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Lampshade from Recycled Bottle Caps

Lampshade from Recycled Bottle Caps

mortier
mortier
Published 3y. Edited 1y.Published about 3 years ago. Last edit about 1 year ago.
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We will show you how to bend a recycled plastic sheet from the sheet press without heat or mold. This technique is inspired by a woodworking technique called ‘kerfing’. Kerfing is a wood bending method done without water or steam.
< 1 day
Medium
HDPE
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More Information
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2160
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5
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1
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7

1

Prepare all the materials and tools

Here’s what you need: - The HDPE plastic board that you’re going to bend: - 30 cm x 10,5 cm, 5 mm (thickness)
 - ⌀9,5 cm, 5 mm (thickness) 
 - A portable sanding machine
 - A soldering iron
 - A table saw - Rope

Step 1 Gallery image 1

2

Score the plastic

First, we’re using the table saw to score the plastic. Cut 3 mm in depth while keeping a 5 mm distance between each cut. Make sure you’re scoring the board perpendicular to the direction of the bend.
Step 2 Gallery image 1

3

Thin out the end sides of the plastic board

Thin out the end sides of the plastic board using a portable sanding machine so that the sides will fit better in the next step.
Step 3 Gallery image 1

4

Bend it

Now bend it carefully! Use a rope to tighten it in place.
Step 4 Gallery image 1
Step 4 Gallery image 1
Step 4 Gallery image 2

5

Weld the end pieces of plastic

With the help of a soldering iron, weld the end pieces of plastic together. Make sure you do it well.
Step 5 Gallery image 1
Step 5 Gallery image 1
Step 5 Gallery image 2

6

Smooth out the welded part

Now back to the sanding machine again. Smooth out the welded part to get that nice and evenly joint.
Step 6 Gallery image 1

7

Done!

And voilà! Your beautiful, eco-friendly lampshade is done.
Step 7 Gallery image 1
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