Steampunk Box Lamp

This is my first Instructable, so I apologize in advance for any omissions, typos, etc, etc, etc.* I actually found Instrucables when I started looking into various steampunk projects to cobble together. One of the first projects I took a shine to (punny) was Admiral Ravensdale's Expedition Light: http://www.instructables.com/id/Expedition-Light/. Horatious Steam also has something quite similar: http://www.instructables.com/id/A-light-box-for-camping/.  I decided to make something in the same vein, but hopefully my changes are unique enough to warrant your attention.

You will need:
~ A small wooden box
~ 5-6 LED lights (your choice of specs)
~ A casing for the LEDs
~ A transparent cover for the LEDs
~ Electrical wire (LEDs use so little power the gauge almost doesn't matter)
~ Paracord
~ A thin piece of wood to cover the electronic components
~ A lever switch (Radio Shack or Fry's will have what you need)
~ A piece of leather to cover up the lever switch
~ 9 volt battery
~ Resistors

Optional:
~ Copper Wire/Rod for embellishments (16-14 gauge).
~ New hardware if you don't like what came with your box (I didn't).
~ Approx. 2x2 copper sheet (for "reflector" plate)
~ Sandpaper (for distressing)
~ Wood stain (for when you over-distressed and to cover any modifications to the box)

* I also apologize for the picture quality. Both of my digital cameras are being... difficult... right now, so my cell phone was the only option. thanks for understanding.

The first thing we'll do is find a suitable box (try your local craft store). You probably need an internal size of at least 2" in each direction to fit all the components, but modifications could easily be made. I didn't like the fittings mine came with, so picked up some more at the same craft store. I also wanted my box to have more of a weathered look, so I attacked it with some fine grit sandpaper. I used 400 grit simply because it was handy and I didn't need to remove much of the finish. Now, let's find the next pieces....

View the original article here

The amazing Plasma Binary Clock, Steampunk style.

A couple of month ago Mr. Longwinters  send me some plasma (NEON) bulbs wit European E-27 windings.
Mr Junophor offered me a big peace of mahagony wood. So I had the basic material for a steampunked binary clock.
The clock is driven by a CControl micro controller and some solid state relais.
A small Basic program reads the internal clock (controlled by a DCF signal), converts the values to binary format and sets the bulbs.
A 5V relay is used to simulate the ticking of a clock.
Here are the materials and the parts for mounting the NEON bulbs to the clock.

View the original article here

The Steampunk "Wildbad 7"

Dear Steampunkers, dear Followers and DIY Fans out there

Today I would like to share a new Steampunk project with you. May I can give you some inspiration to build your own unique music machine.
The "Wildbad 7" is based on an old tube radio from SABA made in 1957 which was completely destroyed by a water accident. I got it for free and I loved the great design with the vacuum tubes. 

So the idea to build a Steampunk "Wildbad 7" was born!

The following steps may give you some ideas how you could build your own device. May you don't have the same parts, but be creative. There is always a way to create something unique!

View the original article here