TL;DR
A maker built simple kinetic sculptures from recycled soda cans that spin above a lamp using a sharpened wire pivot and the heat rising from the bulb. The project uses readily available materials and basic hand tools; incandescent bulbs perform best but LEDs can work after warming up.
What happened
A maker described a low-tech DIY project that converts soda can sides and bottoms into small spinning sculptures that perch on a fine, sharpened wire above a household lamp. The pieces are formed by cutting blanks from cans, pressing a central dimple at the spinner's center of mass, cutting and bending blades, and trimming the perimeter until balanced. The pivot is a sharpened steel craft wire (or similar) that is mounted to the lamp’s shade support or held under the shade nut. Motion is driven by convective currents from the lamp; incandescent bulbs produce the most consistent motion, though LED bulbs will move the spinners after they warm. After several weeks of use the creator observed tiny pinholes forming where thin sidewall aluminum contacts the pivot, while spinners made from thicker can bottoms have not shown that wear. A gallery of varied designs accompanied the write-up.
Why it matters
- Reuses common waste (soda cans) to make simple kinetic art.
- Demonstrates a low-barrier, low-cost maker project requiring few specialized tools.
- Shows how everyday heat sources can be harnessed for motion without motors or batteries.
- Provides a hands-on activity suitable for family or small-group crafting.
Key facts
- Materials used: recycled soda can sides and bottoms, steel craft wire (pivot), basic hand tools.
- Typical construction steps: sharpen pivot wire, cut blank from can, form central dimple, cut blades, trim and balance.
- Pivot mounting: wire wrapped around lampshade support (a 'harp') or sandwiched under the lampshade nut.
- Pivot sharpening methods mentioned: bench grinder; paper clips and sandpaper suggested as alternatives.
- Creating the central dimple: pressed with a blunt object (pen or pliers); can bottoms may require light hammer taps.
- Small precision scissors recommended for cutting to avoid distorting the aluminum.
- Incandescent bulbs produced the best motion; LED bulbs also worked after warming up for a few minutes.
- Wear observed after a few weeks: thin sidewall spinners developed small pinholes where the pivot contacted the metal; can-bottom spinners had not shown that issue.
- A gallery in the source lists multiple design variations (e.g., turbine, propeller, flying wing, windmill).
- Original post was published on December 24, 2025 (source timestamp).
What to watch next
- Effect of different bulb types and wattages on spin rate and stability — incandescent noted as best; LEDs work after warming.
- Long-term durability of spinners beyond the few-week observation period: not confirmed in the source.
- Safety considerations around lamps, heat, and sharp metal edges are not detailed in the source and therefore not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Pivot point: A small, low-friction contact point that supports the rotating object and allows it to spin.
- Harp: The metal frame or support that holds a lampshade in place; used here to mount the pivot wire.
- Center of mass: The average location of mass in an object; placing the dimple at this point helps the spinner balance.
- Convective currents: Flows of air caused by temperature differences; rising warm air from a lamp can impart torque to lightweight blades.
- Can sidewall vs can bottom: Sidewalls are thinner and easier to cut and bend; can bottoms are thicker and more durable for structural parts.
Reader FAQ
What materials and tools are required?
Recycled soda cans, a length of steel craft wire (or similar), scissors or tin snips, a blunt tool for dimpling, and basic sharpening tools; alternatives like paper clips and sandpaper are suggested.
Do LEDs work or do I need an incandescent bulb?
Incandescent bulbs work best according to the author; LED bulbs can also get the spinners moving after warming for a few minutes.
How long do the spinners last?
After a few weeks the creator noticed small pinholes forming in spinners made from thinner can sidewalls; thicker can-bottom spinners had not developed this issue. Long-term lifespan beyond that is not confirmed in the source.
Are there safety warnings or fire risks?
Not confirmed in the source.
Can Spinners 2024-12-24 I came up with these little spinning doodads a few years ago around Christmas, and I haven't seen anything like them online, so I'm writing about them…
Sources
- Show HN: Lamp Carousel – DIY kinetic sculpture powered by lamp heat (2024)
- Soda Can Wind Spinners : 9 Steps
- Make This Jazzy Soda Can Wind Spinner For Your Garden or …
- Soda Can Wind Spinner Diy
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