DiResta: Wooden Lamp (Bonus Video)

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!

14 Responses to DiResta: Wooden Lamp (Bonus Video)

asciimation on December 19th, 2012 at 3:57 pm said:

That’s very cool. Also I really like the style of these DiResta videos. Direct, nicely shot (camera on the saw guide – nice!), to the point and no horribly distracting music. I know some people probably prefer step by step guides but I really like these quick looks into a craftsman at work. I am lucky I have had the chance to make enough stuff and play with enough tools in my time I can follow what’s happening. I must look up the television programmes DiResta has done. Please keep doing these little videos!

Simon

Reply ↓
- jimmydiresta on December 19th, 2012 at 8:28 pm said:
  
  Thank you very much for the kind words ! ill keep making them !!
  
  Reply ↓
Pingback: DiResta: Wooden Lamp | So8ra6
fnirt on December 19th, 2012 at 10:26 pm said:

I agree about the directness of the videos. I have to say when you got done slicing up that hunk of plywood it was so crisp, so clean, I kinda wanted to lick it. There’s just something so cool, so intimate, so right about working wood in such a confident and proficient manner. I look forward to all of your videos!

Reply ↓
- jimmydiresta on December 21st, 2012 at 8:32 pm said:
  
  “i want to lick it ” my fav compliment !! thank you !
  
  Reply ↓
deanS on December 20th, 2012 at 11:42 am said:

Fun to watch even if you don’t try to make your own. Very much like a video version of the Wordless Workshop by Roy Doty. Always enjoy watching Jimmy DiResta’s work, but maybe I’m just easily amused as I find John somewhat enjoyable to watch also.

Reply ↓
- jimmydiresta on December 21st, 2012 at 8:33 pm said:
  
  thank you so much !!
  
  Reply ↓
Jeff Del Papa on December 20th, 2012 at 6:10 pm said:

Very nice design. I have been staring at it for a while, and still don’t quite know what is holding the strips together. I could see how cutting 90% thru and staggering would get you very bendable wood, but it looks like there are actual gaps between the strips. I can’t figure out how you didn’t wind up with a bunch of separate strips…. (count that as a well done, guess I will have to do my own experiments to figure it out, when I get back from family travels…)

Only one other comment on technique – there are two things that will sent a blacksmith to hell – bending cold metal, and not charging enough. I suppose as a woodworker the first rule doesn’t apply.

Reply ↓
- jimmydiresta on December 21st, 2012 at 8:34 pm said:
  
  Thank you jeff! yes i was being lazy: the torch was way over there & it was thin enough …
  .
  
  Reply ↓
David Popdan on December 21st, 2012 at 7:04 pm said:

I really enjoy your videos. Can’t quite wrap my head around how that wood is staying together. Gotta watch it a few more times. And I wasn’t sure if I should say anything at first but I saw “new” TIG welder, so here goes, it looks like you’re pulling your torch away too quickly after you finish welding. it should sit in the same spot until your gas post-flow is done. usually a few seconds. not quite as bad as seeing Paul Jr. of OCC cooling a TIG weld by blowing on it, but an “opportunity for improvement” nonetheless. thanks for the videos, looking forward to what you think of next!

Reply ↓
- jimmydiresta on December 21st, 2012 at 8:38 pm said:
  
  thank you david ! I am still developing my TIG tech.. i am a TIG newbee thank you for the tip … on the wood: to you and Jeff , the front and back cut are slightly diagonal so where they cross there is wood attaching front to back , you can see when the light shines through. thank you !
  
  Reply ↓
Harold Cunningham on December 22nd, 2012 at 2:45 am said:

a. What angle did you choose for the second cut?
b. Consider using an Underwriter’s Knot for the socket wiring.

Reply ↓
Pingback: DiResta: Wooden Lamp | How to Videos, Articles & More |How To - Tips for your phone, tablet, computer, home theater
StevenBailey on February 6th, 2013 at 7:47 pm said:

how did you make the metal bender?

Reply ↓