How can I replace the crumbled weight base of my torchiere lamp?

Question

My father in law had this beautiful torchiere lamp and it was one of the few things we have left of his and the base plaster weight crumbled and fell out  (no photos because it is in the midst of a sea of boxes as we are moving in 2 weeks ) .  I really want to save this lamp, the electronics of it work fine.   Does anyone deal with this kind of thing or have any ideas?   Thanks a bunch.

Neva Dew · Answer

My 1st thoughts - mix up some more plaster and just replace. Or add some kind of heavy metal 'weights' (cruise the hardware store for ideas) - it all depends on what the base looks like and how it is made.

Jim Saurman · Answer

I agree with Neva. Home Depot sells plaster in the paint section near the drywall compound and spackle, just mix it up, pour it in and let it dry. Be aware it gets very hot while drying. After it is dry, sand it smooth and glue a piece of felt on it from the fabric store so it won't scratch the floor.

Jean · Answer

It's the funniest thing. I was looking at something else on Ebay this very morning and saw (amongst the seller whose items I was perusing) these antique lamp base weights. And I thought to myself, 'Now who in the world would want those old things??' Well, apparently you do! So check Ebay. Here's the URL for the ones I saw: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Pair-of-Cast-Iron-3-1-4-Round-Lamp-Base-Weight-1-Pound-Each-M501-/151784886733?hash=item23571591cd:g:F8UAAOSw9N1V04Ix They might not be the exact ones you want but it shows that they are out there. Good luck!!

Pierce1110 · Answer

What I would do is to make a bottom of wood like cearter it will lat and get some good glue to glue it in place.

Tina Hill · Answer

think we will be trying the plaster and some fishing weights embedded in the plaster to give it more weight ... thanks everybody !

Dave · Answer

Go to www.mylampparts.com. They have cast iron bases made specifically to replace the cheap crumbled concrete bases that come with most floor lamps. They are a bit pricey but you will never need to replace them again!

Szh21707862 · Answer

I fixed mine by attaching a 5 lb barbell weight to the bottom in place of the original base

Aj · Answer

I got a table lamp kind thing, but this is close to 7 feet and same as you I broke the bottom plaster too . I am thinking of getting a round plate (exercise weights) 15 or 20 pounder that whose circumference is not bigger than the lamp base and fix it with not and bolt same as how the plaster was.. if the hole in the middle of the plate is big then put a big washer and fix the nut.. hope it helps you

Cheers,

Arjun

Cheers,

Arjun

Randolph · Answer

So is consensus, plaster will not be heavy enough on its own? I am going to put 4' PVC over inner opening, in underside of metal base. To make room for working the nut back on to the lap pole rod. Then fill it up with plaster or whatever. The metal base is 5 ' deep. Still thinking through, what to use to make it heavier. On a continued note-the concrete inner base covered in hard plastic coating, just disintegrated, plastic also. Can break with your hands. Must be the lye in concrete. Also need to make sure metal base strong enough to hold weight of lamp straight. The original plastic covered concrete had a plastic bracket to bolt the rod to.

Gary Levin · Answer

I used a bar bell weight with plastic feet bolted in, I drilled 4 holes from the top down and used big washers to bolt it in with nylock nuts then repainted the base flat black, the bolts are not really noticeable

B.L.vanNorman · Answer

backerboard - It weighs the same as concrete because it is concrete (without the rocks). Backerboard has a re-bar like (fiberglass) mesh reinforcement so it doesn't crumble. It is easy to carve as 40 year old set concrete (not). I use a concrete drill to rough out the shape, then a hammer, chisel, jigsaw, and a collection of blades to break through the fiberglass. It takes a lot of patience and a good collection of swear words.

How can I replace the crumbled weight base of my torchiere lamp?

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How can I replace the crumbled weight base of my torchiere lamp?

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