Making Functional Model: MDF and cardboard

I decided to substitute my materials for this prototype to save on costs. I used MDF instead of blackwood and shiny cardboard in the place of copper. I used 16mm MDF and cut the circles out with a jigsaw and then rounded them on the sanding wheel. I cut the inside circles with a 150mm hole saw.

I experimented with using plumbing fittings as a swivel method because they are hollow to allow for cables to go through them. I used circular nuts on each end to hold them in place and chiseled grooves into the inside of the MDF circle to house them. These parts are not ideal, I will need to source a less clunky option for further prototyping.

I created a mechanism for the top circle to change positions using magnets to hold it in place. I got strong rare earth magnets from C pol in Melrose Park and drilled holes into the wood so that the magnets sit flush in line with the surface. I chose to use 5 positions for this prototype but I could potentially have as many settings as I like. 

Tech Pack

For my tech pack I am using LED strips and a 12 volt power pack purchased at Jaycar. At this stage I have not included a switch, but there will need to be one in future prototypes. I chose to get warm white LED's because the bright white can he a bit too bright and also the warm tones will look better with the warm colour of the copper. This kind of LED's can be cut to any length and the 12 volt pack can power up to 2.5 metres.

I drilled a hole through the pivoting bar to allow the cable to get to the top circle of the lamp without being seen and I allowed enough slack in the wire so that it can still reach no matter what position it is in, the tech is still connected.

I punched holes in the cardboard to line up with the LED's. It was very hard to get them to line up because the distance between the lights was different when they were curved than when they were laid flat. It occurs to me that this will be even harder when trying to drill the holes in the copper.

The below photo is the complete tech installed before I nailed on the final middle piece.