Large Rotating Light Base

A rotating light base 4.72 inches square and 1.5 tall, weighing 0.63 pounds, which lights a photo crystal from underneath and turns it slowly. It is the larger of the two rotating bases, with over an inch more width than the small one, and it is made for blocks that would overhang the smaller platform.

Weight Is the Reason It Is Bigger

A rotating base is not only a question of footprint. A turning mechanism has to move whatever is standing on it, and a three pound crystal on a platform built for half that turns unevenly or stalls. At 4.72 inches square and 0.63 pounds this one is built for the larger blocks, cubes and hearts, where the small rotating base is built for mini crystals and pendants. Matching the base to the weight matters more here than it does with a static base, where nothing has to move at all.

What the Rotation Is For

Depth engraving places subjects at different distances inside the glass. Standing still that depth is suggested; turning, it is demonstrated, because the subjects move against each other exactly as real objects would. On a larger crystal the effect is proportionally stronger, since there is more material for the layers to separate within. It is the closest thing to showing somebody why a three dimensional engraving costs more than a flat one.

Lighting as Well as Turning

The platform is lit as well as rotating, with the same warm white and colour options as the static bases. Warm white is the setting to use on anything with faces in it, since a coloured light source tints the engraving itself rather than the surround. One practical note on a rotating piece: whatever colour is chosen, it changes continuously as the crystal turns relative to the room, so a steady white gives a more settled result than it does on a static base.

Height, Placement and Alternatives

At 1.5 inches it sits lower than the small rotating base despite being wider, so a tall block on it is less likely to catch a shelf above. It needs a flat, level surface: a rotating platform on a slight tilt will labour on one side of each turn. If the crystal is a flat 2D engraving it will disappear edge on twice per revolution, and a static base is the better choice. Ships in 3-5 days in the US.