Industrial designs bring in a different vibe to your home or office. Although it might sound more metal and less modern, any industrial design has its own style and aesthetic.
Talking about industrial designs, it can be anything in your house. A mechanical table, stool, chairs, or even ashtrays.
And the best thing about industrial design is that they are all recycled parts of a car, truck, or any machinery. So you are doing good for the environment itself.
Apart from all the things you can make with recycled car parts, a camshaft lamp is on top of the list.
It is sleek, and stylish and brings a more rustic yet modern vibe to your room. But if you don’t have any idea about how to make a camshaft lamp, we are here to help you with that.
How to Make a Camshaft Lamp
The name might intimidate you, camshaft, but turning it into a lamp is far easier than it sounds.
If you don’t know what a camshaft is, it is a part of the engine that is responsible for combustion and fuel regulation. It is operated with chains, belts, or even a gearbox.
So, to make a camshaft lamp, you will need a few things. Here is a list of them.
Things you will need
- A camshaft.
- Gearbox sprocket for the stand.
- Light socket.
- Bulb of your choice.
- Electrical wire.
Additional items
- Soldering iron.
- Metal adhesive.
- Some screws.
Step by Step Guide to Make a Camshaft Lamp
Step 1: Attaching the Camshaft to the Sprocket
The first thing of any lamp is the base. As you have a camshaft, it won’t stand on its own. Think of it as the metal pipe of your lamp. Using a wooden base also works, but the aesthetic will be missing. This is why a gearbox sprocket will do the needed justice. Put on some adhesive on both the camshaft and sprocket and set it together. You can also weld it if you have a welding machine. But putting in a screw after the adhesive hardens will have the same effect.
Step 2: Attaching the Bulb Socket
When your adhesive has hardened up, it is time to place the bulb socket. Any bulb socket will do. If you don’t have any lying around in your garage, a quick trip to the home depot will solve everything. Also, make sure you want a traditional cover lamp or a reading headlamp. This way you will be able to get the right equipment from home depot.
Use some screw to secure the socket in its place.
Step 3: Electrical Wiring
When you are all done with building the lamp, it is time to wire it up. You can use any type of electrical wire. Just don’t use too thin ones. Screw them on the bulb socket and run them through the inside of the camshaft. If you want a switch, attach it outside of the lamp. And obviously a plug in the end. You can use a soldering gun to secure wire ends or even heat shrieks but soldering would be the best thing to do and then out on hit shrinks on top of it.
Step 4: Plugging It In, Light It Up
When everything is done, plug it into your power socket and turn that lamp on! You will be mesmerized by your own creation.
Pro Tip: Painting the lamp in brass finish paint makes it more elegant and metallic. But if you are a fan of raw beauty, then you can leave it as it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to make a lamp into a cam?
To make a cam lamp, you will need an old camera, an old table lamp and some wires. Take out the parts inside the camera and fix a bulb socket. Depending on the size of your camera, you have to choose the bulb. Create a hole in the bottom or back of the camera to run the wire through it. And attach the camera to your lamp head with screws. And you are done.
How to make a camshaft?
You can get a camshaft in any old junkyard or old car repair shop. They are not hard to find and won’t cost much. Make sure they don’t have any rust on them when you are buying. Otherwise, you will have to treat it later on.
What is the life of a camshaft?
Everything that is taken care of lasts a very long time. The same thing goes for your car engine and its parts. Regular maintenance and oil checkups will ensure its longevity. A camshaft will usually go more than 25,000 miles or more.
How do I restore a camshaft?
You can restore a camshaft if it is not highly damaged. Small scratches and dents can be fixed with some garage machinery. Home tools won’t do you any good.
Conclusion
A camshaft lamp is more than just a lamp. It is an art piece itself. Also, if you have an old car that is rusting away somewhere that your family owned, turning its camshaft into a lamp will preserve the memories it holds. And the industrial aesthetic is a plus.
