Introduction: Warning - Table Lamp

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Since I was a child, warning signs have called my attention. I don't know why but they're nice :) In picture bellow I show a table lamp that I've made. I used many refused materials I found. Sorry for the lack of details on each step or in building, because I make this tutorial after I have finished.

Materials:

  • Short tube that fits the central spool hole, about 30 cm (you can use a threaded pipe);
  • Lamp socket;
  • Switch (any);
  • Power cable (I used one that has a male and female plug, used in portable radios);

(Otherwise you can buy a lamp-kit that already have all these previous items together).

  • Spool (wire spool - you can find it easily with people that works with electrical repair);
  • Printed image on textured paper (2 x A4) (download mine here);
  • Lamp (prefer a fluorescent or LED), about 15 W;
  • Pieces of wire, rigid and flexible ones;
  • Extra: a female plug if you would like to connect your mobile phone charger there;
  • Extra: spray paint;

Step 1: Preparing the Base - Spool

First you need to open the bottom side to gain space to work inside, Fig. 1. I have no much care in this part, sorry. The plastic they use to make this spool is hard to work, so be patient.

After that, you need to make the holes for the switch and connectors if you are using, Fig. 2. Some people maybe rather use a switch along the wire, but I don't like.

The original spool color was red. To create a more interesting appearance I painted with mat black and after dry I sanded it a bit. This is the final result, looking worn in Fig. 3.

After finished you can cover the hole with velvet or felt, Fig. 4. Make sure that your circuit is correct and working.

In the last image, Fig. 5, I put the power cable and the phone charger.

Step 2: Preparing the Dome - Printed Image

Using the image I left available in ImagesWarningTableLamp.zip, you can print it normally in your inkjet printer. I used two sheets (A4) of a textured paper (frame screen texture) that seems like fabric, Fig. 1.

After that, to keep a good appearance I have applied an acrylic varnish, Fig. 2.

To make the dome rigid, I used a piece of plastic groove (I don't know if it is that word), used to hold your academic poster, Fig. 4. To make it round I heat in the stove and used a pan to keep the shape - be careful to not burn it or even burn yourselves. You can use a hairdryer or a hot air gun instead.

To put the dome in the pipe you can use the original holder, Fig. 5. But in my case I've built one with some rigid wire.

I hope you enjoy. If you make one, please let me know :)

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