garden spaceship lamps

[Gareth J]

Not much welding to look at but hey ho.

I've not been able to bring myself to bin 2 big insulators western power left me so I've set about making some garden lights.

I'm going to try to wind LEDs around the cavities of the insulator. I'm not sure how it's going to look yet but if it turns out terribly, there is a suitable orifice underneath the insulator I might be able to jam something up.

The galvanise on these things is so thick.

Opinions on the finish of the legs?

I'm 90% sure they'll be polished up a bit more and lacquered but I'm tempted to try an industrial grey. I'm leaving the "chrome in a can" that's on the shelf looking at me well alone!

 

[eSCHEn]

Nothing more on those legs pal. It's really nice to see its life

 

[chunkolini]

Looks fantastic, definitely leave the legs alone. Danish oil can give a patina on rust or outdoors maybe a satin varnish rubbed on not brushed.

 

[Gareth J]

Cheers chaps, I'll let you know how they turn out

 

[Gareth J]

Getting there, gonna try to make some "shoulder pads" for the legs when I get chance

 

[Maker]

View attachment 69971

Getting there, gonna try to make some "shoulder pads" for the legs when I get chance

That looks really nice lit up.

there is a suitable orifice underneath the insulator I might be able to jam something up.

Ooh matron.

 

[Gareth J]

I've ditched the leg hoops idea, they looked all wrong.

 

[Gareth J]

Done the pair.

(Do not scale from cat)

I think in an ideal world the legs would be 1.5x the size as it's out of balance as is but adequate.

I didn't post a pic of the other side, the led strip is continuous so I drilled holes through all of the insulator discs so I could thread the strip through. Way too fiddly.

 

[eSCHEn]

Impressive mate. Looks the business

 

[Maker]

Very impressive.

 

[landyman1]

good use of waste,what did you use to drill the insulators? is it just the ebay led strip that you cut to length,cheers

 

[Gareth J]

good use of waste,what did you use to drill the insulators? is it just the ebay led strip that you cut to length,cheers

Used an 8mm diamond hole core in a pillar drill with lots of water.

5m of LED 12v stick on strip. Had to cut off about 8". Dunno about the longevity of the strip, it's waterproof and should survive OK as it won't be flexed about.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Brilliant use of redundant items, like them a lot, would cost a fortune in some arty London décor shop.

 

[Gareth J]

Too cool to bin. They must weigh over 10kg, completed more like 15. They're such odd things yet so very, very common. Imagine how many kWh has passed over them!

 

[Gareth J]

Been offered 3x more insulators. I'll take them and stick them on the loft but I don't fancy making more right now. If anyone wants one to mess about with though, let me know.

 

[chunkolini]

johnser, I will happily take one off your hands.
I need some alternative lighting in a corner of my new house and fancy making something myself.
That looks like a perfect start.

 

[eSCHEn]

Put me down for one if there's a spare please Johnser. They look like they'd be awesome for so many things.

 

[Gareth J]

Done. That's it for now though as I'll keep the third so I can have all 3 phases if/when I get motivated.

I'll see if I can catch the pole replacement chaps one day. They seem happy to just leave them in whoever's field the pole is in. I'd like to get my hands on some of the clear round saucer ones.

 

[eSCHEn]

Done. That's it for now though as I'll keep the third so I can have all 3 phases if/when I get motivated.

I'll see if I can catch the pole replacement chaps one day. They seem happy to just leave them in whoever's field the pole is in. I'd like to get my hands on some of the clear round saucer ones.

Not an insulator but I do have a couple of interesting metal pieces from poles (the tall things). I'll dig 'em out tomorrow to see if they tickle your fancy.

 

[chunkolini]

The challenge will be to do something original.
But I like spaceships.
Something to think about.
pm me with your address and I can sort out a courier.