How do I make a rotating base for a table lamp?

Question

I suppose one will have to use a motor. What should be the electrical specifications of the motor, and how should one make the connections? Or is there any other method?

Answer 1

You will need an Eddy current motor for the rotation.The eddy current motor draws a very minute current to rotate.
It has a very low rpm.A suitable gearing maybe from an old timepiece should reduce the rpm even further.
To get power to the bulb in the table lamp you will need to fix two concentric discs (copper or brass) to the base of the rotating part of the lamp.
Two brushes connected to the power supply fitted in contact with each of the discs will transmit power to the bulb.
For safety's sake, I thonk you should seriously consider using a DC voiltage bulb of say 12 volts.You will need a transformer and a rectifying circuit.But these extras will prevent therisk of electric shock from your lamp.

Answer 2

Go check out an erector set, and get creative!! I'm sure you could come up with a great idea using an erector set (most sets do come with a motor and all the drive gearing as well)

For a power source, most of the erector set motors run off of 2 Double A batteries (3 Volts) if you can find an old DC plug laying around your house (A charger of some sort) and check the specifications on the plug and see if its 3V. Cut off the old old plug and seperate the two wires. That is your positive and negative feeds. It doesn't matter which way you hook them up to the motor unless direction matters to you.

Hope that wasn't too confusing...

Answer 3

Quite simple, make a base and rotate it!!

Answer 4

try using a lazy susan base.

Answer 5

i know but why should i tell. lol