As I mentioned in the previous installment, I altered my plan to use different lamp pipe to avoid having to use a decorative sleeve over all-thread lamp pipe.
I thought I'd try antique brass given this is a mid-century modern style lamp. Unfortunately, the antiquing read more black than brass. Not the look I was going for.
The antique brass pipe was a bust, and it had been a little fiddly to trim the threaded ends to ensure no threads would be visible when the two sections were joined with a coupler (not shown, but the coupler would be in the saddle at the top of the stave joint). So back to the Grand Brass website. While perusing parts, I saw that they also offered internal thread lamp pipe. The outer diameter was a little larger (1/2" instead of 3/8"), but it would solve the issue of having visible threads and would eliminate the need for a coupler. Essentially, the internal thread pipe becomes a long coupler. I like simplification, so I changed the plan again. Just in case there were assembly issues I wasn't considering with the new approach, I ordered both internal thread and external thread pipe, in brass this time. If I have to fall-back on the 3/8" pipe, I won't have to place another order.
For the base, I have a 3" section of pipe. I had to disc sand down maybe 1/16" from an end to make it fit under the stave joint, leaving a small gap below the joint (which won't be visible). The gap is just to ensure that the legs fully seat against the base.
A piece of all-thread gets installed next. It's long enough to protrude about 5/8" when the stave assembly is set in place.
The final 18" pipe and check-ring go next. This looks very much like the pipe proportions of the original lamp.
Unfortunately, the internal threads on the 18" pipe were cut off-axis. There was probably an inch of deflection over the length of the pipe. More than I could correct for with the stave bracket without distorting the lamp. I contacted Grand Brass and explained the problem and provided photos, and they'll be sending out a replacement. Here you can see the pipe tight against the rule and the all-thread going off at a wonky angle.
Another wait on hardware, but I've got a plan that I'm happy with.
Yeah, those threads were weird. I had hoped it was the all-thread, but I tried a number of different segments and they all threaded crooked. In both ends of the pipe.
I definitely could have gone the spray paint route and continued on with the antiqued pipe. But, since I had to purchase something (paint or pipe) and the prices at Grand Brass are pretty good (if you ignore shipping costs), I went with real brass. (The antiqued pipe was steel. A spec I had missed when I placed the order.) I'll save the antiqued pipe for some future project.
You can experiment with your own patinas on brass samples. Certainly not as easy as buying, but another tool in the noggin box.
The junctions of the rods into the wood look nice and clean, glad you are exploring all these options!
Re: the threads - yeah, that's what I was thinking. How could they possibly mess them up so badly?
I have already researched antiquing brass with salt and vinegar, and I may experiment with that. I'll see how the raw brass looks first before I decide whether to try that.
I'm pleased with how those Check Rings yield a finished look. Only $0.37 each, so money well spent.
Thanks, Petey. I don't invite delays, but this one caused me to re-think the lamp pipe options, and I'm happy I did. I'm very pleased with the results.
