Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Brookfield, Brisbane
    Age
    49
    Posts
    1,127

    Default Ballast for a Lamp

    Hi WWF,

    I need some ballast to stop a lamp I am building from toppling forward. I am thinking somewhere between 5-10kg is required.

    I will recess the ballast into the underside of the base.

    Anyone got any suggestions on a cost effective solution and where I could pick it up from?

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Age
    2010
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,757

    Default

    A local steel merchant has some very interesting shapes of scrap available from time to time.
    They do a lot of laser cutting of holes in various materials so they generate lot of scrap discs. in steel, ally and SS.
    They charge $1/kg for plain steel and more for other materials.
    This is one I used on a Halogen workshop lamp that I converted to LED operation.
    Goer.jpg
    The disc is 280 mm in diameter, 14 mm thick and weighs ~7.7 kg.
    It's overkill by a few kgs but it does mean I can put it on any flat surface and it stays there even with the lamp arm (~1kg) at full extension.
    The disc is actually Bisalloy steel - its pretty hard and was a bugger to cut the threads in it to attach the lamp.
    I was going to paint it but it rusty coating gives it a semi-steam punk look. Besides it is only a workshop.
    I've used a many such discs in my workshop.

    Base.jpg

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Bundaberg
    Age
    54
    Posts
    3,402

    Default

    Concrete, cast iron or lead are the normal materials used for that type of base weight. Concrete is the cheapest & easiest to cast but has the least mass. Lead has the most mass and is relatively easy to melt and cast but is expensive. Cast iron is the favourite for commercial production; cheaper than lead and can be made into smaller weights than concrete but is pretty much out of the range of a non-commercial setting.

    You may be able to make a hybrid, whereby you bury heavy materials such as rebar in a concrete shell.
    Nothing succeeds like a budgie without a beak.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    NSW
    Posts
    1,610

    Default

    Workout/gym weights are typically $1/kg on gumtree, or brand new about twice that in Kmart.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    blue mountains
    Posts
    4,882

    Default

    They should be good for that as they have a hole in the center to mount with a bolt and washer. Of course the base will need to be made to suit the weight. Workout weights are also handy about the shed for some glueups.
    Regards
    John

Similar Threads

  1. Couple of 30 inch discs off a Wadkin JTA or JVA ballast to Vic & Tas.
    By clear out in forum ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE MACHINERY
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 8th March 2017, 10:07 PM
  2. External Ballast
    By makin-sawdust in forum BOAT BUILDING / REPAIRING
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 24th May 2013, 12:49 PM
  3. table lamp with birch lamp shade
    By Ad de Crom in forum WOODTURNING - GENERAL
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 29th June 2012, 11:19 PM
  4. lead for ballast
    By AndrewPatrol in forum BOAT BUILDING / REPAIRING
    Replies: 30
    Last Post: 14th December 2010, 08:53 AM
  5. When does fluoro ballast need replacing?
    By John G in forum PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL, HEATING, COOLING, etc
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 16th October 2007, 04:04 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •