would be impossible to fabricated. Due to its length, the wiring through hole along the 2×4 would require an impossible long drill bit. Because of this, I have decided to make my piece modular with each of the three lighting “windows” being their own portion which will then be secured together after the fact. Also, for the light slot cutouts, I have decided to replace the slots to go all the way through. I will then take the negative material, cut it in half and place it back into the main body of my project. This will achieve the same function as my original design but yet again simplify manufacturing.

Moving Forward:

As of next week I intend to begin cutting my 2×4 into sections and cutting the slots out of them. Next I will drill the wiring holes in each and cut the battery slot/door into one of them. After this, I will sand and stain each piece of wood to give it a finished feel and look. Finally I will cut the acrylic and place it into the slotted cutout after placing the LED strip inside. With my remaining time, I will test my final product and decide on how it will mount to a wall safely and without damaging the surface of the wall.