Introduction: Tin Can Lamp
Hello, folks.
In this instructable I would like to present to you my take on the "tin can lamp". For quite some time I wanted to do something with an empty can that was sitting around, and since I am a great deal into all-things- lamps, I decided to give it a try.
For this instructable you need some basic materials:
tin can
a piece of wood ( 1.5 by 1.5 cm, 1.5 meters long)
toggle switch
plug
electric cord
2 bolts, 2 nuts
light bulb
light socket
Lets find more in step 1.
Step 1: Tools and Meterials.
For this instructable you need some basic materials:
tin can
a piece of wood ( 1.5 by 1.5 cm, 1.5 meters long)
toggle switch
plug
electric cord
2 bolts, 2 nuts
4 screws
light bulb
light socket
Wood glue
Varnish
Spray
TOOLS:
drill
drill bits
saw
sand paper
screwdriver
ruler
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Wood, Spray the Tin.
For the sides of the frame cut two pieces of wood, both 30 cm. long. For the top, middle and bottom of the frame cut 3 pieces, 9 cm. long. Cover the tin can with several layers of spray paint, until you are satisfied with the way it looks.
Step 3: Glue the Frame and Feed the Electrial Cord Through the Frame.
Use your wood glue to glue the pieces together and then feed the electrical cord through the frame.
Step 4: Prepare the Nuts.
I wanted to cover the nuts in wood so the the lamp could achieve a better overall look. What I did was to take the nut and put it in a piece of wood and use that to tighten the bolt that keeps the tin in place.
Step 5: Connecting the Buld Socket and Attaching the Switch.
For this part you will need:
light bulb (GU 10)
2 screws
a piece of wood
switch.
Check the pictures for further instructions.
Step 6: Installing the Can.
Get the bolts and the nuts and put the can in place, tighten the nuts and you are done.
Step 7: It's Time for the Unveiling.
I have to say that I am delighted with how this turned out.
It is functional, good-looking, energy-saving... I love it :)
22 Comments
3 years ago
very nice
6 years ago
wow
9 years ago
great idea
9 years ago
Great. I think it may look more exciting if you use a transparent paper so it has a soft light.
10 years ago on Introduction
Wow, this looks quite nice!
I'm thinking that one could also put something in front of the bulb to diffuse the light a bit as well, but I am not sure if it would lead to a heat issue with the bulb inside. Have you tried anything to diffuse the light that you would recommend?
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Thank you.
In this particular case there is no need for additional diffusion of the light because the light bulb has a lid that serves as a diffuser, and it gives a very even light distribution. You can try some opaque material as plexiglass or something else?
10 years ago on Introduction
Love the clean nice look! Will try it as a project for kids.. Thanks
10 years ago on Step 7
Very nice. Is it stable on this stand?
Reply 10 years ago on Step 7
Yes, it is perfectly stable on the stand:) Initially I was not sure how to make the stand. I did consider several options, one of them being white triangular stand on both sides, but in the end I ended up with this one. Of course there is always room for improvisations.
10 years ago on Introduction
Great! this is a great one to do with a group of students. wood, metal and electrical... you can't get more comprehensive educationally than that!
10 years ago on Introduction
This could easily be screwed to the wall, to free up more desk space. Or used as night lamps. Very nice, really.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Great idea! these would make cool sconces--especially for, say, on either side of the bed. Clears up the space lamps typically take up.
10 years ago on Introduction
This looks awesome. You did a great job with it, and it looks like an easy project. Thanks for sharing it--love how yours turned out.
10 years ago on Introduction
I love this lamp! I'm going to Pinterest it! Thanks!
10 years ago on Introduction
Love the base,I did one with a old tripod that turned out well,but your base design makes the lamp,nice job.
10 years ago on Introduction
great info, my dad built one like this in the 60's to shine on our x-mas tree
he used two cans one inside of the other and put it all in a x-mas package
and sat it in front of the tree , red x-mas paper looked good lol
that's for letting me remember some nice times
10 years ago on Introduction
Thank you for your comments. It's good to see that I am not the only one who likes it :)
10 years ago on Introduction
This is so Designer :) Thank you so much for sharing.
10 years ago on Step 7
Perfect!
10 years ago on Introduction
Simple...Elegant...Practical. Nice work!!