candle holder.pdf

Colonial Candlestick with Reflector

(This was taken from an old book called 55 New Tin-Can Projects by Jos. J. Lukowitz, published by The Bruce Publishing Comapny in 1936)

The colonial candlestick, Fig. 51, is made from two 3 3/8 by 4 1/2-in. cans.  The base, candle socket, and handle are made from one can and the reflector is made from the other can.

To make the base, draw a line around one can 5/8 in. from the bottom as shown at A or B, Fig. 14 (not shown).  Cut the can as described in Section IV.  Flare the edge of the base as shown at B, Fig. 24, or in Fig. 25.  Strike lightly with overlapping blows and go around the edge three or four times.  From the tin left from this can cut the material for the candle socket and the handle.  The size of the tin for the socket and handle is shown in Fig. 52.  Section II may be referred to for the directions on laying out work.  Two different designs for handles are shown at D and E in Fig. 52.  Fold the edge of the handles as shown at C and D in Figure 16, or use the roofing folder shown at Fig. 17.

The forming of the candle socket is shown in Fig. 53.  When the socket is locked as shown at E, Fig. 53, place it over a piece of pipe or over a round stick and tap it lightly with a wooden mallet to get it perfectly round.

Place a little soldering past on the inside of the socket at the lower edge and set it in the center of the base with three small pieces of solder, as shown at A in Fig. 54.  Place the base and socket over a gas flame or alcohol lamp as shown at B, Fig. 54.  When the solder melts it will flow around the joint of its own accord.  When the solder flows, shut off the gas or remove the alcohol lamp.  Do not move the base until the solder has hardened, and be careful not to heat the work too much or the work may be spoiled.  The details for making the reflector are given in Fig. 52.  It is made from the tin obtained from the second can.  When the reflector is cut to shape, file the edges to remove the sharp corners.  Do not push the file across the edge, but move it lengthwise with the edge.  Bend the reflector over any round object to fit the base.  Next make the handle and solder it to the reflector.

Then cut a block of wood about 3/4 in. thick as shown at C, Fig. 54.  This block should fit so that when the reflector has been placed inside the base, and the round wooden block inserted as shown at D, Fig. 54, the reflector will be held firmly in position for soldering.  After the solder has set, remove the round block and wash the soldering paste from the candlestick with hot soapy water.  The candlestick may then be enameled in one or two colors, or certain parts, such as the reflector, may be left bright.  The candlestick in Fig. 51 was enameled blue, speckled with tiny bits of white and yellow.  To put on this type of finish, allow the blue to dry.  The put a few drops of white on a piece of wood or tin, and dip a small piece of crumpled paper in this enamel.  Stipple this over the blue.  Then take a few drops of yellow and repeat the operation.  The yellow daubs should be applied on her and there.

This candlestick may also be used as a sconce by leaving the handle off and punching a hole near the top of the reflector so that it may be hung on the wall.  The hole may be punched with a nail from which the point has been filed or ground off.  See Fig. 71.