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This is a project I made over a couple days, but could easily be accomplished in one. It's a lamp that fits enitirely inside a (tall) soup can, and is powered by two replacable (no solder or tape holding them in place) D batteries. I made the switch so that when you put the can down it turns on, but it could easily be replaced by an on/off switch.
First instructable, please rate and comment!
First instructable, please rate and comment!
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Signing UpStep 1What you need
- Tall soup can (Watties 'Very Special'). If you can't find the exact brand get a tall can with a pull-tab top (like the top of a tuna can). You also need to use a can opener and open the bottom of the can aswell so you can fit the jar inside tightly.
- Two D size batteries. Might want to add insulation tape to the side that gets scratched from the can
- Plastic jar that can fit inside the can (and lid). I had to hacksaw the sides off the jar we used.
- Bit of wire for the switch
- Insulating tape
- PVC foam (like the stuff used for boats). Doesn't really matter if you don't use this exact material, just chose this because it was insulating and easy to shape, plus reasonably strong.
- Bit of polystyrene
- Brass strip with holes
- Brass strip without holes. If you dont have any strip without holes the stuff with holes should work, though it can be a pain to bend in the right place.
- Torch bulb and reflector. I think the bulb I used was 3W. I wouldn't use a bulb any less than that. The reflector just happened to fit the jar perfectly. You might need to adjust the size of the reflector you use if it doesn't fit. Also check the type of fitting your torch bulb is - the one I used had a strange fitting - one of the contacts was a flat part behind the second contact, and the second contact was like one on a bayonet lightbulb. Its shown in the second picture.
Tools:
- Sharp woodworking knife
- Vice
- Long nose pliers
- Wire cutters
- Hammer (optional but helps with bending the strip 90 degrees)
- Half moon file
- Foam cutter (optional)
- Two D size batteries. Might want to add insulation tape to the side that gets scratched from the can
- Plastic jar that can fit inside the can (and lid). I had to hacksaw the sides off the jar we used.
- Bit of wire for the switch
- Insulating tape
- PVC foam (like the stuff used for boats). Doesn't really matter if you don't use this exact material, just chose this because it was insulating and easy to shape, plus reasonably strong.
- Bit of polystyrene
- Brass strip with holes
- Brass strip without holes. If you dont have any strip without holes the stuff with holes should work, though it can be a pain to bend in the right place.
- Torch bulb and reflector. I think the bulb I used was 3W. I wouldn't use a bulb any less than that. The reflector just happened to fit the jar perfectly. You might need to adjust the size of the reflector you use if it doesn't fit. Also check the type of fitting your torch bulb is - the one I used had a strange fitting - one of the contacts was a flat part behind the second contact, and the second contact was like one on a bayonet lightbulb. Its shown in the second picture.
Tools:
- Sharp woodworking knife
- Vice
- Long nose pliers
- Wire cutters
- Hammer (optional but helps with bending the strip 90 degrees)
- Half moon file
- Foam cutter (optional)
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Thanks for the suggestion though!
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