Recommended Free Tools
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFree scan · exact hardware match
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Free scan · no reinstall
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Free scan · under a minute
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
You can build this poseable, desk-sized Luxo-style lamp from laser-cut acrylic, LED strip lighting, simple wiring and spring-supported joints. Sam DeRose’s Make: project provides Illustrator and DXF cutting files plus the original SolidWorks model; it specifies 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch acrylic and accounts for laser kerf. Make: estimates 38 hours and rates the project moderate difficulty—publisher estimates, not independently measured build results.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What the project involves
This is a hands-on lamp build inspired by Luxo Jr., not an official Pixar product. Its acrylic struts and ribbed shade form a poseable arm, with screw-and-washer pivots and springs helping the arm hold position. Two short white LED-strip sections sit in the shade. Wires pass through channels in the struts and a hole at the swivel joint, then connect to a toggle switch and DC power supply.
Make: published Sam DeRose’s project on August 18, 2015, and its page shows an October 14, 2015 update. Its 38-hour estimate and moderate difficulty rating are the publisher’s assessments. The instructions and downloadable files are on Make:’s project page.
#1 Best Overall
- ANIMATE YOUR MEMORIES – Adults, ages 18 and up, can recreate playful Luxo Jr., the iconic lamp character from Disney Pixar's 1986 animated short film
- LEGO IDEAS EXCLUSIVE – A fan-designed set created by the LEGO community, voted for by passionate fans and produced by the LEGO Group
- FULLY POSEABLE MOVIE ICON – An intricate, articulated design helps builders recreate Luxo Jr.'s unique bouncing, hopping, and rotating movements
- PIXAR BALL EASTER EGG HUNT – Discover hidden references to classic Disney Pixar movies like Up, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Monsters, Inc., Toy Story, and Finding Nemo
- UNIQUE ROOM DECOR – Once constructed, poseable Luxo Jr. doubles as conversation-starting office or desk decor
Materials and tools
Use the specified sheet thicknesses: the cutting files are designed around them, and the source says the thickness is included in the file names.
Materials
- One 1-foot-by-2-foot sheet of 1/4-inch acrylic
- One 1-foot-by-2-foot sheet of 1/8-inch acrylic
- 2-inch and 1-inch 10-24 machine screws
- #10 metal washers and #10 rubber washers
- Locknuts or wing nuts for the adjustable joints
- Springs for supporting the arm
- Two short sections of white LED strip lighting
- Toggle switch, fine wire, and a DC power supply or wall adapter
- Heat-shrink tubing for insulated wire joins
- Acrylic cement
Tools
- Laser cutter
- Soldering iron and solder
The source does not establish current prices or material availability. It also does not specify LED brightness or a particular power-supply rating, so select a supply compatible with the LED strips you use rather than assuming a rating.
Rank #2
- WHITE BOTTLE LAMP SET MAKE A FRESH STYLE LAMP -Have a favored light color bottle,and you don't know what it is to do? Buy the kit & make your own custom lamp to suit your unique taste and preferences.
- UL Listed Electrical Components - The electric cord, light socket is UL listed. Safe material for electrical installation. （No Bulb Included)
- ESSENTIAL HARDWARE INCLUDED for making a bottle lamp - A 3-Way light socket with 8ft electric cord, a lamp shade harp,a 9mm glass drill bit,3 sizes bottle corks and 3 wire hole stoppers in a set,it has everything you need to begin building your own bottle lamp.
- Application- Making & fixing a bottle table lamp, repair & rewire bottle light fixtures;create your own unique fresh style bottle lamp from scratch or to repair an old one;ideal for creating new lamps from vases, bottles ect.
- BUY WITH GUARANTEE -We are confident that you’ll love our products .Besides,the item has 1-Month return period and 1-Year replacement warranty.If there is any part of damage attachment, please contact us to get free replacement.
Get the files and prepare the acrylic
- Download the Illustrator files, DXFs, and original SolidWorks model from the Make: project page.
- Check each file name for the intended acrylic thickness before cutting. The design uses 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch stock, and the author says the files account for laser kerf.
- Cut the flat parts from the corresponding sheets using a laser cutter. The project specifies one 1-foot-by-2-foot sheet of each thickness.
Do not substitute a different sheet thickness without adjusting or validating the files: the parts and their fit are based on the stated material dimensions.
Assemble the base and poseable arm
Build the swivel base and arm linkage from the cut acrylic parts. At each pivot, use the specified 10-24 screws with metal and rubber washers, then secure the joint with a locknut or wing nut so it can move while remaining adjustable.
