Decided to try and make a MR16 LED work lamp.

I always have a supply of pop cans in the workshop, they make great shim material and a common use for me is to fit bearings onto shafts.

For this particular LED lamp a small coke can is exactly the right diameter. I need to buy some MR16 lamp holders but in the meantime lets have a go at making one.

From the auto connector kit straight wire joiners look the best bet. Cut the top off (tough plastic) and cleaned up on the belt & disc sander.

A bit to big but a squeeze with bull nosed pliers gives a nice push on fit. I have in mind later on to make a MDF socket base, drill two holes and epoxy in the pre wired connectors.

Cut the top out with aviation snips. Started rolling over the edge with dowel and hammer but realised the lamp will not fit, need to take out more.

Out with the rotary tool and fitted a cutting disc, nearly all the way around and it shattered – no spare. Add a reminder into Microsoft OneNote to buy a rotary tool accessory kit. Got better results with the drum sander, should have used that in the first place.

Cut off the bottom of the can and turn over. Try the lamp and it’s a nice fit.

More to come…