[TheForge] lampshade approach

[Bruce Freeman]

I'm a little unclear how this lamp shade was to have
been constructed.  However, on the off chance someone
wants to make a lampshade out of tinplate, here's a
good way:

Cut out a stiff cardboard the shape of the top opening
of the shade, and a similar one the shape of the
bottom opening.  Using threaded rods or whatever works
for you, mount these on their respective centers, the
proper distance apart.  Make sure the two forms are
rigid relative to each other.

Now, roll the assembly along a large piece of paper,
noting when you return to the starting point.  If the
two forms are both circles, you'll get a crescent-like
shape that all of us associate with the flat version
of a truncated cone.  If the two forms are both
squares, you'll get a squared-off equivalent to the
crescent-like shape.  

Note that the two forms may be anything you like.  One
may be a circle, the other a square, or whatever. 
Only requirement: they both be "convex" shapes.   (A
square, circle, oval, elipse, or rectangle is convex. 
A heart-shape, crescent, five-pointed star is not.)

You can choose to start the pattern anywhere you like.
 So, for instance, if you want the seam of a square
lampshade on the corner of the lampshade, then mark
one corner and start and stop the pattern there.  If
you'd rather it in the center of one side of the
lampshade, mark that point on both forms, and start
and stop there.

Be sure to allow means of joining at the seam, usually
by means of a tab.

Bruce
NJ


 
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