I’m looking for sources of light fixture (wall and ceiling) hardware components in order to fabricate custom fixtures. I intend to make the shades and need the various supports, bases, sockets and mounts to attach the shades. Any suggestions out there? (I live in a small, isolated town – I really mean isolated – with no local suppliers that can help me.)
Thanks.
Kevin B
Replies
Kevin,
Too bad you haven't got a lot of responses on this one.... I've had the same question myself from time to time.
An acquaintance of mine (with whom I've lost contact) used to work part time at an antique store where they restored (among other things) old lighting fixtures. He told me there was, in fact, sources for miscellaneous components, at least on a wholesale level. Maybe if you called an antique dealer at a larger town/city you could get some leads.
And hey, if you do, please send me an email!
Ragnar
Edited 11/23/2002 11:41:21 PM ET by ragnar
Contact Rejuvenation in Portland, OR. They make period light fixtures, and might be able to supply you with the components in bulk. They usually have a full page ad in old house journal.
Thanks for the tip. I do get to Portland occasionally.
On your internet tool bar go to "Search"...........type in "Lamp Harp"............you should get several resources for your needed information.
Also try lampshop.com ...........................Iron Helix
Thanks. I will give it a try.
Here's another lead for you both.
http://www.vandykes.com/
These folks also have some parts to offer. I haven't investigated the selection on-line, but their catalog will have everything they offer.
Thanks for the tips, guys.
when I read your question my first thot was rejuv....here's the deets in case you haven't checked into it yet. rejuvenation.com 888.401.1900 retail store at 1100 S.E. Grand Ave., Portland, OR. It is a fantastic place if you can get yourself there. Plan at least one FULL day to see most of it. Have fun and good luck!
Thanks. Same tip from "Wood".
Thanks.
Look in Leviton, Hubbell, and Bryant catalogs. They are the manufacturers of the sockets, switches and other thingamabobs that make up light fixtures. There may be cheaper alternatives but I can't imagine that a savings of 60 cents would sway you from using a reliable inspected part.
http://www.hubbell-ltg.com/
http://www.lithonia.com/
http://www.lutron.com/lutron/
There should be a listing of local distributors that you can select from. You could find one that will ship UPS especially if you pay with a credit card. Otherwise do a Google search and find some alternatives.
If you are going to make fluorescent fixtures you may want to search out some ballast manufacturers. They also sell tons of varieties that you'll need to review. Ping me back if you need info on those.
Do be cautious on heat and clearances of materials from the lamps you use. 60 to 80 percent of the power used by an incandescent goes out in heat energy rather than light output. Fluorescent is far more efficient, that is if you can live with the 60 cycle strobing effect of a fluorescent lamp.
Those are the working parts. As for the fixturing and decorations find a local Laser shop. One around her will take a CAD drawing and cut out anything you can conceive. One they make is an animal scene (moose, deer,bear, buffalo, etc ) and make it into a 4" wide strip so that the edge of the light fixture shines thru the scene.
Setup will kill you 3-500 clams. Unless of course you are making many fixtures you can use to amortize the cost of the setup.
All the best.
I gave you bad info on the Hubbell link. I was thinking of McGill. They are now a division of Cooper. Look under "lampholders" in the on-line catalog. Lots of parts available there. Switches too.
http://www.cooperwiringdevices.com
Specifically this section:
http://www.cooperwiringdevices.com/catalog/category_index.cfm?Section_category=1182
Good luck.