Introduction: Pipe Lamp

About: Ham Radio, Gardening, InfoSec, Bicycles as transportation -- Currently: Product Security @ Slack

A few weeks ago on Boing Boing, they showed off some pipe lamps being sold on etsy. At 200 bucks each i figured i could make my own for a fraction of the cost and have fun doing so.

These lamps are functional and cheap! it cost 30 bucks to make one lamp.

GENERAL WARNING: Although this project involves very little steps it does involve AC power. Please use caution when doing projects using AC outlet power. If you are not comfortable with simple wire soldering and heat shrinking, please use caution with this project.

Step 1: Supplies


For this instructable you will need the following, note that the pipe choices can vary depending on what kind of lamp you want.

Various sizes of galvanized pipe to build your lamp base. (i used 1/2")
1 candelabra style bulb fixture (i chose this one for it's small size)
1 candelabra bulb
AC plug with in-line roll switch
Heat shrink

tools needed:
Soldering iron

Step 2: Bulid the Lamp Base

first you want to build the lamp base and see what the final product will look like. Once you have something you like you can tighten the pipes together.

Step 3: Wire the Socket

Next fit the bulb socket into the end where you want the light to shine from. Next solder the ac plug to the socket wiring.

Heat shrink your wires afterwards for safety.

Step 4: Put the Bulb In

Lastly install the bulb and turn it on! The first time i turned it on i was sure to have a circuit breaker attached so i could avoid any problems if i did something wrong, but i didn't need it.

If you have ideas for cool and interesting lamps post them in the comments below.