Arts & Craft Style LED Desk Lamp

Arts and Crafts Style Furniture started in late 1800 through early 1900 in the U.S. It is a broad category, still popular today, and is typically defined by simple straight lines with very little decorative flair, very much unlike that of the Victorian period style. They were simple perhaps but capably built with solid wood. I wanted this latest LED desk lamp to follow that style using the minimum amount of material.  Minimalist, but it must be robustly constructed as to defy its seemingly frail look.  And it can actually be dis-assembled into its three main components.  And re-assembled just as easily. That was the plan.  Don't get me wrong because it did go as planned but it took three weeks on and off to finish.  Well, hobbyist woodworkers who like originals , will have to deal with prototypes and, as prototypes go, this one was a challenge, and not likely go into repeat production.  Once is enough for this one. (Or, it needs to be done a little differently).

The main parts are: one vertical post; two legs splayed attached to the base, as shown; L-shaped arm

First a square base.  Two identical slots were cut on the table saw to accommodate the legs.

The vertical post must have a hollow center for the wires to go through from the base to the arm.  I opted for a hexagonal cross section. 6 narrow slats cut to 60 deg. miter per side.

Packaging tapes or masking tapes will hold the slats temporarily, apply glue per adjoining sides, close and clamp with rubber bands.

The hexagonal theme is maintained with the cap to which the arm will be attached, base-holder and light switch.

The outer arm that will hold the LED strip is barely 1/4 inch thick. A glued laminate of 1/8 inch walnut and 1/8 inch oak provide rigidity to an otherwise thin piece.

A threaded bolt and knurled nut will secure the arm to the top of the center post.

The channels at the bottom of the base accommodate the wires.  In retrospect, this should have been cut on the router table while the base was still a square. The old fashion way was to cut the channel with chisels. 

Shown below is the outer arm with the LED strip.

New and old models below.  The old model is still at work on my drawing/reading desk.

Tip: Buy the light switch from the auto parts store. Typically they are 12 volt switches, which are what LED strips normally run on.  This one has a green indicator "pilot" light.

I can't touch-type and need to look at the key board wile typing so a desk lamp is more than just a decorative item.