Desk lamp made from old plumbing bits

An adjustable desk lamp made from old copper pipe. Using compression joints that are only hand tight means that joints can be moved as required to position the light. It has a 12volt dichroic bulb so that mains voltage is not mixed with the metal parts. The base is filled with lead to stop it tipping over.

Step 1 The bits you'll need

Here's a list of what you'll need. I have no idea how much all this lot would cost to buy new because I had everything I needed already in my shed.

The copper pipe I used was 15mm. So all the joints etc are to fit that size.

I give some links to places where they sell the bits you'll need. This is just to try to be clear about what parts i mean. I am not recommending that you use these suppliers.

1) About 1 metre of 15mm copper pipe (or tube if you're a plumber)

2) 90 degree soldered elbow joints - x6

3) Soldered equal tee joints - x5

4) Compression 90 degree elbow joints - x2

5) Compression stop end - x4

6) Endex female coupling, n2, 15mm.
In my picture this is already soldered to the bent pipe. The big end must be wide enough for
your bulb socket to fit inside.
eg: http://www.jellydeal.co.uk/ENDEX-yorkshire-endex-female-coupling-n2-15mm-x.htm

7) A mains (e.g 240volt, in the UK) to 12 volt transformer. Mine came out of a broken desk lamp.

8) A 12volt dichroic spot light.
e.g. http://www.lightbulbs-direct.com/product/1273/m268-12v-50mm-closed-dichroic-20w-10-degree-spot/

9) A socket for your bulb. Mine came from the same broken desk lamp as item 7.
e.g. http://www.buylighting.com/MR16-Round-Socket-with-6-Inch-Leads-and-Clip-p/hs70603-clip.htm

10) 2 metres 0.75mm 2-core round flex.

11) About 1lb old lead piping. This is to melt and pour inside the base.

12) Isolating ball valve. Bottom left in the picture.
e.g http://www.screwfix.com/prods/52623/Plumbing/Brassware/Isolating-Valve-15mm-Pack-of-2

13) Ultra miniture toggle switch
e.g. http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=2340

Comments

[cjet5678]

Good job! I like how you made use of compression fittings for adjustability (is that really not a word)? Anyway, I definitelt have this one bookmarked for the near future!

[ArlisVDV]

Nice Job on the Instructable. Since you cap the bottom wouldn't sand be easier than lead? Not as heavy but I would think it sufficient.

[mlocke]

Yep - I think sand would work OK so long as you make the base heavy enough. I just had some lead available so I used that.

[akinich]

nice can i do this in pvc?

[tejolote]

This is a very sexy lamp. It's on my short list of "to dos", should I find some pipe any time soon.

[mlocke]

That's nice to hear. I'd love to hear how you get on.

[MissBetsy]

I think this lamp is pretty cool! I had already plans for something similar but you gave me some additional ideas, thank you.

[mlocke]

Hurray, another kind comment. Thanks.

[Bigev]

Wow, that's pretty cool.