Light Bulb Socket for Homemade Lava Lamp?

[Kitty Capulet]

Hi all! It's been a while since I've posted anything. I'm still struggling with my homemade lava lamp concept, mainly the light socket and lamp base. I'm not sure what size or material would fit my project best. The globe is going to be an 800ml Voss water bottle, which has a diameter of 2.75 inches. I also can't decide what to use as a base, and how to keep the socket in place once it's in the base.

In other words, I have no idea what I'm doing and would appreciate any suggestions and advice. Thank you! :)

[Claude J]

Several China knockoff lamps might have the right diameter you require

If not, cut tabs into the edge of a standard lava lamp base and bend up to hold the bottle, 

Cover the tabs with tape of=r hose clamp

[Kitty Capulet]

Thank you! :) I'll look into those and see if they have any with a cylindrical shape. Ideally I'd like the base to look like it's part of the bottle, if that makes sense.

[Claude J]

I have actually used small coffee cans and  christmas cookie tins in the past

Go to local resale with an open mind and you will be surprised at what can be repurposed

also, those "Can" track lights can be used if set upside down

[Claude J]

[Galaxy_9]

As Claude said, Yes, go to thrift stores! Don't be shy to take your empty Voss bottle with you and see what fits with it. Check out the cookware area to look for storage cookie jars, food containers, etc made of metal. I made one sometime ago from a pastry or cookie tin (smaller than a coffee tin), and an old tall glass pasta cylinder jar. Both were on the shelf near each other! And they fit snugly. So I made a giant capri style lamp, it was great but I broke it accidentally after many years :(  For the base, take a drill and make a hole in the bottom for a light socket / threaded post / wire to pass through. Porcelain sockets are king. Much better than plastic or thin aluminum ones that snap together (those are lined with cardboard...fire hazard). A light socket kit with the different size threaded post are best for starters to experiment with best size to fit in the base with bulb. If you can get intermediate size sockets / bulbs it will save you space for small bases. Good luck with everything!