I'm slowly creating the man cave of my dreams in the basement (sort of an English pub / Belgian Beer Cafe / TV room) and I just finished up making a couple of lamps out of these old Bell's mini kegs that I had been keeping for this very purpose.
They look great! I came across one of those Hopslam kegs once, but passed since I was heading to a party where I knew they had a keg of something. When I finally thought better of it and went back, it was gone. So sad...
Now I have to run out and drink a couple of mini kegs so I can get new lamps too! Awesome idea, thanks for sharing.
I've been holding on to Stone bombers for years to make desk lamps (yet to find satisfying part supply options) but now you've given reason for me to use those mini kegs! Damn if I can ever throw anything away.....
nice work. I did a 2 hearted ale for a friend and also a bunch of growler lamps that i gave away when i sold my house in October.
Very cool idea! I agree with the above comment about a larger shade looking better, but still great as is. Thanks for sharing this!
@spointon, those are very cool, but a question: The shade, bulb and top part of the lamp are probably making these lamps somewhat top heavy. Did you somehow add weight to the mini-keg for stability?
I think I'd go with 2-4 inches of plaster or drywall joint compound so it would mold itself to the bottom of the keg via its weight, and then dry up so no leaks afterward.
No, I haven't found it necessary. The keg is heavy enough to keep it stable. But then, I don't have little kids or pets running around them either :-)
Looks like the standard "lamp kit" (which typically come with a variety of rubber plugs) available in any hardware or home improvement store.
I made one of those out of a Dinkelacker mini keg back in college, ahem..., cough, cough, 30 years ago. Seems like such a short time ago. The lamp wasn't deemed house worthy when I got married, and didn't have a cave to put it in.
