Side Table Lights


Inspired by a project that Bob over @Iliketomakestuff made a while back, I wanted to create a pair of side lights for the bedroom, and I modeled them after this project that he did: https://iliketomakestuff.com/making-a-modern-lamp-with-inductive-charging/ . I didn't need the wirless charging, so I ommited that, and I didn't want the lamp and shade on top so I also omitted that as well.

I also wanted to use a momentary switch and make the lamp work with google assistant instead of alexa and a toggle switch.

So the journey began!




I started with a few pieces of cherry wood that I had on hand. I milled them down to the rough size I wanted them to be. There was also some gaps and cracks so I filled those with Total Boat resin epoxy dyed with some allumilte dyes.‘





I did some sanding, then some more sanding up to 320 grit on the surfaces that would be seen, 240 on the backs and bottoms and backs.





I accuired some NodeMCU micro controllers, mostly because this is what Bob over at @iliketomakestuff suggested in his article, though I also ordered some Arduino Unos and Nanos because I didn't know the difference at the time. I also picked up a Weller soldering station and got my soldering on.



I spent more time than expected learning the differences between the Arduino Uno, Nano and the NodeMCU micro controller modules. While it was a lot of fun, it was frustrating at times. There were plenty of examples out on the internet, and as a software developer by trade, I figured it would be "simple", and again while it wasn't difficult it was fun




The final product came out better than I could have hoped for. I love bringing my love for woodworking together with my background a software developer and learning something new with electronics, micro controllers and the Arduinio and NodeMCU things.

 

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