Retro Mason Jar Nightstand Lamp
Introduction: Retro Mason Jar Nightstand Lamp
This is one beautiful piece that will look great in your home. Moreover, its super easy to build and you can buy almost all the parts at your local thrift shop and home improvement store!
Supplies
* Old Lamp
* Large Wide Mouth Mason Jar With Lid
* Retro Style Light Bulb
* (3x) 5" x 3/4" Metal Pipe Pre-Threaded
* (2x) 45 Degree Metal Angle Pieces 3/4"
* (1x) 90 Degree Metal Angle Piece 3/4"
* Scrap Piece of 2x8 Board around 12" long
* Switch
* Stain
* Spray Paint
Tools:
* Scissors
* Soldering Iron
* Drill With Bits
* Handsaw or Tablesaw
* Chisel
* Wire Strippers
Step 1: Take Apart the Lamp
MAKE SURE YOUR LAMP IS UNPLUGGED.
AC CURRENT IS VERY VERY DANGEROUS.
With the Lamp I used, I cut the wire at both sides of the pre-existing switch since I will be adding my own Switch. Next I unscrewed all the parts holding my lamp together in order to leave just the head (where you screw in the light bulb) and the cable attached to it. It will vary from every lamp stand so make sure to preserve the head of the light as well as the cable coming from it, and you should be good to go.
Step 2: Assemble the Metal Frame
Grab the: (3x) 5" x 3/4" metal tubes that are pre-threaded and attach them together using the (2x) 45 degree angles and the one 90 degree angle on the end (See picture above).
Step 3: Build the Bulb Cover
Using the lid of the Mason jar, we cut a hole in the middle of it. Make sure it is the same size as the head of the lamp where you put the light bulb in (See picture above). The metal plate on the top of the jar is thin enough to cut with scissors, just make sure that there are some little pre drilled holes that way you have a starting point for when you cut. After cutting out the hole, place the head of the lamp in the hole and either glue it in place or tighten with the nut. Some lamps will have a nut while others won't. If yours doesn't have a nut then glue it into the inside of the lamp, that way the glue will be hidden. Make sure to spray paint it if you would like to before gluing it in. Otherwise good luck getting it out!
Step 4: Cutting and Forming the Base
For the Base of the Lamp, I used a 2x8 Board scrap. You can find these for free in trashes of worksites or other places like that. Take it home and cut it to size. It is easier to do with a table saw but it is possible to be done with a handsaw. 56
I cut mine into a piece that was 12" x 6.5" and kept the stock thickness the same. Using my table saw, I also cut bevels into the sides of the base to make it more visually appealing.
The Next part of this step involves cutting the hole for the switch, and the hole for the metal frame to fit into.
First I put a 1" Drill bit on the end of the drill and made a hole at about a 30 degree angle. Doing so would give me the desired look from the lamp stand. Afterwards, drill a 1/4" hole coming through the back into the bottom of the bigger hole. After this I stated to mark and cut out the hole for the switch. If you take your time, it is possible to do this without drilling a hole through the whole piece. Lastly, drill a hole from both sides that way you can run your cables from the power socket and the bulb into the compartment for the switch (See picture above).
Step 5: Painting and Staining
This step is purely subjective. What that means is that you can paint or stain it however you like. I am going to be both painting the metal and staining the wood. I will also put a finish coat over the wood and show you exactly how I do both methods.
Staining the wood:
To Stain the wood all you have to do is get your desired color and grab an old t-shirt or rag. It is important to make sure the surface has been sanded smooth because splintered or rough wood may rip the rag. After you surface is clear of dust and is smooth, soak the rag in the stain. Slather it all over the wood allowing it to soak in. The longer it soaks, the darker it gets (THIS IS IMPORTANT). Once you get to your desired color, let it dry overnight. 959