I wanted to create a string of lanterns to sit on the top of the retaining wall in front of my house for Halloween that uses a set of RGB string lights that I can program with my phone. I designed this file to use 6 foot cedar fence pickets and to be routed on my CNC router; however, along the way, I modified the file to also output lanterns that are standalone using tea lights or pond lights and which can be routed, laser cut, or 3d printed. I've included the presets I used for each type but the file is customizable. The only caveat is that most all the customizations will require you to download the files and run it in OpenSCAD on your computer - the online Customizer doesn't support 2d files or importing additional files (such as the face.svg). My daughter saw some of the lanterns and wanted a black heart so that file is available as well.

The .c2d files are for Carbide Create (free version) with paths/feeds/speeds/etc for my router - a Millright MegaV with an 1/8" downcut endmill - but can certainly be modified. The string light face is an example - the wide variety that I cut that are shown in the photos were created with different versions of the file as I refined it. I don't plan to cut them again so I'm not going to update/release them. But you can add any .svg file you like.

Pond lights: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0877953CJ/

String lights: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B095KF23SM/

Tea lights: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QPGFG2R/

Fence pickets: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Severe-Weather-Common-5-8-in-x-5-1-2-in-x-6-ft-Actual-0-59-in-x-5-5-in-x-6-ft-Natural-Cedar-Cedar-Dog-Ear-Wood-Fence-Picket/4323595

Videos: https://youtu.be/rsZb9js2qqk

Notes:

The blank lantern in the photos is for the control box for the string lights. I adjusted the tolerances for the box joints so that I could mostly put things together by hand but did need to use a mallet at times. I only glued the handles to the tops and one of the stakes was a bit too loose without glue - the other joints are all friction fit.

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

Monoprice

Printer:

Rafts:

No

Supports:

Resolution:

250

Filament:

Natural