The Idea

After watching countless 'how to' videos on the interwebs, I had this idea to instead start a series focusing on the process and not just the solution. I'm not even sure anyone will like that kind of concept.

I started my first video with a simple challenge in mind: fitting a lamp dimmer into a 3/4" pipe (for a pipe lamp). Included here are the 3d files I used. Again, my goal here is not a detailed how-to on making your own pipe dimmer, but to shed a little light on the problem solving / design process.

more details here, including part lists: http://www.mistertinker.com/#!Pipe-Dimmer-Pipe-Shelves-pt-1/c218b/5696c0180cf263fc5a89aeba

Some notes on the files:

3-4 pipe thread pot holder.scad:

-this is a remix from DaveGadgeteer's Tap and Die for 3d printed threads.

• http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:227192

-The mods were very slight, just changing the ID and tweaking the threads a little for my printer.

-this coupler fastens the dimmer module to the pipe tee

faucet thread nut for potentiometer.scad:

-this uses thread_library.scad which can be found here:

• http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:8793

-this coupling connects the spiral thread on the faucet to stem on the potentiometer. The hole on the bottom was used to drill a small hole into the stem to insert a pin (I used a cut finishing nail)

In part 2 of my series, I build the rest of the lamp. I even designed a 3d printer holder to connect a light socket to pipe threads, which I'll upload when I complete the editing.

Category: Decor