Creating a Cassette Tape Lamp: A DIY Project

To create a unique and fascinating lamp, we will be using cassette tapes as the primary material. The process involves several steps, from preparing the cassettes to assembling the lamp body.

Preparing the Cassette Tapes

We started by selecting 24 cassette tapes of different lengths and colors. We then attached these cassettes to each other in a specific pattern, making sure that each corner is as square as possible. This was done using adhesive tape and repeated for each side of the cassette tape. The resulting structure resembled a geometric puzzle.

Assembling the First Level of the Lamp Body

Once we had created the initial structure of our cassette tape lamp, it was time to attach the tapes together to form a solid unit. We did this by gluing the tapes along the edges and going all the way around the cassette tape. This process was repeated for each level of the lamp body, with the first level consisting of three layers of cassettes.

The Second Level of the Lamp Body

To add more depth and visual interest to our lamp, we created a second level using 24 cassettes again. We staggered the full reel on one side of the cassette tape with the MT reel just to make it look different. The process involved gluing the tapes together and going all the way around the cassette tape.

Measuring and Cutting the Base

Before assembling the lamp body, we needed to create a base for it. We measured both sides of the body, with one side being approximately 8 3/4 inches long and the other side being exactly 8 inches long. A piece of half-inch plywood was used as the base, which was then cut to size using a quick square.

Assembling the Base

Using the quick square, we drew some lines on the plywood base. We also marked out the location where the power cord would be inserted and drilled a hole through the center of the base. A groove was then cut where the power cord would run flush. The stripped end of the power cord was then run through the hole in the base.

Completing the Base Assembly

To fasten the lamp holder to the base, bronze wood screws were used. The lamp holder was attached to the base using these screws and a bead of hot glue. The power cord was then completed by attaching it to the original lamp holder chain and securing it with another piece of hot glue.

Attaching the Chain

The pull chain on this lamp holder was not long enough, so an extension chain from an old ceiling fan was used. This chain was attached to the original lamp holder chain using a connector. The chain was then glued in place at one end and around the top edge of the base.

Lowering the Lamp Body onto the Base

Once we had completed all the previous steps, it was time to lower our cassette tape lamp body onto the base. We made sure that the edges were flush with the base and adjusted as needed to create a seamless fit.

Adding Lighting to the Lamp

To complete the lamp, we needed a light source. A color-changing LED light bulb with remote control was chosen, which is available for purchase through a link provided in the description. The bulb was screwed into the base of the lamp, providing the necessary lighting.

Creating the Top of the Lamp

For the top of our lamp, a transparent piece from an old drop ceiling fluorescent light diffuser was used. This was scored and cracked to fit perfectly over the top of the lamp, with double-sided tape securing it in place for stability. The top was designed to be removable if needed.

Turning on the Lamp

Finally, we plugged in the lamp and pulled the pull chain, turning it on. The glow from the LED light bulb was impressive, especially when combined with the remote-control features of the lamp.

