Plumbing pipe desk lamp

I figured for my first instructable I'd do something that a ton of others have done. After seeing these around on Instructables as well as elsewhere on the net (sometimes upwards of $300!) I decided that I would finally build my own. With a couple of common tools and a spare afternoon, you can have one for around $35. Admittedly, some of the awesome switches/toggles that others like the Kozo Lamps  have are very cool, but something more complicated that I didn't end up trying. Anyways, I'm sure that there is an easy way to rig up some of the great plumbing fixture switches out there if you've got the will to do it.

You will need:

-Assorted plumbing parts (I used 3x 3/4" T-joints, 2x 6 inch lengths of 3/4", 6x 3/4" 90 angle pieces, one 3/4" to 1 1/2" bell reducer, and 4x 3 inch lengths of 3/4")
-Drill (dremel could probably work in a squeeze)
-Soldering Iron
-Standard lightblub socket
-A cool lightbulb (I got a full spectrum 60 watt round bulb)
-Wire cutters/strippers
-Power cord
-Rotary switch

Step 1 Buy some plumbing parts

Buy some plumbing parts. You can find these at your average home repair store. The best thing that I can recommend is to just build the whole lamp while you're in the store. Don't be afraid to open up any packaging and play around with a ton of different pieces. Try to make something that you think looks cool and fits the purpose of your lamp. You can use some flanges like in the picture here to do wall-mounted lamps as well.

Comments

[gordoncurtis]

I've made a couple of versions of this--people love them! I like to use a rocker in-line switch instead, and have used a motion sensitive security lamp for the socket, so that the bulb is hooded and focused. Otherwise, as a reading lamp, it is too bright from the side, even with a low wattage bulb.

Good instructable! Very creative.