Make a robot lamp (using discarded speakers and a colander)

This is my first project as Artist in Residence on Instructables. I'm just discovering how to find stuff in this city, so I started working with a small box of e-waste kept by the Instructables staff. Thanks guys!

I found a big speaker and four small ones with the same decoration, so I decided to make a robot lamp. I made the head with a colander found in the back alley of a Chinese restaurant (don't ask).

NOTE: Yes, I know I put the left speaker is in the right arm and the right speaker is in the left arm. "L" for "left" and "R" for "right" is so mainstream...

Step 1: Materials and advices

CAUTION: Be careful. We will work with AC current and you know it's risky. Take all the safety measures.

I used the following stuff:

• 1 big speaker (Logitec): the body
• 2 small speakers with footing (Logitec): the arms. The footing makes a great robot hand.
• 2 small and rectangular speakers (Zenex): for the legs
• 1 Plastic colander (same size of big speaker's top)
• 2 corner brace inside L (2in. x 5/8in.)
• 4 corner brace inside L (1in. x 1/2in.)
• 1 energy-saving compact fluorescent bulb
• 1 light socket with wires (or with screw terminals. As you wish)
• 1 switch
• Nuts, screws and bolts
• Iron washers
• Wire
• Steel cable (for the antennas)
• 6 plastic beads
• Superglue (cyanoacrylate)
• plastic wheels for chairs
• Weight (for balance. I used a discarded harddrive)

TOOLS

Dremel Rotary Tool
tweezers
screwdivers
scalpel
pliers
Wire cutters
Screwdriver kit
Soldering Iron


And don't forget:

1. If you don't have it, replace it!
2. Use protective equipment (dust mask and goggles)
3. Beware of drilled and soldered hot surfaces
4. Work in a good ventilated area.
5. Always have junk in stock.
6. Have fun.

Comments

[emary]

oh ok thanks for your explanation!

[M.C. Langer]

You are welcome! :-)

[emary]

Wow thats really an excellent idea and nice creation. what is called colander? game developer

[M.C. Langer]

Thanks! A strainer, a cook bowl with holes for let the water go away from the vegetables or the pasta :-)

[emary]

nicei idea

[M.C. Langer]

Thanks emary! :-)

[teotsin]

This is so nice inspiration! Its very cool to reuse obsolete electronics instead of throwing them away. Thank you!

[M.C. Langer]

Thanks to you Teotsin!!! :-)

[sunshiine]

I see you have been busy! Way to go. I had to chuckle about your brother. I know you are having a great time! I am looking forward to more great stuff from you. I am cooking up something good if I can figure out how I am going top pull it off. Have a splendorous time there!
sunshiine

[M.C. Langer]

Thanks a lot Sunshiine! Being on Instructables is amazing! :-)

[sunshiine]

I feel your pain! LOL!

[M.C. Langer]

:-)

[jduffy54]

Did you considder internally wiring everything, and using it as a speaker set?
you'd have 4.1, and a stylish and functional piece, instead of solely aesthetic.

[M.C. Langer]

It's a lamp made of dead speakers. It's a good idea what you say, so if you want to make a functional lamp and speaker, it would be great!

[Mr.Sanchez]

Cool light Bulb !!Way to go Mario!!! show them all where are you from !!

[M.C. Langer]

Thanks Mr. Sanchez!!

[skittlespider]

What a great lamp! Going from your other instructables, I bet your house is full of all kinds of robot inspired creations.

[M.C. Langer]

Thanks Skittlespider! And yes, my room is full of junkbots. When my brother come to visit us, he hates to stay on my room, because he feel dozens of red eyes seeing him when he sleeps...

[iceng]

Great pictures, I could follow and build this without reading a word.

[M.C. Langer]

Thanks a lot Iceng!