In each bi-monthly episode of DiResta (every other Wednesday at 2pm PT), artist and master builder Jimmy DiResta (Dirty Money, Hammered, Against the Grain, Trash for Cash) lets us into his workshop, to look over his shoulder while he builds whatever strikes his fancy. On this episode of DiResta, which Jimmy shared with MAKE as a holiday bonus video, he remembers a wood bending technique he experimented with as a teen and creates this wonderful modern lamp as a result. – Gareth Branwyn
Materials/Supplies:
- Apron 4′ of 1/4″ steel rod
- 14″ x 24″ x 3/4″ plywood
- Lamp electrics kit from Home Depot
Tools:
- A homemade ring bending jig
- Table saw
- Miller 150 Maxstar Tig welder
- Bolt cutters
- Hammer
- Anvil
Jimmy’s Notes:
When I was about 16, I was experimenting with the radial arm saw. I wanted to bend wood using relief cuts. At one point, I made relief cuts on either side of a piece of wood, but I crossed the cuts on opposites sides to keep the wood together. As a result, the wood becomes a spring! Fast forward 30 years and I was looking for a project to use my new TIG welder on. A steel lamp frame came to mind. For the shade, the idea of this wood bending technique came back to me!
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