A lot of the lamps I've seen online have had old steam and pressure gauges attached, which are non-functional (I hope!). I've include a AC voltmeter on this one that works.

Belmar had a terrific movie theatre on Main Street when I grew up called the Rivoli. My "Little Library" is my way of remembering all the good times had there.

I'm fascinated by the "steam punk" lamps I've seen online so decided to try my hand at a few.

Got a Glowforge laser cutter/engraver so thought I would try a 3D panel of Belmar, NJ.

Saw a kit for a wooden mechanical toy while in a shop in England. "Rocky" is that toy blown up a few times. He's powered by a 12 volt DC motor and has an "electric eye" that senses when a shadow passes in front. His tail rotates and his lower jaw moves for about 10 seconds when triggered. Fun project!

Projector Lift
A photograph sometimes allows a painter to capture the action of a subject, such as a dancer, and then take all the time needed to put the subject on canvas. Printed photos do not always allow the artist to see small details, however, projecting the image makes those details easier to see. The projector often needs to raised and lowered when working with various size images and in order to minimize "keystone."

This is my "high tech solution to a low tech problem."




The lift uses heavy-duty drawer slides as guides and a linear actuator with 20" travel. The linear actuator came with a corded remote control.

I saw a photo of another table by Charles Limbert, dating from the early 1900's. Construction is a bit less challenging than the previous table. But the lines are great, with interesting negative space. The photo is of a test fitting of the pieces, not yet glued.

Table finished. Mission gel stain with 2 coats of shellac, 5 coats of wipe-on varnish.

I had planned to fume the table with ammonia, but didn't like the results: too gray. Maybe it was particular to that batch of white oak. I'll try again with another project since I now have the fume tent and a gallon of ammonia.