Stacked 1/4" MDF Base for LED sign

Everything Else
1

I made an LED strip base out of layered 1/4"MDF for my light up sign.

652×766 102 KB

Here are the five layers.

First layer I mounted the LED strip.

1057×472 114 KB

layer 2 cut to accommodate the shape with the cord and connector.
1080×462 127 KB

Layer 3
1109×450 102 KB

Layer 4 less wide for the acrylic to sit on.
1118×447 123 KB

Layer 5 painted black and thin to slide and hold the 3mm acrylic.
1130×442 105 KB

LED lit up.
829×602 77.9 KB

Acrylic cut to fit snugly in the base. Lower right corner shaped to accommodate the LED strip connector.
789×633 90.1 KB

All put together.
780×640 89.7 KB

Final look with LEDs on. :grin::grin:

78 Likes
2

Wow. Looks GREAT!!! Well done!!

2 Likes
3

Total cost to make…just under $10. The sign is 10.5" x 7".
Much smaller ones go for $40+ on Etsy…Ive seen custom ones like this as high as $80-$100

13 Likes
4

Wow. That’s amazing. :slight_smile: Yet another way to see a few bucks. :slight_smile:

2 Likes
5

You are so generous to share your pro tips with us–thank you!

6 Likes
6

Envious of the talent here. So envious I turned green, oh well.

2 Likes
7

I’m just making it up as I go along…lol :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

7 Likes
8

Nice!

2 Likes
9

Awesome, what’s your source for the led’s? If you don’t mind sharing.

3 Likes
10

Aliexpress.com

5 Likes
11

I’ve bought a bunch of led strip/tape lights on eBay, too, and gave never had any problems. Shipping is quite slow, though.

2 Likes
12

Are those usb or 110 plug in? Very nice job btw!

2 Likes
13

I have three types USB, battery powered and 12v with adapters for 110v wall plugs.
I used the 12v wall plug on this sign.

5 Likes
14

The best usually are :clap:

2 Likes
15

… intuition based on years of experience! A primary source of serendipity.

That is exactly what I need to do for that acrylic image from the '84 world’s fair.
Thank you Laser Lady for the plan! :thumbsup:

3 Likes
16

Great structure for the base. I was thinking of all different ways to build a box for a base. I like this much better. It will add some weight to the base vs a box, probably directs light better and secures the lighting components well. I may do one with a pyramid stacked base for additional visual interest when the light is off.

Thanks again for the inspiration!

4 Likes
17

Exactly why I designed it this way. The acrylic base I made earlier was not very heavy and I felt the acrylic made it top heavy.

I also thought of the pyramid or even cutting shapes or patterns (waves, zigzag, rounded edges etc) instead of just a straight line rectangle to make the box more interesting.

I’ve got one more idea I’m going to try today and will post…I’ll post success or failure either way…:smirk:

9 Likes
18

Thank you! Both are valuable learning experiences.

I am also looking forward to using the neon colors, the green strikes me. They almost seem to floresce when edge lit.

3 Likes
19

Great, surprise us. I think I know what it MIGHT be. If it isn’t, I’ll post my concept (no laser, no actual project :cry:).

Glad you are having fun, I remember a post quite awhile back that you said most lasering was for your stencil business. Back to being very creative now!

2 Likes
20

That is so friggen awesome!

2 Likes