3rd Annual DIY Contest - prize light build - The Steam Pipe Light replica.

Giveaways and Contests
1

I decided to create a new topic for the replica of the last years Steam Pipe Light build, of the Prize Light for this years 3rd Annual DIY Contest,

So far i managed to locate at least 90 % of the same original old (and new) parts and raw materials to build this replica as close to the original as i can.

Below here i began by reaming & drilling out a salvaged 1/2” brass pipe fitting to allow an 18650 to fit inside, ( as i could not locate a similar thin-wall tube as the original, but this will work)

and the second photo showing the second Steam Pipe light coming becoming reality. *(- i will update this topic with further reply posts.)

2

I’ll be watching.

3

+1 Oh Yeah! :party:

4

Looks very interesting. I’ll watch this space too.

5

How well does the bit stay centered in the tube? Any problems/solutions you found?

6

it didn’t veer off very much, as the bits were only fractionally a step larger than the original inside diameter. (i used two bits, one just a fraction larger than the other each time so it was really only “reaming” the inside larger than really drilling it.

7

IMO, this is one of the coolest lights ever!

8

Nice. If I tried to do what you did the drill would grab and twist the tube into oblivion.

9

a trick to minimize bit-grabbing in non-ferrous metals like brass is to use wax or vegetable oil for lubricant.

10

Some updates on this Prize offer build, i have been running into some problems with locating some of the components & parts to build it as close to the original as possible, but i am still working on it, and hope i can get it completed for a prize of the machine-built category.

11

Tell me the plumbers are using all the copper and brass fittings you need? The shame on them.

12

lol* its a matter of finding the original “old” parts that was used to build the original. I may have to substitute some pieces for some more modern fabricated parts as its difficult to find 1940s & 60s brass pieces sometimes. :~

13

I’ve noticed that different parts are made in different areas as well and some are more Art Deco than others.

14

Absolutely beautiful and creative. The talent here is stunning!!!

TL

15

Interested to see how you will deal with the lack of external threads on the T-fitting.

16

for the side light or main head part? The side light was done with cutting ends off a pipe nipple to create a “module” (explained during the build of the original here in the OP half way down, at the “UPDATE-3, May, 04 , 2014” Part: >> DBSAR - The 2nd. Annual BLF Scratch Made Light Contest Entry / UPDATE -June 27th, more photos

17

Thanks, I was just looking at the internal pipe thread of the T-fitting and the bezel for the dome/diffuser.

18

The “improved” replica of my last years build the Steam-Pipe Light for a Prize Light for this years Contest is almost completed! (been quite a few hours work and scrounging of parts, buying components, etc but its mostly completed except for the tail switch. (that will be done tomorrow)
the Prize light is the shiner one on the left) This one has improved circuitry over the original, but the build procedures and parts are much the same. The Glow-tube is shorter and will use even less power than the original, (even though that don’t really matter as its still glowing away on the same AA Alkaline cells when it was built. if AA Lithium primaries are used in the Prize Light’s glow tube it should run for 4 or 5 years or more continuously on one pair of AA L91 Lithium cells.

19

Absolutely Beautiful!!! Did they tell you I already won. Just send your favorite!! TL

20

The replica for the Contest is now completed! :slight_smile: i finished up the tail-cap switch tonight, and ran some tests, and its ready to be packaged up and shipped to who ever wins it & the new owner!
I will upload some more photos Tuesday night of the light.