Fire hazards

[Graham]

Should last a while 

[woodndesign]

I agree.
But, do you have any good examples or fire-safe receptacles ?

Col

I'm sure that Pete won't mind me adding to this, as we've both been involved in the discussion that he refers to on another forum/networking site.

The most commonly used holder for tea-lights is available through loads of sources on ebay, here's where I buy mine...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171198028355?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&var=470318213450&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
   ...at about 50p a time, you really can't go wrong.

Les

Hi Pete and Les,
I thought you might like to know Glimma tealight holders are sold by IKEA, much cheaper than the link on ebay. See http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/00114167/ 36 from IKEA would cost £6, not the £18.99 asked by the ebay seller.

Occasionally IKEA also do them in red glass, great for Xmas, but those aren't always available.

Another option, as we have just had a demo by Gerry Marlow doing exactly this, is to 'spin' a candle cup/dish from a piece of aluminium sheet. He used plastic formers but said you could use wood and it was all done on a woodturning lathe. When I have time, I will post a picture.

On cost I pick mine up when passing the store, ok there the time leaving and rejoining the M5 and finding ones way round the store,  .. but it's worth it, never know what else you'll find. LED Lights as well.

A look down the page there are larger holders and dishes too .. http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/search/?query=T+LIGHT+HOLDERS .. Now if they'd have the warning labels etc ...

  Cheers David

[malcy]

Here's a pair of candle holders with spun pewter at the top and base. I spun the pewter with tools and formers made by myself after watching a DVD lesson I purchased. making the tooling is quite straight forward as are the formers (from hard maple). It is not difficult to learn basic spinning which is all you need for things like this. I have not tried aluminium as I have not found a suitable source for this. Copper is more difficult, as I understand, as it hardens when spun and needs frequent annealing. I buy my pewter sheet as discs cut to size from The Pewter Sheet Company and use 1.25mm and 1.5mm thick material. Malcolm.

[Graham]

I like those.

[Rlewisrlou666]

Those are very, very nice Malcy.

Ebay is pretty cheap for Aluminium most metal sheet suppliers on there sell off cut bundles normally 1kg bags.

You could always try your local metal place they might have seconds/offcuts or they could just do you a good deal on the sheet.

[Graham]

With the metal tea light holders being so cheap at  places like Ikea et al what is the point in spending time making them ?

[bodrighywood]

With the metal tea light holders being so cheap at  places like Ikea et al what is the point in spending time making them ?

Because it is more fun making them?

Pete

[Rlewisrlou666]

I think it's more about seeing what you can make Graham,

Especially from my view point I'm a maker at heart and over the years I've made many things myself just to see if I can.

I have a Degree in Computer Games Design so most of my stuff is Computer based but I have Refurbished an old 1960's Fidelity Record player for my Dad, I have a 1950's Sky Queen Radio to do for him too.

I don't like buying new if I can make it myself not because I'm cheap but more because I like the challenge.

[Graham]

For those of us who are retired, or otherwise have the time, I quite agree but many that are posting on here are Pro turners and I wouldn't have thought it would pay for them.

[bodrighywood]

Often it is as you say, not cost effective to make things like candle holder if it is just for basic pieces but if you rte making OOAK more artistic items you need to be able to make things that are different, have some design features or uniqueness about them. I had to make a pair of candelabra for a customer from a pair of red deer antlers and had to design pewter sconces to suit the piece. No way could I have used the ones you buy. Also some things you can't get easily. Sconces for the larger candles are far more expensive and it is cheaper to cast and turn your own in pewter.

Pete

[Graham]

Fair enough Pete.

[Les Symonds]

I think there's also an issue with specialised pieces, like Malcy's candelabrae, it's important for the customer to know that you made them from scratch, rather than adding bought-in elements....and I'm sure that it keeps the price up!
Les