First off, this is all about design and what looks "good". And good is
in the eye of the beholder.
Someone else mentioned starting with the glass parts. I agree fully. The
smaller (6" +/-) globes and shades are commonly available where ever
they sell ceiling fans. Ceiling fixture glass (12" to 16") is virtually
impossible to buy separate from a full light fixture.
Tubing for this sort of thing will vary depending on the "Look" that you
want. 3/8"x .049" wall is quite stout for fixtures up to about 18"
across. 3/8" x ..032" (20 ga) is fine, easier to work with, but may not
be as rigid. 1/4" tube is pretty wimpy, almost impossible to string
plastic insulted wire through. 1/2" and larger tubes are tough to bend
without special equipment (mandrels, support, and all that)
If you are after a 'wrought iron' look, 3/8" square hot rolled is very
easy to work with. It bends nicely, you can do the twisted sections in a
vice and a big pipe wrench.
The sweep bends are pretty much trial and error. Easiest way to get
started is to cut the desired bend in some plywood the same thickness as
the tube diameter. Cut a couple more pieces a bit bigger and sandwich it
together. Clamp the whole thing in the vice to keep the sides from
spreading, start on one end, bend the part over the form. The trick is
to make all of the desired bend for any 1/2" section all at once.
I'd suggest doing whatever it takes to get a mockup of the design before
fighting with tub bending. Soft copper is much easier to deal with,
changes involve tweakig with your thumbs. You could even paint it flat
black and wire it up.
ED wrote:
On Thu, 07 Feb 2008 09:56:40 -0600, RoyJ
wrote:
Tnks for the info- more Q's
Any specs/sources on tubing type? Hows
that stuff to bend into the S's without collapsing? HarborFreight
cheapo bender or some shopmade tool? Can't be much force
needed to beyond armstrong to bend this stuff.
Are the wires soldered and dipped? The oiled bronze
finish seems to be in vogue now, auto paint? ED
Tell me about the prices!! SWMBO has been on a tear to get some fixtures
for her office. Right now it's back to a bare twisty florescent bulb,
the last 3 fixtures were "not quite right"!!!
The electrical parts are easy to get. Everything is standardized on 1/8"
pipe size fittings. Things like candelabra sized sockets, twin standard
sockets, finals, ceiling rings, hooks, etc. The larger floor torchiere's
use 1/4" pipe. Basic stock for these items can be had at the local home
store, augmented stock from the hole in the wall lighting stores. There
are a fair number of on-line parts suppliers. Here's one (of many)
http://www.chandelierparts.com/index.html
The arms and such are small diameter steel tube, steel rod, and steel
strap. Standard forming operations, the decreasing radius pieces are
fun, doing it with tube is even more fun. Assemble with brazing, it
flows out much nicer than weld.
Finish coat is a problem for me: flat white (modern) and flat black (the
wrought iron look) are not an issue. But getting the pseudo antique
patina look is a bummer.
I have another fixture in the hallway that came from Home Depot. The
original item had a lovely ablaster shade and a hideous shape and color
of support. It was a closeout, they marked it down another 15% for no
box, came with a couple of florescent twisty bulbs. I cut the support
arms off, bent them so they were hidden but still useful, mounted it up.
It passed inspection with no comments so it must be good. 
And 1/6
the cost of the first one she tried in that spot.
ED wrote:
I'm in the market for some new light fixtures and while shopping
around I was floored by the asking price for these objects de art.
It..really doesn't look all that hard to diy. Arts/crafts,
blacksmithed kind things is what I have in mind. I have
welding, machinng skills/tools, and always looking for
any excuse to get a new tool...
Something like this would make my wify very very appreciative..:-)
http://www.vtforge.com/Products/Cata...age116_117.htm
Lists @ $1K-ish
Looking for any references or tips, sources for parts, materials ED