3 Watt LED Pail Lamp

In this Instructable, I will show you how to build an LED desk lamp from scrap materials. With the exception of the LEDs, wires, and other components, you can get the other materials for free. Depending on where you get the parts, you can build it for under $5. Typically, a 3 watt LED lamp costs $20. This lamp uses about 5 watts which is a good replacement for compact fluorescent lamp.

In this project, you will learn how to build an LED lamp from a metal can, wire hanger, plastic board, wooden plank, and some electronic components.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

Materials
Switch
3 - 1 watt warm white LEDs
N-channel MOSFET (IRF540) and NPN transistor (2N3904)
1.33 and 100k ohm resistors
26 gauge wires
2 screws and 2 bolts and nuts with washers
12V power supply (9V transformers may give you 12V)
Epoxy
Hot glue
Heatsink paste
Wooden plank
Corrugated plastic board
Wire hanger
Wide can with metal base

Tools
Hot glue
Pliers
Soldering iron
Drill driver
X-acto knife
Sanding tool or tool sharpener