LED display shining through the wood

[Cassiel]

I like this idea for a DIY amp, but I don't know how it works. Any ideas?


Shine Labs Woodblock Clock ICFF 2010 | Apartment Therapy Unplggd

[kevinahcc20]

It's a bit hard to tell from the pix but I would guess that the wooden face is routed out from behind to leave a very thin layer into which the LED display is mounted. If you were going to attempt this I would rout out from behind leaving maybe 1/16" of wood thickness, then use clear epoxy to glue a clear 1/8" lexan window into the recess to reinforce the thin wood layer. Then I would use a jointer set to take about 0.005" per pass (or sand if you don't have a jointer) from the outside face with the LED display in place until the wood was thin enough to let the display show through as you want. It would be a delicate operation but I think doable. Good luck!

[Cassiel]

Thanks! That was a great reply.

[theAnonymous1]

It says right on the ShineLabs website that it's just a thin cut veneer.

Seemingly magical and with a presentation as natural as wood itself, the Sonic Woodblock Clock incorporates a one inch high LED time display that shines through a thin cut wood veneer face.

[Cassiel]

Originally Posted by theAnonymous1

It says right on the ShineLabs website that it's just a thin cut veneer.

Thanks for the info, anyway I am happy to have missed that as am going to use solid wood. I believe if I follow kevinahcc20 instructions it will also work. Besides, I couldn't do the finish as good as the one in the pic using a thin cut veneer.



EDIT: I just tried it with a piece of solid rosewood. A bright white LED gives red color. :-)

[Pano]

It's a very cool idea. Let us know how it goes for you.

[wrenchone]

If a bright white LED shows red through the rosewood, you should probably start with an ultrabright red display to begin with. The white led is a combination of a blue LED with yellow phosphor - what red there is in the fringe of the yellow phosphor's emission. A red or orange LED will end up brighter.

[mickeymoose]

Neat indeed! Lasercutting could get it within 0.005", just do not breathe on it!

[Cassiel]

Panomaniac, it has worked out well, but it's a very delicate operation - no room for mistakes! Will post pics once the amp is finished.

[QUOTE]just do not breathe on it!/QUOTE]

I won't, paper thin.

Wrenchone, the LED I'm using is transparent, it gives a bright white light but through the wood it looks like a red LED. With a superbright red LED I expect to get dark blue or purple but maybe you're right -will buy some and try them.

[EBM_dude]

Is this link Solid Wood Digital Clock helpful for you?