At some point last semester I realized that ping pong balls make great diffusers and look really cool when they are glowing. Next we concluded that a hundred glowing ping pong balls would look even cooler. It was at about this point I decided that my apartment was in dire need of some ping pong ball lights.
In this instructable I'll show you a quick way to turn an ordinary string of Christmas lights into a great party decoration.
In this instructable I'll show you a quick way to turn an ordinary string of Christmas lights into a great party decoration.
Step 1: Gather Materials
For this Instructable you'll need a few things.
Parts:
Make sure the string of lights you use is in good condition. Check for any electrical shorts or overheating bulbs before starting.
Parts:
- A string of Christmas lights
- A ping pong ball for each light on the string
- Drill and drill bit (or other implement to make a hole in a ping pong ball)
- Hot glue and glue gun
Make sure the string of lights you use is in good condition. Check for any electrical shorts or overheating bulbs before starting.
Step 2: Prepare the Ping Pong Balls
Drill a hole in each ping pong ball.
There are several ways to do this such as a drill, exacto knife, or by poking a hole in it with a nail. A nail is the quickest method, but you will need to spend more time later gluing the balls to the lights. With a clean hole just smaller than the bulb the ping pong ball will stay in place without needing glue.
To drill the hole in the ball you will need a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the Christmas light bulb. Approximately 3/16" should be good, but make sure to test fit a few before drilling the rest of the balls. You will need to prepare as many ping pong balls as you have lights, if it's a long string it probably has 100.
A quick note on drilling holes in ping pong balls:
The best method I found for putting holes in the ping pong balls uses a c-clamp, some paper towels, and a drill. First fold a 1.5" wide strip of paper towel over on itself several times so that it fits on the plates of the c-clamp and tape one on each side of the clamp. Next adjust the clamp so that it holds the ball just enough that it doesn't slip when you drill into it. Because of the give in the paper towel you can pull the ball out and press another one in without needing to readjust the clamp. If anyone finds a better method please share in the comments.
I found I got the cleanest hole by first pressing the bit against the ball so it depressed slightly, then running the drill at medium to high speed while applying light pressure. A drill press would be very helpful at this step, but is not necessary. As always, please exercise care when using power tools.
There are several ways to do this such as a drill, exacto knife, or by poking a hole in it with a nail. A nail is the quickest method, but you will need to spend more time later gluing the balls to the lights. With a clean hole just smaller than the bulb the ping pong ball will stay in place without needing glue.
To drill the hole in the ball you will need a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the Christmas light bulb. Approximately 3/16" should be good, but make sure to test fit a few before drilling the rest of the balls. You will need to prepare as many ping pong balls as you have lights, if it's a long string it probably has 100.
A quick note on drilling holes in ping pong balls:
The best method I found for putting holes in the ping pong balls uses a c-clamp, some paper towels, and a drill. First fold a 1.5" wide strip of paper towel over on itself several times so that it fits on the plates of the c-clamp and tape one on each side of the clamp. Next adjust the clamp so that it holds the ball just enough that it doesn't slip when you drill into it. Because of the give in the paper towel you can pull the ball out and press another one in without needing to readjust the clamp. If anyone finds a better method please share in the comments.
I found I got the cleanest hole by first pressing the bit against the ball so it depressed slightly, then running the drill at medium to high speed while applying light pressure. A drill press would be very helpful at this step, but is not necessary. As always, please exercise care when using power tools.
Step 3: Building the lights
Slide a ping pong ball over each light.
If the holes are too loose or you choose to use a nail to puncture holes, run a small bead of hot glue around where the base of the light meets the ping pong ball. If the holes are tight enough that they won't be easily knocked off, you can leave the ping pong balls press fit without a problem.
If the holes are too loose or you choose to use a nail to puncture holes, run a small bead of hot glue around where the base of the light meets the ping pong ball. If the holes are tight enough that they won't be easily knocked off, you can leave the ping pong balls press fit without a problem.
Step 4: Hang the Lights
All that's left to do now is to hang up your new set of ping pong ball lights and enjoy.
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For drilling, I put the balls in an egg crate and just slid it around on the drill press work surface. Worked great and I could just throw a handful into the crate and then dump them after drilling...no need for careful handling.
Very nice iii… :))
I bought the ping pong balls at Wallie Mart for $8 for 36 of them and a 15 pack of golf balls with holes for $2. Obviously that's not quite enough. I need another 15 pack, but I like how it's turned out so far! :)
Your decoration with ping pong balls are so amazing!! so cute and beautiful *-*
i'll do one tomorrow and one i'll give to my friend.
Another.. i'll put in my bedroom for light in the night.
thanks for the idea and guide!
I got 'my balls' from a Dollar store (he he he), 6 for a buck, used a power drill and selected a drill bit size such that I did not need any hot glue at all, just some twisting of the ball to push the bulb into the hole (lots of squeaking noise though). I used regular (colored) Christmas serial lights (incandescent).
Initially I was concerned about over heating and a potential fire hazard, so tested couple of them while gradually increasing the time they were on; nothing adverse happened. Now I leave them on for about 5 hrs. I use them in the patio so I am not overly concerned of a fire hazard. Also mine stays exposed to direct sunlight during day time.
PS: The seams on the ping pong balls give it an exotic look or are distracting depending on the 'eyes of the beholder'. I purposefully randomized the seams while I was drilling holes.
Since there is a great variation in the lights, ping pong balls, duration of use and location, I recommend each user to test it before leaving it on for long periods. Its better to be safe than sorry.
I reduced the risk of fire by aiming a fan at the light string. Since cellulose isn't a great insulator, this keeps the lights themselves cool as well. It also induces a swaying motion that can be quite hypnotic, in addition to making a nice sound if hung on a wall.
Remember, though: Christmas lights shouldn't be left running for long periods of time, or unattended, regardless of any modifications you may have made.
I use a string of LED holiday lights as a night light in my store room.They use so little power I never turn them off!
How about the seamless balls sold on e-bay? I'll try and report back.
I bought a bunch of LED holiday lights over the last few yearsafter Christmas, they're discounted 50% or more!
Please, be careful with this project. Use leds instead of conventional christmas lights!
http://lighthousepatriotjournal.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/alexandra_burned-baby.jpg
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/384023/ping_pong_inferno/
I might still make this, but I will will probably do it as a patio decoration where there are around nothing flammable. Better still, I plan to do it with leds which run incredibly cool.
Be safe!