DO-IT-YOURSELF MAD LAB

From all places, the Hallmark Channel, this segment shows a trio of the Home Improvement type building a mad lab electronic device that harnesses the powers of the heavens. . . well maybe from a LED light strip.

By following these instructions, you will be able to build a life-like laboratory prop for about 80 bucks that would make Kenneth Strickfaden proud (maybe).

DIY FRANKENSTEIN LAB SWITCH
Matt Iseman and Matt Rogers team up for a Halloween-inspired DIY.

MATERIALS FOR BASE

1. 12” x 4’ concrete form tube
2. 4 - 2” l brackets & screws packet
3. 2 – 1x2” 4 ft wood pieces
4. wood glue
5. 18 in. wood round
6. 24 in. wood round

MATERIALS FOR SWITCH

1. finial w screw
2. 3 – 12” long 1x2” pieces of wood
3. one 6” long 1x2” piece of wood
4. 2 - 4" to 5" craft wood plaques
5. 2- 5/16" 3" bolts
6. 2 - 5/16" nuts

MATERIALS FOR TOWER

1. 24 in galvanized pipe ¾” with flange to screw onto
2. LED light strip
3. one 6” plastic flower pot
4. 4 - 6” to 8" flower pot saucers
5. 1 - 6" to 8" flower pot
6. 2 – 2” pvc connectors
7. one 10-12” oversized ornament
8. one 2 liter plastic bottle

STEPS:

Pillar, Top and Base

To reinforce the concrete building tube, put 1x2” 4 ft long wood pieces inside (glue first) . Use 3 to 4 screws evenly placed to attach wood strips to tube. Put strips of wood on opposite sides of tubing. Place tube and center on top of 18" round. Glue where tube will sit on. Use 2” l-brackets to attach screwing into the wood. Flip over and repeat step with 24" round..

Switch

Glue and screw together 3 pieces of 1x2” 6in long pieces of wood into a "u" shape. Center the 6” piece of wood at the top, glue and screw in. Screw in the finial. drill a 5/16" hole large enough fit bolt though into ends of switch, and into both craft plaques (about 2" from the edge). Using the nut and bolt, attach plaques onto the inside of the switch ends. Place switch onto pillar (like a pair of ear muffs or a headset) and screw into wood supports.

Tower

Attach a 2” ¾” galvanized pipe at the top. wrap led self stick light strip around pole (where clear soda bottle will be). Put this on now so you can have access to the plug. Screw a hole at the bottom of flower pot and saucers. Start with flower pot, add saucer. add 2 liter soda bottle (cut top and bottom off. add 6 in flower saucer, glue on PVC connector, glue saucer, glue PVC connector, glue final saucer. Glue on over-sized ornament (you will need to enlarge the hole with a sanding drill bit)

Adorn with rivets, wood buttons, appliqués, curled wire, etc. have fun with smaller details, it's your laboratory switch. Paint any color that fits your decor. We went with an old world scheme of aged bronze and copper, with touches of silver.

Click pic for link to video!