FREE Labs Project: Moonlight

[RebeccaJ]

Hi All,

As you may be aware we have introduced some new faces to the Labs Projects, and the last one for this year comes from David, he brings you the ‘Moonlight’ lamp. This is his Christmas project for 2018 and is to be followed up with many more exciting ‘In the Labs’ models throughout 2019.
This project utilises the (ubiquitous) LED lighting strip and super magnets with an option to combine wood and CNC Acrylic machining or, if available, alternative laser technologies to manufacture this Artefact.
It was inspired by images, generally seen during the Christmas period, depicting silhouetted shapes against a moon backdrop.
Importantly, it was envisaged the ‘Moonlight’ lamp could be utilised throughout the year and not just during the festive period. Therefore, an aesthetically pleasing, shape has been incorporated into the base of the lamp so that any wood, that suits the décor, can be used, along with an opaque Acrylic material, giving an unobtrusive ambient light to compliment any room.
The wooden base also has an alternative flat surface where, scenic, acrylic silhouettes can be attached, using magnets, transforming the lamp into a Christmas, Halloween or other specially themed occasion.
Other silhouettes can be applied to the Acrylic element of the lamp, using magnets, enabling interchangeable themed templates which can be very quickly attached.

To download the ‘Moonlight’ project, head over to https://release.vectric.com/free-projec ... h-david-2/

Enjoy! and once again Merry Christmas!

[Rcnewcomb]

This is a great design. Thanks!

[mtylerfl]

Great project, David!

[wes.miller@gmail.com]

I made this project and I'm curious as to what acrylic was used for the moon. I bought some white acrylic (#2447) from eStreet plastics (eStreetplasitics.com) and it allows no light at all even though it states it. Did I order the wrong item?

[RebeccaJ]

Hey wes.miller

I believe that David used a slightly translucent white perspex, we get our from the plasticshop.co.uk - I am aware that you are in the USA so not really sure how useful this is for you? In the UK before you buy you can access the technical data of the product which gives you information on light transmission. Could be worth getting in touch with your supplier and seeing if they have this information?

Thanks,
Beki

[wes.miller@gmail.com]

I tried many suppliers and tried several samples, none of which would transfer light more than an inch or two from the light source. So rather than waste the project I did a backlit version which I think actually produces a more realistic moon. The silhouettes are cut from 1/8" black acrylic using a 1/16" end mill. I've attached some samples.

[mtylerfl]

Wes,

You did a great job with those! I love the effect you created! (Godzilla - who knew he could look so classy!)