I have been struck recently with a DIY bug. Probably due to some health issues that have been bothering me as of late. Nothing horrible, just more painful than anything. The projects place my mind somewhere other than pain. So, I am trying to stay busy by coming up with some creative projects.
Here is the first in a series of projects I wanted to share. If you follow me on Instagram (@withoutink), you may have already seen this. It is my recent Edison Lamp project. A few friends have asked for a quick writeup, so here it is.
Here is how I built it:
- Old cigar box for $6.00
- Light kit from IKEA for $5.00
- Wall dimmer switch from Lowes for 5.00
- Minwax Stain & Poly
First I figured out the position of the lamp. I used a hole saw to slowly drill the hole. Next I drilled a hole big enough to feed the cord through. Note, it just needs to be a tiny bit wider than the diameter of the cord itself.
Next I sanded the cigar box with 120 Grit and 220 grit sand paper. I just wanted to open up the wood a bit so it would be receptive to the stain and poly.
I then applied one coat of Minwax Ebony stain. I let it dry for ~12 hrs.
Next I applied two coats of Minwax Polyurethane (Satin finish). I allowed the box to dry for ~3hrs in between coats. I also sanded the box slightly after the first coat, to smooth the finish.
Then I cut the cord from the light kit about six inches from the base. This was needed so I could splice the dimmer switch in, plus feed the cord through the rear cord hole…. Make sure you feed the cord through after you cut it and before you splice the dimmer in.
Next I determined the placement of the dimmer switch and drilled a small hole where the shaft would protrude.
I then did a correct splice job. I stripped the wires, looped, twisted them and soldered each splice. Then used heat shrink tubing to cover each soldered joint… Make sure you have the tubing on the cord before soldering 😉
Lastly carefully mount the dimmer to the flip top part of the box… I used some tiny screws. I may have to reinforce it a bit, but it works.
Viola Edison Desk Lamp with Dimmer!
Matt is a Systems Development Director for a multinational franchise. Matt has lived and worked in Hawaii, Chicago, South Florida and currently resides outside of Atlanta. He enjoys his hobbies including Technology, Gadgets/EDC, Fountain Pens, Wetshaving, Clocks, Antiques & Coffee. He even roasts his own coffee weekly.
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