Introduction: FLUORESCENT FLOOR LAMP
This instructable will show you how to make a cheap but stylish floor lamp out of 3 fluorescent standart lights you can buy in any do-it-yourself-store.
by: www.opendesignclub.com (thats me!)
Step 1: BUY THREE CHEAP STANDART NEON LIGHTS
maybe this lights are called fluorescent lights --- so buy three cheap standart fluorescent lights you can get in any do-it-yourself-store.
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Step 2: REMOVE THE CAPS ON BOTH SIDES AND DRILL a HOLE IN THE MIDDLE OF EACH CAP
one hole is enough, but maybe two holes would be better
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Step 3: SAW OUT THE BASE AND THE TOP OF THE LAMP AND PAINT THEM IN a COLOR YOU LIKE
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Step 4: SCREW THE CAPS DOWN TO THE BASE AND THE TOP OF THE LAMP
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Step 5: STICK TOGETHER THE BASE CAPS WITH THE REST OF THE LAMP
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Step 6: STICK TOGETHER THE TOP CAPS AND THE REST OF THE LAMP
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Step 7: YOU HAVE TO SPLIT a CABLE TO CONNECT ALL THREE LAMPS WITH THE ELECTRICITY GRID
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Step 8: ADD THE LIGHT TUBES
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Step 9: !!! DONE !!! ENJOY THIS SUPER BRIGHT FLOOR LAMP
YOU CAN ADD A FOOTSWITCH IF YOU WANT
by: www.opendesignclub.com (thats me!)
120 Comments
15 years ago on Step 9
Nice Job can I suggest a dimmer and some coloured
tube covers I thick they can be bought at
http://www.covershield.co.uk/.
Reply 13 years ago on Step 9
Can you put a dimmer on these?
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
No, you can't use a dimmer with fluorescent lights. If you do then they will just flicker.
Reply 7 years ago
Or use LED's which are capable of being dimmed
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Depends on the bulb, they sell dimmable cf spiral type bulbs. I have yet to see dimmable tube type cfs but they must exist.
Reply 12 years ago on Step 9
Or, buy a dimmer designed for flourescents
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Awesome Instructable.
Well, technically there are Electronic Dimming Ballasts, but these only drop the voltage (and light output) some to decrease power consumption and increase lamp life. They would be expensive for such an elegantly simple project.
An easy way to get softer light is just to diffuse it. Sew some semi-transparent fabric into a cylinder. I can imagine a cheap bedsheet or piece of burlap looking neat. You could even rig it like a curtain - up or down.
And yes, a mini version of this would also look cool. Use 2ft. fixtures with T5 (5/8 inch) light bulbs.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
No but you could add a switch that turns on 1, 2, or all 3 lights.
7 years ago
Looks pretty cool! You can also use LED tubes, They're more efficient
9 years ago on Introduction
Very good!
10 years ago on Introduction
hi there iwant to build this wich fluoresent light bulb ar the best and what store im in canada
10 years ago on Introduction
brilliant!
11 years ago on Introduction
Is there a way to connect some sort of timer on this to trigger dimming or 'on n off' rhythmic effects similar to Xmas lights? I want to use as stage lighting :) anyone know what I'm lookin for here? Or other projects on here that fit my description? Thanks ~
11 years ago on Step 7
Connecting the wires together like this under mains voltage is really not safe. You should be using a junction box with the appropriate strain relief connectors. It looks to me that one could easily fit in the space between the lamps. Also, I don't see any ground wires. I hope you didn't cut them off just before the cables reached the terminal block. If so, you're looking for a shock anytime that you touch any metal part of the light fixture's chassis.
Otherwise a great job. I might try to make one of these for myself. Thanks for sharing.
12 years ago on Introduction
is there anyway to make this battery powered?? I am looking to use them as a prop for some photography work that I have planned, but the location is in the middle of the woods without power sources.
Any help here??
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
You could try High power LEDs and a 12v battery
12 years ago on Introduction
I do have to say, aren't the pictures a little monochrome?
12 years ago on Introduction
Maybe I missed it somewhere but where do you get the base from? It is made yourself?
Anywhere I can buy one (possibly metalic) or make one with minimal wood working tools (right now just have a jig saw and sander)
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Honestly, you could buy/find any piece of wood so long as it fits the 3 tubes and provides enough of a base that it won't fall over...
I suggest maybe going to a home depot or hobby lobby and wandering in the wood section looking for pre-finished disks with some decorative edge on it... get a big one for the base and a smaller one on top. maybe add some feet to dress it up or something.
http://www.mydecomart.com/mxg-0512.html
12 years ago on Introduction
but i think using T5 florescent lamp is much save energy and brighter than using T8 or T9 florescent