Welcome to another set of models in my Modular Lantern series all parts carefully designed to be cross compatible allowing you to customise the style of the lantern body while the side panels are carefully designed in two parts allowing you to easily experiment with different colour panels, re-using them with different stencil inserts.

This set of parts contains a new chimney which all clips into place and fits all existing lantern tops. Included is a new top which does not overhang the body of the lantern giving you a different look. I've completed the lantern with a Japanese Kumiko inspired insert. Be sure to check out my profile and Patreon there are over 500 inserts now available for use throughout the year.

The Core and Base

Plate 1 contains most of the lantern parts. If using a wired LED thread it through the core base first and then add the base, be sure to checkout the recently released additional bases for additional bases that can hold your LED securely.

Inserts

Now print plate 3 which contains some solid colour panels. You can use any PLA or PETG they are almost all translucent at this thickness.
 

This is a core feature of my inserts the colour is separate to the stencil design allowing you to experiment and reuse coloured panels.

Pick your inserts and insert them in front or, if you want a less focused look behind the solid panels.

Large Chimney Topper

Take the square blanking plate with a hole in it and push the chimney part (Cylinder with slits) onto it. It clicks into place, I place one side in first and then gently squeeze the side in:

Once that's in you can optionally add a solid colour panel inside:

Then find the ring and push it into the ball at the top of the cone. It is designed to go in and out relatively easily when the ring is collapsed toward the cone. When rotated so that the lantern is hanging from it the forces and design keep it in place.

Now push the cone onto the top of the chimney:

You have completed the topper. A ‘Topper’ is the name I've given to parts that go on top of tops. So that's next.

Squat Top Without Overlap

Unlike most tops for the Modular Lantern this does not overlap the sides of the lantern and is designed to be used without the spacer part used with other tops. So all we do is push the topper onto it with a satisfying click.

Now you have options on how you wish to attach this to the lantern core. Personally I use my MagFit clips which can be downloaded here. They are designed to fit where the magnets go and can be easily replaced if they wear after replacing panels many times. Just push one into each post.

finally pop the top onto the lantern you are done :-)

Using Magnets instead of the clip

You can use 6mmx4mm magnets and just glue them into the hole, the extra depth gives additional strength.

Alternatively print a couple of 2mm spacers and use 6mmx2mm magnets, but remember magnets are not great at stopping shearing movement:

To stop shearing movement in the direction of the arrows above you can use a 1mm and 3mm spacer. This is what I advise for my Modular Lantern posts, by forcing a magnet to protrude by 1mm and insetting the other by an extra mm we solve the problem:

Glue

You can also use the provided 8mm high cylinders in the print profile and glue them into the top of the lantern. But really I suggest using MagFit they have so many benefits.

Be sure to checkout my Modular Lantern collection and Patreon where you will find additional parts such as skirts which can add more variety:

I listen to feedback so if you have ideas on what to improve or just want another style designed, a full lantern or some inserts, be sure to reach out to me.