Introduction: Hollow Bamboo Lamp

This is the hollow bamboo lamp we, a group of three, created as part of a weekend assignment given as part of our DD203 - Materials and Design Process course.

Step 1: Materials Used

1. Hollow Bamboo Stick

2. Bamboo Basket

3. Aluminium rods

4. 2 Bulbs

5. Wires, bulb sockets

6. M-seal

Step 2: Working With the Bamboo Stick

We smoothened the end of the bamboo into a circular shape first. After that, we marked holes on the side in a spiral fashion. We proceeded to use the drilling machine to drill the holes.

Initially, we only drilled 2 pairs of spirals but after looking at how the light was being reflected, we realized having an additional spiral would make it look much better.

Once we finished drilling the holes, we did some finishing on the sides to make the surface and the holes look better.

Step 3: Wiring the Bulb

We then hammered a hole big enough for the bulb socket to fit comfortably in at one end of the bamboo stick.

We finished wiring up the two bulbs, sent the wires through the holes and out from the other side.

This step was pretty easy. We initially thought of having a high wattage bulb inside the hollow part as well but we were unable to find one that fit our specifications so, we settled for a yellow bed lamp.

Step 4: Making the Basket Fit Snugly at the Top

We iterated through at least 2 other ideas before settling for bent aluminium rods fit into drilled holes. Make sure to drill the holes perfectly symmetrical.

We had to bend the aluminium rods twice or thrice to get the perfect fit for the bamboo basket. Otherwise, it either used to touch the bulb or hang on only 2 of the 4 rods.

Step 5: Making the Base

We made the base using the same aluminium rods as before but this time, we put M-Seal at the tips to get the balance right.

Step 6: Light It Up!

Step 7: Cost of the Entire Process

In Indian Rupees,

  • Bamboo Stick : 70
  • Basket : 100
  • Bulb : 20
  • Bed Lamp : 16
  • Wires + Socket : 25
  • M-Seal : 10

Total = 241 /- (3.7 USD)

The aluminium rods were gotten free of cost from the DoD workshop.