Clamp Lamps for the Workshop

Woodworking Workshop
Clamp Lamps for the Workshop

Ben Light made these simple and elegant “Clamp Lamps” for his workshop. The wooden bases attach easily to the end of a bench or table with a simple C clamp, and have gooseneck attachments upon the ends of which one can attach all manner of objects, such as a lamp or magnifying glass. These could be great accessories for your Helping Hands or Panavise, but also have a nice clean look on their own.

18 thoughts on “Clamp Lamps for the Workshop

    1. Michael Colombo says:

      Many times work can be its own reward.

    2. LDM says:

      I hate the spring loaded arm mounts like you linked to, but the gooseneck looks interesting. Will have to see if flexible electrical conduit can hold enough of a shape to make the lamps.

    3. barb says:

      you get what you pay for. I like the ones made they look much sturder,

  1. stuckintampaTony Wilhoit says:

    How did you find the flex tubes and hardware to do this? I’m in Tampa Florida and things like that aren’t easily found. also how did you secure the flex rod in the wooden block? did you use conduit fittings? Then how did you attach the light and the lenses?
    If you can.
    Please advise.
    thank you
    Tony Wilhoit
    stuckintampa@hotmail.com

    1. Clamp Lamps for the Workshop blightdesign says:

      Hey Tony,
      All of the lamp hardware (gooseneck, cord, light socket) can be found at Grand Brass (http://www.grandbrass.com). But you might be able to find the materials at your local hardware store. The flexible gooseneck has threading on each end, I just drilled a bit smaller of a hole in the wooden base and tapped it. The light socket has the correct threading to attach to the gooseneck.
      The lens was a custom job and kind of depends on what you have available.
      Good Luck
      Ben

  2. jamesbx says:

    I think at some point I drilled a big metal spring clamp and mounted a light to it. I drill a lot of holes, but vaguely recall that it was a clamp-on reflector light that had gone limp. Drilled a hole through the reflector, bolted to the spring clamp, and bent it to position. Not an elegant solution, but quick and done with what was on hand.

    http://www.harborfreight.com/2-inch-capacity-steel-spring-clamp-39529.html

  3. Eofhan says:

    Easiest (and cheapest!) way to get the hardware is a defunct clip lamp from the local Goodwill store. The clamp is already attached. Just pull the lamp. (This same inspiration struck me.) Any thoughts on mounting a Panavise, Jr. head instead of the magnifier? Seems light enough, and a great way to position the vise.

  4. Patrick says:

    How did you make that lens!!?

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In addition to being an online editor for MAKE Magazine, Michael Colombo works in fabrication, electronics, sound design, music production and performance (Yes. All that.) In the past he has also been a childrens' educator and entertainer, and holds a Masters degree from NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program.

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