Introduction: Medieval Chandelier
Here's a lightweight, semi portable chandelier. I wanted to design something that even the beginner woodworker could do, so I simplified the design to a shed loada dowel joints.
Tools & Parts
Basic Woodworking tools: Pencil, Bradawl, Marking Gauge, Set Square
Drill Blades: 6mm blade, 8mm blade, 40mm Forstner Bit (This should be the perfect size for Standard Tea lights)
40mm Wooden Dowels (8mm Thread),
25mm Pozi Screws,
Tea lights x 12,
PVA Glue
M6 Eye bolt (With a shank length of at least 40mm)
Cutting List (MM)
Piece 1: 551 (L), 80 (W), 19 (TH)
Piece 2: 130 (L), 44 (W), 18 (TH)
Piece 3: 235 (L), 80 (W), 18 (TH)
Step 1: Piece One
I strongly recommend using a Drill Press for all the holes in this Instructable. Especially the central hole for the eye bolt - the entire chandelier will appear wonky if you drill that at even the slightest angle.
Depth
Drill each of the candle holes to the same depth (say, 15mm), so the candles aren't at varying heights.
Dowel Placement (Image 3)
Being as the finished Chandelier will be viewed from below, I lined the dowel joints up as best as I could. Use a Marking gauge for the 'end grain' holes, or if you have a dowel jig for precise positioning then that'll do too.
Step 2: Piece Two
These are the additional pieces that will complete the Cross Design; simple enough to construct.
Step 3: Piece Three
Although it's a little tricky to make out in the picture, the Central hole will be bigger to match the thread of your eye bolt.
Step 4: Complete
Glue
A pea sized dollop of PVA glue (in each joint) will seal this up nicely!
Assembly
Make sure you assemble this Chandelier on a large, flat and sturdy table. Being such an awkward shape, it'll take up a fair amount of room and you may want to use Sash Cramps while the glue dries.
How to suspend it
I've left this entirely up to you guys. If the inspirational picture (Page 1) is anything to go by, it could be suspended from a rope & pulley system. I used black japanned chain myself, although the Chandelier is fairly lightweight and a plastic chain would have been fine also.
If you do decide to use rope, I'd be mindful of where you suspend the rope. The obvious hazard would be the rope catching on the flames.
Final Note
Feel free to drop a comment if you're unsure of anything! Thanks