I've been always fascinated with the warmth of wood and the brightness of light. The combination of those two can give only a beautiful effect.

So I thought I'd start an instructable explaining how I made my light bulb shaped lamps for my nephews room. It was a really easy build, no fancy tools were needed and it was a really fun process.

Hope you enjoy!

Here is a video showing the building process step by step.

Step 1: Tools and Materials

A project can be made in many ways. Some people feel more confident using power tools while others prefer the traditional way. Here is a list of the tools and materials that I have used for this project. That does not mean that if someone does not have the tools that I demonstrate here will not be able to complete the project. I will also try and give some alternative solutions for those who have some basic power tools or hand tools! Tools are just a matter of taste! Have fun and always be careful when working with sharp tools and power tools!

Materials:

Wood (any species would do)
Led strip (14.4W, 12V DC)
Led power supply (100-240V AC, 50/60HZ, Output:12VDC, 2.0A)
Cable
Wood files or rasp
Wood glue
Sandpaper 80 and 120 grit
Connector strip

Tools:

Band saw or jig saw
Router
Rabbet bit
Nail gun or some 25mm nails
Hammer
Miter saw
6mm and 16mm drill bits
Jig saw
Soldering iron kit
screwdriver
Drill

Step 2: Making the Bulbs

It all starts with three pieces of wood (30 x 20 x 4.5 cm)

Print out the provided plan and transfer the bulb shape on the wooden blocks. You can just transfer the shape using a pencil like I did but you can also print the plan three times and use spray adhesive to stick each plan on each block.

With your jig saw cut out the inner shape of the bulb. It is important at this point to cut only the inner part because if you also cut the outer shape you will not have enough support for the router.

Now with your router using a 4mm deep rabbet bit, route the inside of the bulbs. This rabbet will accommodate the led strip. For safer work with the router don't forget to screw the wood down, on your workbench.

Finally cut out the outer shape of the bulb using your jig saw or band saw and sand it down smooth.

lBulb.pdf
Download

Step 3: The Base

You need to make a base from which you will hang the lamps. This is a base which can be mounted on the wall or on the roof.

I had some pieces of wood lying around in the workshop so I didn't have to cut more.

You will need two pieces 50 x 2.0 x 3.5 cm (W x H x D), two more 10 x 2.0 x 3.5, and one more 50 x 10 x 2.0 for the base plate.Assemble the base as shown on the pictures using some glue and brad nails.

The miters are optional but they give a cleaner look to the base.

Now drill three 6mm holes, one in the middle of the base and two more, 5cm from each side of the base. You are going to feed the wire through those holes.

Step 4: Preparing the Bulbs for Wiring

On each bulb drill a 6mm hole all the way through the bottom of the bulb to feed the wire. Then from the inside drill a 16mm hole, just 3cm deep. We are going to hide the wire knot in this hole.

Step 5: Soldering

Cut a piece of led strip to fit inside the bulb. Then cut a long piece of cable (around 1m) and solder the cable on the led strip.

Finally make a knot to the cable near the led strip as shown on the pics.

Step 6: Connecting the Cables

Feed the cable through the hole on the bulb and stick the led strip in the narrow channel you made with the router.

Now feed the other end of the cable through the hole on the base. At this point you can determine how long you want your cable to be. Once you decide the cable length make a knot to the cable to prevent it from slipping off the base,or disconnect.

Use a connector strip as shown on the pics to connect all the positive wires to the positive end of your power supply, and all the negative wires to the negative end.