Rocket Ship Lamp

Super simple Rocketship lamp can be easily made, modified and upgraded!

Supplies

• Resistant Security Light with Ceiling Mount
• 4 x E12 Candelabra Lamp Socket w/ External Threads
• Light Bulb - Home Depot
• Wood Plaque - 8" x 8"
• Flicker Flame Crystal Clear Flame bulbs
• Gardner Bender GSW-125 Electrical Toggle Switch
• Long Cord, Polarized 2 Prong Plug
• ½ 45 degree Elbow Black Iron - Home Depot
• 4 x ½ 90 degree Elbow Black Iron - Home Depot
• ¾ x ½ Coupling Black Iron - Home Depot
• ½ Floor Flange - Home Depot
• ½ x 8in Rod Nipple - Home Depot
• ½ Nipple - Home Depot
• Wood screws - Home Depot

Step 1: Assemble the Base

Start with a circle wood base, 8 in diameter.

Drill holes for the wire and stain it.

Then work your way up, feeding the power cord thru the floor flange, 45 degree elbow, the rod, and the 90 degree elbow.

Step 2: Assemble Your Lights and Switch

Next assemble the lamp sockets in 3 of the 4 90 degree elbows.

Drill a hole in the lamp mount for the toggle switch.

Assemble the elbows to the lamp mount and rod.

Step 3: Wire and Complete

Connect all the wires using twist-on plastic caps or wire nuts.

Position and tighten everything.

Add your bulbs and blast off!

Step 4: Rocket Ship Lamp

Comments

[kalryndarkpaw]

So simple question, I already made one of these about a year ago, I am making another one I would like to place a dimmer on the large bulb in the body of the "Ship" and fit it to the bottom of the rocket ship using a small dimmer knob, my voltage is 120v what would be a good dial to use that is rated for 120 volts and is small

[MarkM73]

I took my dremel to the threads on the lamp holder. I ground them down smooth on the wire side and left the top half threads alone. The threads on the 90˙ Iron will cut in enough to screw it right in. Be careful tho, the lamp holders aren’t very thick so don’t remove more material than necessary.

[dberkel1]

That's a great idea! Something like this might work. Manual Dimmer Dial You could probably fit it in the body or on the base. Please share if you do it! I'd love to see it!

[Blue Kraken]

I have a problem, the 90-degree angle black iron elbow is coarse thread and the lamp socket is a fine thread. Does anyone have any answers to that one?

[MattH35]

I just wrenched on it until it was seated.

[Blue Kraken]

I borrowed a 3/4 in. drill bit from a friend and drilled out the threads on the nipple and dremeled it a bit until the socket slid in and then glued it in. In all, it took me about 15 minutes to do 5 nipples. Thanks for replying to my question.

[stu202]

Should the metal parts of the lamp's body be grounded?
The parts list mentions a 2 prong plug instead of a 3 prong one.

[jdball83]

Hi! This is my first project like this and I’m struggling to understand how to “assemble the lamp sockets,” especially in the 1/2” to 3/4” coupling. Did you use a glue to keep it in place? The socket has no way to screw into the coupling. Thanks to anyone who has any pointers!

[4zapatos]

If you remove the silver bracket, then the socket goes into the 3/4" part of the coupling and screws into the 1/2" part of the coupling.

[JKornuts]

Grab a mini hacksaw ($5 at Home Depot) and carefully saw off the metal piece. Be extra careful not to cut the wires. Then use some epoxy or super glue to secure the socket to the coupling and/or elbow joint.

[dberkel1]

I ended up gluing the one socket that fit in the 1/2" to 3/4" coupling that you have pictured. I just used super glue around the O ring and it sat nicely on the coupling. For the others I removed the metal housing clip and was able to screw them in with just enough room.

[just4747]

Removed the metal housing how? Not easy at all...

[nbbarud]

I just bought a 3/4 to 1/2 reducer, they sell them at most hardware stores

[Timelord83]

when you say you removed the metal housing clip.. you drilled the pin out and removed it?

[jdball83]

I wound up having to do that as well, yes.the metal housing prevents the socket from fitting into the 1/2” couplings.

The rivet is holding the socket together, so I superglued the seams Of the socket before removing the housing and that worked out well for me.

[Timelord83]

good to know.. i have 4 of these lights to assemble i'll get some good super glue.

[jessegpierce]

I'd say you mostly stick the sockets in and glue the nut on the iron.

[b_tek]

Thank you for sharing this great design. I had a question, which I did not see while skimming through the comments. It looks like the suggested main bulb is 40W. Does the main light (or the smaller flame lights) get very hot during use?

[dberkel1]

I used a 40w and it warms up like most other typical 40w bulbs but since its inside the light mount and mine has a glass cover it doesn't get very hot. The smaller bulbs get warm but not super hot but I would defiantly test yours out and leave on for a while just to be safe.

[b_tek]

Thank you!