How to make a Lamp using a bottle
Things you will need:
· Cut Resistant Gloves
· Squeeze bottle filled with water
· WD40
· Your liquor or wine bottle of choice
· Permanent Marker
· Zip lock bag
· A few old towels
· A rechargeable drill
· Lamp Shade of Choice
· Glue Gun
· Painter’s tape
· 5mm and a 12mm Tungsten/Diamond core drill bit.
· Dremel or sanding file
Step 1
Once you've rinsed out your bottle and let it dry properly, take a look at it and work out where you want your cable to run out at the rear. Are there any ridges in the glass? Mark it with your permanent marker.
If you are converting a Clase Azul Tequila Bottle do these additional steps.
a. Remove the silver top. And place it evenly in a vise cork side up. Drill a hole in the cork starting with a small bit and moving to a larger one to create a hole in the stopper.
b. Then get a metal drill bit that will create a hole that is large enough for the threaded nipple from the light kit to go through.
c. Doing this will allow you to use the silver top in the lamp thus creating a nicer look.
Step 2
If your bottle contains any labels that you want to protect. Then cut a zip lock bag a little larger than the label and secure it to the bottle using painter’s tape. This will create a protection barrier from the water you will use later.
Step 3
Create a “bowl” around your mark by placing a layer of hot glue and letting it cool before placing another layer on top. Making it high enough that it will hold water, creating a sort of a well.
Step 4
You're ready to start drilling. Rest the bottle on a towel, secure it in a vice grip and add water to the well that you made with the glue gun. Start drilling at an angle, this eliminates the possibility of you moving the bit around. After around 30 seconds you should start to see dust collect around the tip of the drill bit and you should have the beginnings of a small conical hole.
Step 5
Continue drilling. Add water periodically. DO NOT PUT PRESSURE ON THE DRILL. Once all the way through, take away your 5mm bit in favor of the 12mm.
Step 6
With the Dremel sand the edges of the whole. Spray a small amount of WD40 to the hole. Add the grommet.
Step 7
Clean and dry out your bottle, making sure you remove any unsightly glass dust from the inside.
Step 8
Attach a long hard wire to the lighting wire to feed through the hole.
Step 9
Pull the wire through the top of the bottle and remove the hard wire.
Step 10
Pick the adapter that fits tightly in your bottle opening. Sometimes you can use the stopper on the bottle to create a snug fit or you can wrap electrical tape around it. Thread the nipple into the adapter until only ¼” remains showing above the lock nut.
Step 11
Run the wire through the nipple and adapter and push the adapter into the neck of the bottle.
Step 12
Slide the check ring onto the nipple. Thread wire through the middle hole in the socket cap. Screw the socket cap onto the nipple tightly.*
Step 13
Separate the 2 strands. Tie an underwriter’s knot. Do this by making two loops, one strand crossing in the back and one in the front. Pass the ends of the strands through the loops and pull to close the loops. Adjust the knot so only a small length of wire is left after tightening the knots. Look closely at your wires. One has ribbing, this is the neutral conductor.
Step 14
Attach the neutral conductor to the silver screw (follow the instruction in your lamp kit) Wrap the exposed end of the wire around the screw post on the socket interior and screw tightly. Don’t have any uncoated wire exposed. Repeat with the other wire and the other screw. Tape over the wires and screws with electrical tape to be extra careful. Slide the socket shell over the socket interior.
Step 15
If you have a lot of extra wire, feed it back through the socket cap and adapter. Snap the socket shell into the cap until you hear a “click”. Now plug it in and screw in a lightbulb and try it.
Step 16
Attach the lampshade you chose and enjoy your new lamp!!
* Although I tried to create detailed instructions, I would advise following the instructions in your light kit as much as possible.
*** Please remember, anything electrical does have the possibility to kill you. Be careful. I am not responsible for any mishaps.
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