Conclusion

Creating a unique cassette tape lamp requires patience, creativity, and attention to detail. By following these steps, you can turn old cassette tapes into a fascinating and functional lighting fixture. Whether used as a party light or simply as a decorative piece, this DIY project is sure to impress.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enthe compact cassette or cassette tape invented in 1962 it became the go-to audio format in the 70s and 80s pretty much extinct now it's time to do something fun with these vintage tapes I was able to find a whole lot of brand-new cassette tapes for about 70 cents apiece these are exactly what I need for this project because of the clear case but there is one small modification that needs to be made to these tapes and that's this raised area on both sides of the tape while it's probably not absolutely necessary for this project I thought it would be better if these raised areas were flattened and flush with the side of the tape so I used my Dremel to sand those down now the sides of these tapes are flat which will allow for nice straight connections between them now it's time to use my handy quick square to get this project going using the quick square I'm going to line up two cassettes to form the first corner and it's time to break out the hot glue gun as we're going to be using this pretty extensively through this project now I'm just using hot glue because it's easier but you can use any glue that will adhere plastic together I'll run a small bead along the edge of this first cassette and then line it up with the second one at the corner make sure they're square and glue those two cassette tapes together then repeating this process we'll add the third piece along one side and the fourth piece along the other side then it's time for the next corner again making sure it's as square as possible before you adhere the two tapes together once you've gone all the way around it's time to add your last piece for this base we don't need to use the square for this because everything else is already square and the first level of our cassette tape lamp is complete now it's time to repeat this entire process for the second level of our cassette tape lamp and as you can see I staggered the full reel on the one side of the cassette tape with the MT reel just to make it look a little bit different continue gluing the tapes and go all the way around and I did three levels for my cassette tape lamp with a total of 24 cassettes ok the complete body of our cassette tape line up is complete now it's time to work on the base so we need to measure both sides of the body of our lamp one side is about 8 and 3/4 inches and the other side is right at 8 inches long I found a piece of half-inch plywood that'll work perfect for the base so I went ahead and made some marks use the quick square to draw some lines and then out to the garage to cut this piece of wood to size then it took it outside and hit it with some flat black paint I picked up one more item and that's this plastic pull chain lamp holder I got it for just over three bucks at my home improvement store and I went ahead and painted that flat black as well now it's going to require a power cord but anytime an electronic appliance or something around a home breaks or blows up I save the power cord so I'll be using this one for this project I went ahead and drilled a hole through the center of our wood base and also cut a groove where the power cord will run flush I ran the stripped end of our power cord through the hole in our base and then completed the two connections on the lamp holder to bronze wood screws will be used to fasten the lamp holder to our wood base then I drew a nice bead of hot glue along that groove and ran our power cord in there so that it'll be flush when we flip it over now the pull chain on this lamp holder is not long enough so I dug through my parts bin and found this chain from an old ceiling fan I'll be using one of the capstan or pinch roller openings to run my chain through so I'll drop that extension chain through the hole then using a connector I'll attach it to the original lamp holder chain hot glue one more time and this will be a bead all the way around the top edge of our base and it's time to lower our cassette tape lamp body onto the base make sure it's flush and square with the base edges okay we're going to need a light source for our lamp so I chose this color changing LED light bulb with remote control there's a link in the description where you can pick one of these up that will get screwed into the base now I needed a top and I wanted something transparent but not completely clear hunting around out on the garage I found this cracked drop ceiling fluorescent light diffuser piece which will be perfect for a top so I scored and cracked a piece perfectly square to fit over the top of our lamp and then use some double-sided tape and put that down in four corners just to hold it in place because I will need remove this top at some point if I want to change that light bowl okay here we go I plugged it in and pulled the pull chain and our lamp is lit the glow is awesome and with all the remote-control functions the cassette-tape lamp makes for a great party light I might even add a circuit that allows it to flash to music so that's how to turn cool vintage cassette tapes from the 70s into a glowing party lamp and speaking of the 70s I grew up then so till we live it I've been listening to this audiobook I downloaded from audible the spirit of 76 from politics to technology the Year America went rock and roll audible has an unmatched selection of audiobooks audio shows news comedy and more audible carries titles from just about every category you could think of and with audible you own your books and can listen to them anytime anywhere with a free app for your smartphone Amazon device tablet or computer it's easy to get started try audible start with a free book courtesy of me Kipkay get the free app and enjoy all the great membership benefits so get your free audiobook right now by going to audible.com slash Kipkay