Adam from Tampa, Florida reached out to Knockout Designs wanting a custom designed lighthouse tap handle that didn’t just resemble a lighthouse, but actually brought it to life with a functional light. Adam wanted a functional lighthouse tap handle that would stand out behind the bar and capture attention from across the room. More than just a decorative element, this unique tap marker needed to feel immersive and spark conversation with every pour.
The Knockout Designs Team began by designing the base structure using a wooden shaft, shaped to look like the tall silhouette of a lighthouse. The natural wood provided a strong foundation, combining durability with a handcrafted feel. To achieve the detailed look Adam envisioned, we 3D printed the lighthouse top, allowing us to incorporate precise features that would have been difficult to achieve through traditional methods. Overall, 3D printing helps with the overall production, reduces material waste, and allows for more customized and durable tap handle designs.
What truly set this project apart was the working light element that Adam came up with. Mike, our fabricator, carefully hollowed out the wooden handle shaft to hold a small pen light, transforming the custom tap handle into something interactive. The 3D printed lighthouse top was engineered with this in mind, allowing light to illuminate the beacon at the top and become highly visible.
To make the custom feature more practical, we designed a removable red plastic cap at the top of the lighthouse. This allows Adam to easily turn the light on and off, maintaining both functionality and ease of use behind the bar. The glowing top adds a striking effect, especially in dim lighting, drawing the eye and reinforcing the nautical theme. This custom lighthouse tap handle became more than just a custom piece, it was an opportunity to combine both creativity and craftsmanship. Knockout Designs enjoyed working with Adam to create this unique tap handle!
