My Dimmer Switch

When I moved into my room, the light switch was missing the dimmer switch knob. Somebody had wrapped tape around the part of the switch the knob is supposed to attach to. I hate this kind of "fix" half-assed and ugly to boot.

Now, most normal people would go to the hardware store and guy a new dimmer switch and put it on and forget about it. Or, complain to the landlord and get HIM to buy a dimmer switch knob, and put it on.

Me? No, that would be too easy for me. So I went downstairs and made my own dimmer switch knob. I used copper sheet, brass wire I bought from the hardware store years ago, and a piece of scrap hardwood flooring that I picked up while I was in college, in case I could find a use for it later (I did).

Here's the result:

I gave the copper a nifty hammered texture. The hardwood (oak?) I finished with linseed oil I had leftover from finishing the stock on my M1A. I really like the finish linseed oil gives, it gives the wood a lovely glow and doesn't darken the wood much. You apply it by rubbing it in with your hand, which is very satisfying. It doesn't just coat the wood, it saturates the wood, so even scratches don't affect the waterproofing the oil provides. Not that this is likely to get wet, I actually really hope it doesn't , considering what it is... The brass is formed into rivets that hold the copper plate to the wood backing. Notice how the copper has begun to darken where I've touched it. I also like things that change/improve with age and that are maintainable.

Now, when I turn my light on, I can take pleasure in the light switch I have to push. Next? Well I still have some of that wood, and I need some coasters...