now when you do that not only do you get a free audiobook but you're helping me make more videos for you that's audible.com slash Kipkay thanks for watching we'll see you next timethe compact cassette or cassette tape invented in 1962 it became the go-to audio format in the 70s and 80s pretty much extinct now it's time to do something fun with these vintage tapes I was able to find a whole lot of brand-new cassette tapes for about 70 cents apiece these are exactly what I need for this project because of the clear case but there is one small modification that needs to be made to these tapes and that's this raised area on both sides of the tape while it's probably not absolutely necessary for this project I thought it would be better if these raised areas were flattened and flush with the side of the tape so I used my Dremel to sand those down now the sides of these tapes are flat which will allow for nice straight connections between them now it's time to use my handy quick square to get this project going using the quick square I'm going to line up two cassettes to form the first corner and it's time to break out the hot glue gun as we're going to be using this pretty extensively through this project now I'm just using hot glue because it's easier but you can use any glue that will adhere plastic together I'll run a small bead along the edge of this first cassette and then line it up with the second one at the corner make sure they're square and glue those two cassette tapes together then repeating this process we'll add the third piece along one side and the fourth piece along the other side then it's time for the next corner again making sure it's as square as possible before you adhere the two tapes together once you've gone all the way around it's time to add your last piece for this base we don't need to use the square for this because everything else is already square and the first level of our cassette tape lamp is complete now it's time to repeat this entire process for the second level of our cassette tape lamp and as you can see I staggered the full reel on the one side of the cassette tape with the MT reel just to make it look a little bit different continue gluing the tapes and go all the way around and I did three levels for my cassette tape lamp with a total of 24 cassettes ok the complete body of our cassette tape line up is complete now it's time to work on the base so we need to measure both sides of the body of our lamp one side is about 8 and 3/4 inches and the other side is right at 8 inches long I found a piece of half-inch plywood that'll work perfect for the base so I went ahead and made some marks use the quick square to draw some lines and then out to the garage to cut this piece of wood to size then it took it outside and hit it with some flat black paint I picked up one more item and that's this plastic pull chain lamp holder I got it for just over three bucks at my home improvement store and I went ahead and painted that flat black as well now it's going to require a power cord but anytime an electronic appliance or something around a home breaks or blows up I save the power cord so I'll be using this one for this project I went ahead and drilled a hole through the center of our wood base and also cut a groove where the power cord will run flush I ran the stripped end of our power cord through the hole in our base and then completed the two connections on the lamp holder to bronze wood screws will be used to fasten the lamp holder to our wood base then I drew a nice bead of hot glue along that groove and ran our power cord in there so that it'll be flush when we flip it over now the pull chain on this lamp holder is not long enough so I dug through my parts bin and found this chain from an old ceiling fan I'll be using one of the capstan or pinch roller openings to run my chain through so I'll drop that extension chain through the hole then using a connector I'll attach it to the original lamp holder chain hot glue one more time and this will be a bead all the way around the top edge of our base and it's time to lower our cassette tape lamp body onto the base make sure it's flush and square with the base edges okay we're going to need a light source for our lamp so I chose this color changing LED light bulb with remote control there's a link in the description where you can pick one of these up that will get screwed into the base now I needed a top and I wanted something transparent but not completely clear hunting around out on the garage I found this cracked drop ceiling fluorescent light diffuser piece which will be perfect for a top so I scored and cracked a piece perfectly square to fit over the top of our lamp and then use some double-sided tape and put that down in four corners just to hold it in place because I will need remove this top at some point if I want to change that light bowl okay here we go I plugged it in and pulled the pull chain and our lamp is lit the glow is awesome and with all the remote-control functions the cassette-tape lamp makes for a great party light I might even add a circuit that allows it to flash to music so that's how to turn cool vintage cassette tapes from the 70s into a glowing party lamp and speaking of the 70s I grew up then so till we live it I've been listening to this audiobook I downloaded from audible the spirit of 76 from politics to technology the Year America went rock and roll audible has an unmatched selection of audiobooks audio shows news comedy and more audible carries titles from just about every category you could think of and with audible you own your books and can listen to them anytime anywhere with a free app for your smartphone Amazon device tablet or computer it's easy to get started try audible start with a free book courtesy of me Kipkay get the free app and enjoy all the great membership benefits so get your free audiobook right now by going to audible.com slash Kipkay now when you do that not only do you get a free audiobook but you're helping me make more videos for you that's audible.com slash Kipkay thanks for watching we'll see you next time\n"