How to Make a Ring Light

This is my attempt at building my own ring light using parts I had laying around. Total cost of build = £0!
Actual estimated cost if buying parts £50

Parts list:

Sheet of wood to make the ring - use something thick enough (such as conti-board) so the fixing screws do not protrude through the other side and potentially pierce the mains wire - this could obviously be dangerous.
Estimated cost £10


Surface-mounting lamp holders x 8 /10 / 12 - depending on your diameter and personal choice.
Estimated cost per holder £2

In hind-sight I think smaller is better. - Ignore this comment, I have just build another smaller (18 inch diameter) ring light and it is too small - the effect is poor and the ring can not be seen in the eyes. the size I have here in this video is about right.

Wire - suitably rated to carry sufficient current to your chosen wattage of bulbs. _ I am not qualified to advise you on this, but I would guess the thicker the better.
Estimated cost £6-7 per 10m

A plug.
Estimated cost £1.50

An RCD socket (if you need to ask what this is, you probably shouldn't be attempting this project).

A note on bulbs:
Don't forget about the heat that normal bulbs produce. If you intend to be sat in front of this for more than a few moments, the heat from normal / reflector bulbs will make you a sweatty mess in minutes! (are you sure you want to be filming that?) I chose low wattage flourescent bulbs because they operate at a relatively cool temp, and use much less power.
Estimated cost: £1 per bulb


FOR SAFETY, ALWAYS RUN THIS UNIT FROM AN RCD PLUG/SOCKET.

Disclaimer.
I am not an electrician, and I am not qualified to give advice on electrical installations. Always seek qualified advice when undertaking any electrical building project like this one.


Good Luck

Rick.



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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• how
• to
• make
• ring
• light
• ringlight
• build
• filmmaking
• vlog
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• photography
• budget
• lighting
• amateur
• film
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• hollywood

[Waqasryk1]

Hello mr van man. Can u plz explain in detail about the how to do wiring??? That would be very helpful.

Thnx

Fellow van man

[rickvanman]

@Waqasryk1 I purposely avoided showing how to do the wiring. It's too dangerous if you don't already know what you are doing.

If you need to ask this question, my best suggestion is to get someone who knows about electrics to do the wiring for you. Get it wrong and you'll at best have a fire, and at worst kill yourself. :o)

[6DarkOne6]

you could actually add a dimmer for the lights instead of plug and unplug it to work

[rickvanman]

@6DarkOne6 Interesting suggestion, but using a dimmer on flourescent-type light bulbs may cause its own issues, as these types of bulbs can't really be dimmed

[MrLukasDiSparrow]

can I use my old toilet seat? :D lol but seriously... can I? :P

[rickvanman]

@MrLukasDiSparrow LOL! I rekon it might work. you might want to clean it first though :o)

[ElChristo]

i watched this video, thinking you were making a stargate :P

[rickvanman]

@iBEEEB I would have to say, if you need to ask that question, then you really shouldn't be taking on this project

[LizbethLovegood]

Thanks for this! I'm gonna see if my dad can build me one since I'm not handy with electric wiring OR power tools lol!!

[drahcirdewayne87]

Just finished mine! I watched this video over 3 years ago, Finally just bought the materials, found an old mirror, dismantled it, found some left over wire, duct tape, and Bought a dimmer switch for $8 bucks, plug for $3, 3 packs of 60W soft white bulbs for $6 and 10 plastic light bulb sockets for $14. total of about $35 bucks and 4 hours. Good thing I knew a little about electric, Rick you had me scared to plug it in! lol Response video coming soon!

[YamiPoyo]

so does the camera go inside it? i see what you did there with the stargate music and camera angles etc.

[deskpaperclips]

it looks like its from the Blackpool illuminations sign

[kigabuma]

I think number of bulbs must be more.

[xiaorishu]

Amazing!

[joysweetcandy10]

the reaction was priceless! hahah very genius!