Introduction: DIY Modern Tripod Floor Lamp

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About: Maker based in ATL, I love to make new things and learn along the way. I want to share my learning experiences with others so they can be inspired to make the things they want as well.

Have you ever seen those designer tripod lamps that are ridiculously expensive, well this week we build one a lot cheaper using a paint bucket and LEDs!

Step 1: Materials

For this project I used:

- A couple of 1x2s

- A small section of 2x4

- Paint Bucket

- Steel Bar

- LED Strip: https://amzn.to/2Glp7bJ

- 12V Power Adapter: https://amzn.to/2DidEci

Step 2: Mark and Cut

The first step in this project was measuring out my legs and then cutting them to size.

Step 3: Shape the Ends

Then using my disk sander I rounded over the ends of the legs to make to break up having so many straight edges.

Step 4: Mark the Holes

Next, I marked the locations for the legs.

Step 5: Drill the Holes

After marking ou the holes I went ahead and drilled them with a 1/4" drill bit for the 1/4" bolts.

Step 6: Making the Center Piece

I traced an equilateral triangle of the right size on a 2x4 and then cut it out on the bandsaw.

Step 7: Leg Assembly

Step 8: Drill More Holes

Then I drilled some more holes to be able to mount up the legs.

Step 9: Make the Lamp

The actual lamp portion of the project I made using a paint bucket that is available at Home Depot. Then I used an LED strip to line the inside of the bucket.

Step 10: Install the Power Jack

The next step was to install the power jack, so I went ahead and drilled a hole, soldered it up and that was done.

Step 11: Install Mounting Bolts and Diffuse the LEDs

I clipped off the handle and enlarged the pre-existing holes and installed the 1/4" mounting bolts. To diffuse the LEDs I just used a bit of parchment paper cut to size.

Step 12: Mark, Cut, Bend

Next up I needed to make a bracket to hold up the lamp portion. To do that I just cut a metal bar to size, marked it, and then scored along those lines with the angle grinder to make it easier to bend it. Then I bent it to the proper shape. Really, you could do whatever you think looks good for this step.

Step 13: Drill Some More Holes

To drill some holes in the bracket, I used a self-centering automatic punch to mark the locations and then drilled some more 1/4" holes.

Step 14: Paint

The only paint I used in this project was to give this bracket a light coat of black.

Step 15: Final Assembly

Then it was time for final assembly, I just drilled a hole into the centerpiece for the bracket to bolt into and then finished butting it all together.

Step 16: It's Done!

That's it, now enjoy the super cool lamp you made with a paint bucket.