Nice write-up and a nice outcome, but speaking as a reasonably successful home/amateur woodworker, this is very over-thought and over-engineered. I say this not to criticise the creator as I appreciate that they are new to this, but to help others considering such pursuits.
Some constructive feedback:
* There is no need for the extruded aluminium frame - some cheap wood would have sufficed as a frame
* The CNC'd hanging brackets are totally unnecessary - a couple of holes, one either side, with a keyhole hanger over each would have sufficed
* The balancing and 3d-printed endcaps is unnecessary assuming you've got reasonably well-placed hangers
* The fancy ESP32 board could have been replaced by a commodity ESP8266. (You could get rid of the ESP altogther and just buy pre-wired LED strips, but then you lose the opportunity to program nice lighting effects.)
As a result, the bill of materials is multiples of what is could have been. I estimate that you could replicate this in a single weekend for ~80-85 EUR (15 EUR countertop, 10 EUR wooden frame, 5-10 EUR plexiglass, 40 EUR LEDs + PSU, 5 EUR ESP8266, 1 EUR for two keyhole hangers) assuming you have a few screws and some wood glue available, plus whatever the cost of the markerspace is. Everything could be sourced from your local DIY store, plus an order from Aliexpress for the electrical components.
Yeah, I was really impressed with the style of the project but got a little triggered by the extruded aluminum. "I don't want to pay a lot" -- proceeds to use engineered metals. And while it is convenient, it is softer and more likely to bend out of shape than just regular wood.
No disrespect but this is pure vibe engineering. Aluminum T-slot? CNC machined parts? CPU? Unnecessary design leading to being way overbuilt with lots of material and energy wasted. My advice would be to take a wood working class where they let you build a simple project of your choosing. Your wall lamp would be a perfect project, plastic accents included. You'll learn a real skill.
Temperature safety test was a nice touch; looks incredible.
I love European woodworking equipment. It's so much better than what we can get in the US.
I think you could decrease the costs a lot. I don't see the value in using aluminium extrusions to stand it off from the wall. You could use softwood for that, and glue, and negate the need for expensive custom connectors.
For sure.
My mental model when starting this project was "panels attached to a frame", and originally, that paneling was meant to be purely Plexiglas. When I pivoted to the bedroom lamp, I switched to wooden panels but the mental model stuck. The upside of not using glue is that it can be taken apart easily for transporting.
But yes, do not build it this way if cost efficiency is a factor.
I'd have put the effort into replacing the "Raufaser" tapestry with a plastered wall, but that's personal preferences. ;-)
German authenticity. The wall also isn't flat, so the lamp sits hollow in some spots and light is bleeding in all kinds of places.
One further argument to replaster it ;-)
I cant help but wonder, are these kind of posts on the HN front page because all the programmers are nervous about their jobs and looking to switch to maker/woodworking jobs? It scratches some of the same itches, for sure...
I think AI has played a role in more analog hobby adoption.
Who knows? :) I have to say that for me, making something physical is a greatly fulfilling diversion.
Yep, feels nice to work in both mental problems as well as physical ones.
extrusions also let you re-tap and move standoffs later, glue doesn't. worth the premium imo
Nice Work! Take note of the usage of aluminium extrusions, if you're not familiar with them, take a look, they are very handy and not expensive. I've built a 10 inch mini rack with them, really handy.