Halloween Lamppost

Halloween Lamppost Panels sold separately After the success of last year's festive lamppost, the Halloween Lamppost has arrived! This version has been designed to be easy to print on a standard 256 × 256 × 256 mm build plate while still producing a large, sturdy display piece. Before You Start Parts The lamppost is made up of: 15 main numbered parts (Parts 1–15) all print without supports. 20 interchangeable decorative panels, supplied in a separate file Several smaller decorative pieces (these are not numbered) The main structure is assembled from Part 1 (the base) upwards through to Part 15. Threaded Design Each of the 15 main parts screws into the next. To keep every part within a 256 mm build volume, the pole has been divided into multiple threaded sections. While this naturally introduces a small amount of tolerance, every effort has been made to minimise movement. Each section includes: A threaded connection A central alignment column for extra rigidity A built-in stop so every section lines up perfectly To achieve the best possible fit, the thread tolerances have been kept quite tight. Depending on your filament brand, printer calibration and material shrinkage, some threaded joints may feel tighter than others. Important: Always allow the printed parts to cool completely before screwing them together. Warm plastic can expand slightly, making the threads feel much tighter than intended. Once fully cooled, the parts should assemble much more easily. Gluing The lamppost can be assembled without glue if you would like to dismantle it for storage after Halloween. For the strongest possible build, I recommend gluing every threaded joint. If you want to keep the lamppost removable, I recommend only gluing the following joints: Parts 5 & 6 Parts 7 & 8 Parts 9 & 10 This greatly improves rigidity while still allowing the model to be dismantled into smaller sections for storage. Adding Weight The lower section of the lamppost has been designed with large internal cavities so it can be weighted. If you would like extra stability, fill the lower section with dry sand before fitting Part 4. Tether Point Part 12 includes a built-in tether loop. This allows you to attach a rope or cable to a fence, wall or other fixed object if you are displaying the lamppost outdoors or in a windy location. Lighting Options There are two versions of Part 12. Option 1 – Battery Under-Cabinet Light Designed for battery-powered under-cabinet lights up to approximately 80 mm (8 cm) in diameter. Option 2 – Wired Light Includes a rear cable channel for a wired light. Originally the lamppost was designed only for battery-powered lighting. The wired option was added later, so the cable exits from the rear of Part 12 rather than running down the inside of the pole. Altering this would have required redesigning the entire model. Important: If you are using the wired version, feed the cable through before screwing Part 13 onto Part 12. Filament Used Bambu Basic Black Lighting used during development: Under-cabinet LED light (up to 80 mm diameter) Assembly Step 1 – Build the Pole Starting with Part 1 (the base), screw the main parts together in order: Part 1 → Part 2 → Part 3 → Part 4 ... continuing up to Part 12. If you are adding sand for extra weight, do this before installing Part 4. Step 2 – Install Part 13 Attach Part 13 to Part 12 using the four supplied screws. A tightening key is included to help tighten the screws. When tightening, hold Parts 12 and 13 firmly together to ensure everything remains aligned. Step 3 – High-Infill Support Cylinders Part 13 contains four support cylinders. These have built-in modifiers that are designed to print at 60–100% infill for maximum strength. If using the supplied 3MF Select Part 13 in the Objects list. Expand the object using the small arrow. Select the four cylinders. Set their infill to between 60% and 100%. If using the STL files Right-click Part 13. Choose Split to Parts. The four cylinders will now appear as separate objects. Set their infill to 60–100%. Step 4 – Fit Part 14 Slide Part 14 down over the four support cylinders. Step 5 – Install the Panels and Light Before fitting Part 15, install: Your chosen 4 decorative panels Your chosen light If using the wired lighting version, the cable must already have been routed before Part 13 was installed. Step 6 – Fit Part 15 Place Part 15 onto the top of the assembly. Step 7 – Decorative Pieces The final four decorative pieces hook onto the underside of Part 12. Install them one at a time. Once hooked in place, push each piece into the matching slot on Part 11 until fully seated. Finished! Congratulations—you've completed your Halloween Lamppost! I hope you enjoy displaying it as much as I enjoyed designing it. Happy printing, and Happy Halloween!