Rank #3
- EXTRA LONG 12 FOOT CORD & QUALITY HARDWARE SET Included - A 12ft Electric Cord with polarized plug fit both Table Lamp and Floor Lamp Making / Repair. Wire ends are fitted with U-shaped connector,which make connection work simple .Qualified hardwares have good color matching and looks upgraded.
- UPGRADED LAMP PARTS IN COMPLETE LAMP SET - The kit includes a 3-way turn knob socket,a 12ft cord,a 8" lamp shade harp,a brass switch knob replacement, 4 kinds of washers and hex nuts, 1 brass pipe coupling, and 3 options of nipples -8", 2.5" ,0.8" for your different assembly needs. All essential parts included.
- UL LISTED ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS -Both the electric cord and the light socket are UL listed. Safe material for electrical installation.
- APPLICATION- Making & fixing table or floor Lamps;repair & rewire vintage lighting fixtures;create your own unique lamp from scratch or to repair an old one;ideal for creating new lamps from vases, bottles, or items with threaded openings.
- WITH INSTRUCTIONS to guide you assembly process. No matter repair a vintage lamp or make a new custom lighting,you will have clear idea on each step through the wiring instructions.
Dry-fit the swivel before applying acrylic cement. If the joint does not rotate as intended, the project author notes that turning the entire base is a workable fallback. This avoids committing glue to a joint that still needs adjustment.
Spring choice affects whether the arm can stay in a useful pose. DeRose cautions: “Finding the right springs may be difficult, I’d suggest getting an assortment and trying different combinations until you find one that works.” Treat that as an adjustment step rather than assuming any one spring configuration will support the arm.
Rank #4
- 🛠️ ALL-IN-ONE DIY LAMP KIT: Our kit includes everything you need to create a custom lamp or refurbish an old one. Perfect for adding a personal touch to your space.
- ⏰ QUICK & EASY ASSEMBLY: With all parts included and clear, step-by-step instructions, you can create or restore a lamp in minutes.
- 🔩 COMPLETE SET OF COMPONENTS: The kit includes an 8-inch harp with base and finial cap knob, a 3-way socket, an 8-foot cord, and necessary hardware.
- 💡 UL LISTED & SAFE: Our cord set and fittings are UL Listed for your safety. A 75-watt max household bulb is recommended.
- 🎨 ANTIQUE BRASS FINISH: The components come in a sophisticated antique brass finish, offering a vintage touch to your lamps.
Build the shade, lighting and wiring
- Assemble the ribbed acrylic shade around its LED mounting plate.
- Attach two short sections of white LED strip lighting to the plate.
- Install the toggle switch and route the fine wires through the struts and the swivel-joint hole, using the built-in channels.
- Solder the DC power lead to the lamp wiring and cover each wire join with heat-shrink tubing.
- Connect the selected DC supply and check the electrical assembly before closing or cementing any parts that would make access difficult.
The project calls for soldering and heat-shrink insulation, but the available instructions do not state a tested brightness, operating temperature, or safety certification. Use compatible electrical components and avoid leaving exposed soldered connections.
Related, but not required: LEGO Luxo Jr.
LEGO’s official US listing describes Disney Pixar Luxo Jr. set #21357 as a 2025 set for ages 18+ with 613 pieces. It is a separate collectible, not a component or prerequisite for this acrylic lamp build. See LEGO’s building-instructions listing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- EXTRA LONG 12 FOOT CORD & QUALITY HARDWARE SET Included - A 12ft Electric Cord with polarized plug fit both Table Lamp and Floor Lamp Making / Repair. Wire ends are fitted with U-shaped connector,which make connection work simple .Qualified hardwares have good color matching and looks upgraded.
- UPGRADED LAMP PARTS IN COMPLETE LAMP SET - The kit includes a 3-way turn knob socket,a 12ft cord,a 8" lamp shade harp,a brass switch knob replacement, 4 kinds of washers and hex nuts, 1 brass pipe coupling, and 3 options of nipples -8", 2.5" ,0.8" for your different assembly needs. All essential parts included.
- UL LISTED ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS -Both the electric cord and the light socket are UL listed. Safe material for electrical installation.
- APPLICATION- Making & fixing table or floor Lamps;repair & rewire vintage lighting fixtures;create your own unique lamp from scratch or to repair an old one;ideal for creating new lamps from vases, bottles, or items with threaded openings.
- WITH INSTRUCTIONS to guide you assembly process. No matter repair a vintage lamp or make a new custom lighting,you will have clear idea on each step through the wiring instructions.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
