Creating a CHAIN LAMP

A couple years back while working as a mechanic paying my way through college, I caught the bug… The Creator Bug. If thats a thing. I have always had a knack for making things; mainly things that went boom. Although occasionally I would express my artistic side and here is an example I like to think.

My First Lamp: The Chain Lamp

Building a chain lamp is fairly easy if you have a welder, welding knowledge, and an idea. I got the cone idea from looking around the shop I was working at and seeing a road cone. Template! I used my sturdy road cone as a template and started welding the links up the cone. Make sure you are welding in a well ventilated location. Road cones melt a little. When I got to the top of the cone I did a little free hand work and let the chain fall down the middle (non welded links) to give it a dynamic effect. Once it was all welded up, I cleaned it good and actually got it powder coated which is something I would not normally do but I was really getting into this lamp and wanted a great finish. Another great alternative would to just get a can of your favorite color spray paint. Once all painted you can go to your local hardware store and get a lamp building kit which generally includes a cord, bulb turn knob socket, and hardware. I ran the cord through the links trying my best to keep the cord on the inside of the lamp all the way to the top. People want to see chain not cord. After the mounting and wiring the knob socket I went to my local thrift shop and found a second hand lamp shade. When selecting a bulb I find that a 40-60 watt bulb is best so the chain on the lamp gets a nice appearance when lite up. O yeah! The chain I used was a 3/8 chain with no coatings on it. Raw steal so when welding you do not produce any harmful fumes. Enjoy your creating! Please leave comments on the type of chain lamps or any lamps you have created.