Introduction: Miss Betsy's Coffee Table Lamp

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About: You might call me "Jack of all trades, master of none"; "All" is definitely an exaggeration but I am interested in lots of "trades" and try to master at least the basic steps so that I understand what the real…

Before I even knew instructables I built this lamp to mount over the coffee table in my basement. I think copper must have been a lot cheaper back then. ;p
As this light fixture was glued and soldered together I didn't want to take it apart to make this instructable, but assembly is quite easy and straightforward and you shouldn't have any problems to put this or something similar together after reading my instructable.
Be aware that you are dealing with 120V which can be deadly! Don't attempt this or get professional help if you are not sure how to do this!

Material:
2' 3/4" copper pipe
8' 1/2" copper pipe
12 1/2" T's
8 1/2" L's (sweat)
4 3/4" to 1/2" reducers
4 1/2" to 3/8" reducers
2 Bakelite lamp sockets
4 2" 1/8" threaded pipe (3/8" O.D.)
8 1/8" brass lock-nuts
2 1" loops (threaded with wire way)

2 #4 brass screws

2 13W Mini fluorescent lamps
2 lamp shades to your taste
#18/2 lamp cord (several feet)


Tools:
Blow torch and solder
Glue suitable for metal
pipe cutter
drill and drill bits
#4 tap
Screwdrivers and wrenches

Step 1: Gathering Your Materials

I made a sketch first and then figured out how many fittings I would need. Then I laid it out on the floor to check if I had everything.
It has its advantages to polish the copper parts before the assembly! I also threaded the wire right through the separate pieces because after assembly it might be quite difficult.

Step 2: Assembly

As you can see, assembly is quite straightforward. Just take a copper fitting, apply glue according to the instructions and press together.

Step 3: Lamp Sockets

What I would do differently next time is the use of Bekelite lamp sockets. I guess back then I didn't have other sockets and I had to cover the bare wires with electrical tape.
To mount them insert 1 piece of threaded pipe in the 1/2" to 3/8" reducer with a nut attached to the 1/2" side. The nut won't slip throught the 3/8" opening. Secure with a second lock-nut. The lamp socket has a female 1/8" thread so that you can screw it on the pipe.
Attach the #18 lamp cord to the screw terminals in the socket.

Step 4: Ceiling Loops

Similar to the lamp sockets a threaded pipe is inserted in the 1/2" to 3/8" reducer and a 1" loop with wire way is screwed on. This can be hooked up to a ceiling canopy.

Step 5: Extenders

In order to be able to adjust the lamp to a convenient height over the coffee table, 2 1' foot extenders were added. These consist of 2 1' pieces of 3/4" copper pipe and 4 3/4" to 1/2" reducers. At one end the 1/2" is glued in while at the other end the 1/2" pipe slides easily in and out and is secured with 2 #4 brass screws. (You might even find 2 brass thumbscrews at your hardware store)

Step 6: Mount, Connect and Turn It On!

Sit down, enjoy that wonderful golden glow and read a good book.