Evan and Katelyn are the ultimate DIYers! They have created a wide range of projects that include all kinds of making, like woodworking, welding, and of course - 3D printing! Recently, they created a modern lamp that had a 3D printed frame, walnut wood, and copper tape. Check out their video!  

Evan and Katelyn printed the base/frame of the lamp on the LulzBot TAZ 6 and used MatterHackers PRO PLA. If you haven't used PLA filament before, check out this guide on how to succeed when printing with PLA. What's awesome about this project is that you can scale the model to fit any 3D printer, so even if you are rocking a smaller scale machine, you can make yourself a cool mini lamp that's perfect for an office desk, side table - anything really! 

How to Make a 3D Printed Wooden Walnut Lamp

Evan and Katelyn were kind enough to share this project with us to help show off the cool ways that you can use 3D printing. Here are the steps so you can build your own! 

Materials

  • 3D printed Lamp frame
  • Copper Tape
  • Lamp Kit
  • Band Saw
  • Belt Sander
  • Drill
  • Drill Bits
  • Natchez Solution wood oil
  • Super Glue
  • E6000 Adhesive
  • Paper
  • Pencil
  • Scissors

Step 1: 3D Print the Lamp Model

Evan and Katelyn have uploaded their lamp model (and a ton of other cool models) to Thingiverse here. 

Also, learn how to use Tinkercad to design and 3D print your own lamp model! Not sure which 3D modeling software is right for you? Check out this article to help you find the perfect one. 

Finished lamp 3D print on the LulzBot TAZ 6
Finished lamp 3D print on the LulzBot TAZ 6

Step 2: Drill the Lamp Thread

Using your drill, drill a 23/64" bit hole so that you can thread your lamp screw into the 3D printed top of the lamp.  

Evan testing drill bits to get the hole for the lamp screw just right
Evan testing drill bits to get the hole for the lamp screw just right

Step 3: Cut a Template for the Wood Pieces

Using paper, scissors, and pencils, create a paper template for the wool panels of the lamp. Use the 3D printed lamp frame to get the correct sizes. 

Katelyn cutting the wood panel templates like a champ
Katelyn cutting/placing the wood panel templates like a champ

Step 4: Apply the Copper Tape to the 3D Printed Lamp

Apply the copper tape to the edges of the 3D printed lamp. Be sure to get the tape as smooth as possible to avoid wrinkles. 

Applying the copper tape to the 3D printed part
Applying the copper tape to the 3D printed part

Step 5: Cut the Wood Panels for the 3D Printed Lamp

Glue the paper templates from Step 3 onto the wood and use the band saw to cut the pieces. Once the pieces are cut, use the belt sander to create the chamfers to fit snugly into the 3D model. 

Cutting the wood into the panels for the lamp using the band saw
Cutting the wood into the panels for the lamp using the band saw

Step 6: Oil the Wood Panels

Once your panels are all cut, apply a generous coat of oil. 

Add oil to the wooden panels
Add oil to the wooden panels

Step 7: Glue the Wooden Panels to the 3D Printed Lamp

Glue the wooden panels on to the 3D printed part, and then use tape to hold them in place while they dry. Electrical tape left a little residue behind, but it came off with a little effort. 

Electric tape to hold the glued pieces in place
Electric tape to hold the glued pieces in place

Step 8: Install the Lamp Hardware and Shade

Follow the instructions on your lamp kit to properly wire the lamp and setup your lamp. Remember to add the shade before you screw in the lightbulb! 

Wiring the Lamp
Wiring the Lamp

And that's it! Thanks to Evan and Katelyn you now have a sweet new modern lamp! 

For more awesome projects from Evan and Katelyn, subscribe to their YouTube channel here. You can also follow the behind the scenes of all their projects by following them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

The final product!
The final product!

Do you have a suggestion for a weekend build? Let us know in the comments below or at MatterHackers.com!