Billiards light fixture

[Scooch]

I want to build a 3 bulb fixture for over my pool table.  Does anybody have any suggestions for constructing the actual fixture?

[Rebecca]

I want to build a 3 bulb fixture for over my pool table.  Does anybody have any suggestions for constructing the actual fixture?

Graham does.

Rebecca

[Tre V]

You mean three lights in a row...like this?   Obviously I didn"t make this..but trying to grasp your vision..

[Scooch]

Yup.  3 in a row but with one long shade

[Pea Swee]

I want to build a 3 bulb fixture for over my pool table.  Does anybody have any suggestions for constructing the actual fixture?

Graham does.
Rebecca

lol Rebecca, throwing Graham in the mix, I like that, he does know alot....

[Graham]

OK, so I've made a couple of pool table lampshades
I had no design when I started and this just sort of grew, as I built it. I finally "formalized" it, committing it to paper for a couple of my students. They successfully pulled it off, so I guess it's workable. This covers the construction of a panel-type shade - what goes into the panels is up to the builder. My students used patterns directly from pattern books for details.

It's rather lacking in detail, but hopefully that can get filled in, by the builder. If I can be of assistance - just holler.

[Tre V]

It's very nice of you to post that Graham.

[Kev]

That's a great reference design Graham..thanks for sharing it.

[Scooch]

Thanks Graham.  I hadn't thought of using spiders to hold the lights.  I was thinking that I needed a solid internal frame for the lights.  Good option.

[Rebecca]

Told ya!  I knew Graham had a plan.

I have seen them with brass bars for each light, too, but I like the spiders better.  I have done repairs of pool table lights where the tops were pulling away.  There is a lotta weight in one of these, so you might want to run wire from top edge to bottom in a few places to hold them together vertically. 

For a rustic look, you could have a blacksmith make a frame and then you would only have to put panels in it and do the wiring.

Rebecca

[Graham]

Told ya!  I knew Graham had a plan.

I have seen them with brass bars for each light, too, but I like the spiders better.  I have done repairs of pool table lights where the tops were pulling away.  There is a lotta weight in one of these, so you might want to run wire from top edge to bottom in a few places to hold them together vertically. 

For a rustic look, you could have a blacksmith make a frame and then you would only have to put panels in it and do the wiring.

Rebecca

Yup! Wire installed in every one. As you say, there's a lotta weight.
Vertical crown and skirt, with hard metal came around it makes it relatively "sag-proof".
I saw (played under) one of the lamps recently. It's about 10 years old, I guess. Holding up pretty well. That one was wired with ordinary sockets and frosted "Fat Albert" incandescent bulbs. Good light. The spiders are attached to the frame at the bottom of the skirt. I should probably update the drawing to include things I learned during and after the initial lamps.

[Wayne]

I bend one brass rod (brazing) to conform to the shape of the opening (aperture).   Then I use the brass crossbars for each light socket.  The brass crossbars are soldered to the brass, bent rod which makes the top a rigid structure.  The crossbars come drilled and threaded for the nipple which will hold the socket.  It is a very quick and very strong system.

http://www.warner-criv.com/search/search.aspx?type=dept&strSearch=519   to clarify the look of the crossbars

[Rebecca]

The ones that I have repaired have had just the tip of the crossbar soldered to the edge of the top opening.  I like being able to bend the arms of the spiders down and solder them into the seams.

Rebecca