16 jayplay.
lursday, august 28, 2003
BUILD IT: HANGING LAMPS
The hanging lamp, made from a farm tiller cutting disk, reflects light onto the ceiling creating a warm glow.
By Maggie Koerth
mkoerth@kansan.com
Jayplay writer
Step 1: Clamp the disk to a table to stabilize it and go over both sides with the grinder. This will remove dirt and rust from the disk. Use your weight to press the leading edge of the brush into the disk. This will make the job faster and remove more grime. When you're done the disk should be silver, but it will still be pitted in places. If you want a smoother finish, use a metal grinder head instead of a steel brush.
MATERIALS AND COST:
Disk from a farm tiller: 2 for $5 at R.A. Guenther and Sons Scrapyard
Lamp kit: $5 at Target
Step 2: Using the ruler, make an equilateral triangle on the disk. The points of the triangle will be the holes. Mark the points by scratching an 'x' with the screwdriver.
Plate ring:$2.38 at Home Depot Polyurethane lacquer spray:$5.99 a can at Ace Hardware
Three sets of cable ferruiles (we didn't know what they were either until we asked, be brave): $.89 each at Home Depot
Tools and supplementary supplies: Metal grinder fit with a steel brush Drill press or electric hand drill Motor oil
12 feet of wire cable cut into thirds:
$1.20 at Home Depot
Mineral spirits or gasoline Ruler and Phillips screwdriver
Step 3: The key to drilling holes in metal is oil. TONS of it. It's best to make this a two-person job, with one person drilling and the other standing by with the oil can. Oil the spot before you start drilling and continue to apply oil anytime the bit starts to smoke a little. Remember, these
Note: It is important to wear shop goggles, an air mask and heavy work gloves for this project. Also, work in an area with good ventilation.
disks were not made to be easy to drill through, so this will take a while.
Step 4: Rub disk with mineral spirits or gasoline to remove the oil.
Step 5: Spray each side with two coats of polyurethane lacquer. This will make your disk
dark and shiny. Allow about 10 minutes of drying time between each coat.
this will be on the ferrule package) Remember to hammer dents into the ferrules once you have them in place. Then, pull cable upward so the convex side of the disk faces down. Secure cables to
Step 6: Thread cable through the holes and secure with ferules. (Picture instructions for
the plate ring with more ferrules.
Step 7: Run the cord for the lamp through the ring and attach it with a twist tie. Now, simply find a place to hang your lamp and plug in the light.