Star Lamp From Coffee Can

by TimBTodd in Workshop > Lighting

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Star Lamp From Coffee Can

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I have a lot of old coffee cans, and tobacco cans laying around, and was trying to think of something to use them for. Here is one of my ideas. It's a star lamp, you can make out of a coffee can, or in this case, a tobacco can.

Materials

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1 coffee/tobacco can
1 bulb socket
1 cord (I had this one laying around from something or other)

Sander
Hammer/nail
Electrical tape/heat shrink tubing
Wine cork

Sand/Make Holes

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Sand the paint off of the can or remove the label.
Poke holes with the hammer and nail in an abstract fashion.
Cut hole in the bottom to hold the bulb socket.


Should look something like the pictures.


Feet

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Cut a wine cork into four pieces and glue them to the bottom of the can.
This will allow room for the wires, and allow air to get through for cooling purposes.

Wiring

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Connect the wires from the plug to the socket.
Use electrical tape (or preferably heat shrink tubing).
Insert socket into hole, and tape wires to the bottom.

That's About It

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I'm sure a switch could be added, but electrical work isn't my specialty.
I switched the bulb to a small, low wattage CF bulb after the photos were taken.

I'd like to maybe make one with a stand, that way the can could be upside down and there could be holes in the bottom as well.
I was also thinking about making a hanging version.
This is pretty much a prototype, and suggestions are always welcome.

Thanks for reading.