I wanted to utilize the woodworking skills I had learned during my semester at Olin to create a traditional Japanese Andon lamp.
From the start, I wanted this lamp to have some smart functionality, and invested in a Phillips Hue lightbulb to assist in this endeavor.
I spent a couple of weeks creating SolidWorks CAD for each part of the lamp structure, paying special attention to the joinery and dimensions.
Laser cutters, clamps, and various woodworking hand tools were used to create each component. The main structure utilized mortise and tenon joints, along with wood glue and well placed slots.
I used cedar due to its lower price point and easy workability. However, I later applied a coat of stain to mimic a darker, more expensive wood.
The windows of the lamp utilized rice paper and wood glue, allowing a semi-translucent window to allow light to travel through.