3D Printed Oil Rain Lamp

3D printed oil rain lamp that I designed based on the original rain lamps from the 70s era. My Grandmother had one of these when I was a kid and I was always amazed by it. I found myself wishing I had one as an adult so I made one myself. Due to the popularity of the posts I have made online about it I am writing this instructable so you too can have your very own oil rain lamp! This instructable does not have instructions for printing and placing the center feature. However, it is fully customizable to print your own statue of your choosing and place it in the center.

DISCLAIMER: This project includes wiring of 120v ac components which can kill you. Attempt this project at your own risk only if you know what you are doing. Otherwise, please consult a licensed electrician to wire the electrical components for you. I am not responsible for any damage or injury you may cause.

.stl files found at: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/home/oil-rain-lamp-jryanbrodnax

Two 1 KG spools of filament. (PLA+ minimum recommended strength)

1 KG roll of filament of your choice for center feature

M4 button head screws DYWISHKEY 200 Pieces M4 x 5mm/6mm/8mm/12mm/16mm/20mm/25mm Stainless Steel 304 Hex Button Head Cap Bolts and Nuts Kit

This pump Jebao PP-377 105 GPH Submersible Fountain Pond Water Pump 5W, Gray

Lamp base Legrand - Pass & Seymour White Medium Base Cleat Lamp Socket (Color may vary)

30lb test monofilament fishing line Triple Fish 30 lb Test Mono Leader Fishing Line, Camo, 0.55 mm/50 yd

LED bulb LED Light Bulbs 40 Watt Equivalent Color Changing E26 Screw 45°, 12 Colors Dimmable Warm White 2700K RGB LED Spot Light Bulb with 5W Remote Control,(Pack of 4)

vinyl tubing for pump Quickun Lightweight Grade PVC Vinyl Tubing, 1/2" ID x 9/16" OD Plastic Flexible Hybrid Clear PVC Tubing Hose BPA Free Line, 3.3FT

Epoxy

Clear spray paint

Super Glue

Orange wire nut or Solder

Electrical tape

32oz. Pure mineral oil

Tools: Allen wrench (supplied with screw kit), Phillips screwdriver, wire strippers, soldering iron (optional), clippers for fishing line.

The lamp consists of 4 printed parts. Top, Bottom, Basin, and Cap.

A thick coat or 2 of clear spray paint in the basin and the top will seal the parts and keep the oil where it is supposed to be.

In this step, you will need 6 M4x5mm screws and 1 M4x20mm screw. The 5mm screws are used to affix the cap and the basin. The 20mm screw is used in the line tensioner. All holes are designed to be threaded by the screws the first time they are inserted.

Assemble the lamp top and lamp bottom pieces. The 3 tubes/legs of the lamp are designed to fit together. Carefully apply epoxy around the smaller portions all the way around the tubes. Align all 3 tubes and fit them together. The lamp holder will also need to be epoxied into the center of the cap. Allow to fully dry before going to the next step.

Start threading the fishing line into this hole.

Pull line straight down from the top hole into the bottom hole directly below it right next to the tube.

Thread line straight back up thru the next hole to the left and go back up to the hole directly above through the top. Continue this threading pattern all the way around the outer holes of the lamp feeding slack around as you go.

After threading the line down through the last of the outer holes, thread the line back up through the inner hole right next to it.

Go back up through the top as you have been except this time you will go through the next hole in the pattern causing the line to slant when pulled tight. Continue threading around the inner holes pulling slack around as you go.

After threading is complete pull the line down each side of the block and put each end through the tensioner holes as pictured.

Pull all the slack around the lamp toward the ends until the line is as tight as you can get it by hand all the way around. Tie ends together and super glue the knot to prevent it from coming untied.

Begin unscrewing tensioner tightening the line even further ensuring to pull on the lines all the way around to even out the tension. Do this until all lines are tight and perfectly straight.

Measure the power cord 24 inches from the pump and cut the cord using a pair of wire strippers. Strip 3 to 4 inches of the outer black rubber casing on the cable from each cut end. Strip 1 inch of insulation from both sets of the black, white, and green wires.

Take the cord that is still attached to the pump and feed it through the longest of the 3 tubes from the bottom. Feed the cord with the plug attached through the cap from the outside to the inside. The black rubber will be kind of difficult to get through the hole in the cap and will require lubrication but it will go.

Twist green wires together and secure them with a wire nut or solder. Put electrical tape over the connection. Attach BOTH black wires to gold screw on the lamp base. Attach BOTH white wires to the silver screw on the lamp base. Screw the bulb into the base.

Cut 13 inches of the clear vinyl tube and feed it down through the shortest of the 3 lamp tubes to the bottom as shown. Place the tube onto the output port of the pump.

Put the lamp onto the basin and the cap on the lamp and tighten screws. You can remove 1 screw each from the cap and basin to allow you to align the holes.

Pour 32 oz. of pure mineral oil into the bottom of the lamp.

Now your lamp is complete and can be turned on for your enjoyment!