Black Frog Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 I was asked to "come up with something unique" for a lampshade using steel and copper. 16" diameter with a 4" top opening. About 9" height. Hammered steel panels flame treated for color, and copper accent pieces with copper rivets. I'm still experimenting with the flame coloring of the copper sections, learning more as I go. But I'm quite happy with the colors in the steel. I wanted the transition of colors to spread out to near the edges. No two are the same, but they make for a nice collection. I left four rivets out so that I can install the top shade support that hangs on the harp of the lamp. Choosing the base for this lamp this is not my job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Coke Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 Greetings Frog, Pretty slick shade... Flame coloring when 2 metals are attached is a challenge... You might try a controlled heating and cooling process... Heat with the torch and set the color with a compressed air cool blast... This just goes to prove what I already expected ... You are a shady fellow... LOL Forge on and make MORE beautiful things Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Frog Posted October 16, 2013 Author Share Posted October 16, 2013 Jim, On some parts I had a spray bottle mister of water which provided some interesting cooling effects. Nice thing is, flame coloring like this is easy to start over with. Just a bit of time with a wire cup brush and you have a clean slate to try it again.... Getting better now with each attempt. :) I'm reading more on the flame copper treatment with spritzing different things on the copper during heating yields some very cool results... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fe-Wood Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 Very cool shade! I have played around with heat patina on steel shades. You can get great colors! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2Tim215 Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 Very nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Frog Posted October 16, 2013 Author Share Posted October 16, 2013 Now to figure out a base for this lamp... I had been thinking of making some sort of hammered steel base, but that might be a bit much of that look for one piece. I was asking opinions around, and seeing what people think the base for this lamp shade should be. Opinions were ALL OVER the map as to what "would work" and what wouldn't. I think the best idea I've heard mentioned is a translucent blue glass lamp base. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2Tim215 Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 I would go with the theme - beaten copper and steel in built up layers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chinobi Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 that looks awesome frog! to my eye I would go with something that resembles the aft end of a jet fighter (or at least the same type of form, some long clean angles, matte finish, etc), as the shade strikes me as a well used thrust nozzle from a jet engine :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 How about something similar but leave off the backing pieces and install a small night light fitting inside to give either the main light or a night light trickling through the gaps. For real bling do cutouts in the uprights and use mica sheet to cover them on the inside with a light on the inside Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bosox Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 Another absolutely fantastic work! I am looking forward to seeing the base of the lamp. You're quite creative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 Nice shade Frogman. It impresses me as having a Victorian industrial flavor. A more or less industrial stand might go well, say a Tripod you might see on older survey instruments. The legs could be stained wood, cherry or similar with Copper or Brass fittings and the shade on a cantilever. It's a nice enough shade to leave the options wide open for a stand. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Frog Posted October 17, 2013 Author Share Posted October 17, 2013 Wow, some great ideas! Thanks! ....this gives me lots of idea-food to feed off. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beth Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 thats a lovely sculptural object black frog! - really like it :) i keep looking at it :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3DistinctKnocks Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 Very steampunk, especially if you continue the theme with the base. Very nice work. Once again, I made the mistake of showing it to my wife. And once again, another project for me to do for her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Frog Posted October 17, 2013 Author Share Posted October 17, 2013 Thanks for the nice comments! If you are thinking about something similar, be aware it is more work than it looks like.... 80 hand installed rivets require 160 accurately placed holes so everything lines up. The eight individual panels are not trapezoids with flat bottoms. The bottoms of the panels have the appropriate radius to give the desired 16" diameter circle when assembled. I used a 3D modelling program to figure out the correct pattern and radius, but you could do it the old fashioned way too. Make a mock-up cone out of paper, slice it down the side and "uncurl" it to find out the correct radius that makes your final shape. This is what a 16" diameter shade with 4" top hole and about 8.5" of height looks like when it is "uncurled" and flat: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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