Do you have any extravagant items that you would like to use but are not sure how? Why don't you try making a lamp out of it? You can create lamps with practically anything, they will add atmosphere and decor to the environment and could also be a great conversation topic. If your creative soul is feeling a bit neglected and you want to bring it to shine again, this is the project for you!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparation
Step 1. Find a base
The base for your lamp should be sturdy enough to stand up on its own, even after you put the electrical equipment and lampshade in it. If you have a base with an empty interior and you need to give it stability, you could fill it with marbles or sand. Here are some ideas for the basics you can use:
- Bottles of wine.
- Logs.
- Wooden buckets and baskets.
- Toys and figurines.
- Books dug inside.
Step 2. Buy a lamp kit
You can find it in almost any hardware store. Remember that you can buy the pieces separately, but buying them all together will ensure easier assembly. If you buy the cable separately, get one from # 18.
- If you don't want to buy a kit and prefer to buy each component separately, you will need:
- Detachable harp.
- Cable set.
- Bulb holder (lower and upper part).
- Final part (ornamental).
- Assorted equipment, such as nuts, screws and washers.
Step 3. Prepare the base for the tube
The tube is a hollow cylinder through which the cable is connected from the base to the bulb at the top. Depending on the base you have available, it may be necessary to drill a hole (by drilling or engraving the base) that is large enough in both the bottom and the top of the lamp.
If necessary, you can adjust the length of the pipe by cutting it with a hacksaw or pipe cutter, but it is much better to choose a base that fits the pipe directly. In fact, sawing the pipe is not exactly simple
Step 4. Secure the bottom of the base
In the kit there may be a component that serves to give stability to the bottom of the base. If not, get rubber stops. Attach them to the bottom at an even distance to prevent slippage, then lift the base slightly off the table to pass the cable.
Part 2 of 3: Assembly
Step 1. Run the cable through the pipe
The cable should consist of two wires covered and assembled together. Run them through the tube from bottom to top, leaving a margin of about 7-10 centimeters at the bottom.
- Before running the cable through the tube, line the end of the cable with paper tape to make it easier to pass through the tube.
- As you do this, make sure the underside of the strands don't rub against the edge of the tube.
Step 2. Screw the nut into the end of the tube, at the top, but before doing so make sure the cables are threaded the right way
Step 3. Screw the neck onto the top of the tube (optional)
The kit does not necessarily include a large piece, the "neck", or a rubber stop to add to the tube.
Step 4. Insert the lower part of the harp
Screw the bottom of the harp to the pipe so that the arms point upward. This will be the basis for the rest of the harp.
Step 5. Screw in the lamp holder
Insert the ball socket into the top of the bottom of the harp, leaving the open part above. Secure it firmly.
Step 6. Remove the liner from the wires
Separate the top two strands about 10 centimeters apart. Using wire stripping pliers or a knife, remove the coating about 2.5 centimeters.
Step 7. Knot the threads
Tie the threads with the underwriter knot, the one that looks like a pretzel. This will prevent the threads from running down the tube and returning to the base. Here's how the knot is done:
- Bring the left thread down so that it faces to the right and in front of the part where the threads are still joined.
- Bring the right thread down, so that it faces to the left and behind the part where the threads are still joined.
- Thread the right cable into the left circle
- Pull the ends of both threads and knot them.
Part 3 of 3: Closing
Step 1. Locate the neutral wire and the heating wire
Typically, the neutral one has a ribbed lining. If you are unsure, take a look at the instruction manual inside the kit.
If the two wires have two different colors, white is the neutral one, while black is the heating one
Step 2. Wrap the two wires around the screws located on the socket
The socket should have two different colored screws on the base. Wrap the neutral wire clockwise around the silver (or white) screw, and the heating wire, also clockwise, around the gold (or black) screw. If you are unsure, always remember to look at the manual in the kit you purchased. With a screwdriver, tighten the screws thus securing the wires.
Step 3. Put the shell on top of the socket
Find the right fit so that the housing on the base lines up with the switch on the shell. Push the threads inside so they don't show, then push the shell until it feels snugly inserted.
Step 4. Insert the top of the harp
Squeeze the sides of the harp so that they fit into the holes in the lower part of the harp.
Step 5. Place the lampshade on top of the harp
Once secured, turn the nut down to lock it.
Step 6. Screw the bulb into the housing and plug in the lamp plug
Advice
- Normal lamps have a hole in the center through which the wire passes. At home this can be reproduced using three wooden sticks, like broomsticks, glued together to form a triangle. This way there will be enough space in the center. Alternatively, you could use a metal pipe, but when working with metal and electrical wires you have to be very careful.
- Should the plug and socket need to be reassembled, be sure not to leave exposed wires that can touch each other, as this will result in a short circuit that could lead to an electric shock or fire.
- If you don't want to run the tube through the base, there are lamp holders that allow the cable to pass through the bottom of the shell.
Warnings
- Remember that handling electrical wires involves risks. If the wiring is not correct you could get an electric shock, be electrocuted, or cause a fire. If you are not sure what you are doing, it is best to prepare everything you need (base, lamp holder, wire passages, lampshade), but let someone more experienced than you take care of the electrical part.
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Always unplug the power plug before handling electrical wires.
Do not plug in before you have finished building the lamp.
- Make sure the decorative elements and cables are not too close to the bulb. Always leave some space between the bulb and other materials, as they could burn or otherwise get damaged.
