Introduction: Traffic Cone Christmas Tree

A while back, we came across two traffic cones at Goodwill. I figured that I could make a nice Christmas tree for my wife's classroom, just she decided in the end that they should go in front of the house. This is a fun up-cycling projection.

Note 1: Use of power tools and spray paint tin can be dangerous. Use proper safety precautions.

Note 2: Make certain you lot obtain the cones in a legal manner. Stealing public/private property is illegal.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

Materials:
Traffic Cone(due south)
Cord(southward) of LED Christmas Tree lights (I used two threescore bulb strings for the larger "tree")
Spray Primer (I used Krylon)
Spray Paint (I used Krylon for this too)
You lot may besides need rubbing alcohol and cotton wool balls

Notation: If the tree is to be displayed outside, make sure the lights and paint are meant for outside apply.

Tools:
A drill and drill $.25
A sharp knife
a Sharpie or other marker
You may also need a putty knife and/or pliers

Footstep 2: Clean It Up

Used traffic cones are dirty and may take oil or tar and other chemicals on them that could cause problems for the paint. Many cones also have reflector that will need to be removed. Both of ours' did.

Depending on whether the reflectors are glued on or "welded" on, y'all will need to remove them in one of the post-obit manners.

1. Glued: Peel off the reflector. A knife might be useful. soak glued expanse with rubbing alcohol and let it soak in for a couple of minutes. Soak again, and scrape with a putty knife. This will make a mess!!!

2. "Welded": Using a precipitous knife, carefully slide the blade between the cone and the reflector, and slice the reflector. Now, peel the reflector from the cone.

Now clean the cone off with warm soapy h2o or booze (yous can use both, but not at the same time).

Step 3: Marking

Marker the cone with the mark in the locations in which you want the lights. Make certain to make as many marks every bit you take lights. If you don't like the place, wipe the mark(southward) off with a little rubbing alcohol.

Step 4: Drilling

Now it is fourth dimension to drill. Observe a bit slightly smaller than the diameter of the LED seedling. Drill a test hole about the bottom of the cone to easily cheque and make sure the bulbs will fit and not fall out of their place. (Film of the calorie-free seedling). It is besides a good idea to test your light to make sure they work.

One time you are sure that you have the right size drill scrap, first drilling the holes. The sharper the fleck, the better. 120 hole was tiring, but I did it in one sitting. This makes a big mess, so make sure that y'all drill in a place that is easy to clean.

Step 5: Priming and Painting

Using primer is ever a skillful idea. I did non prime the first tree, and it took a couple of days to dry. (note: The 2nd one withal had to dry out overnight).

Spray several light coats.

Follow the primer's management on how long to expect earlier spraying the meridian glaze.

Spray several light coats of spray paint. Make sure the paint is completely dry before moving.

Note: Vinyl  and carpet pigment (Dupli-color makes one) might work meliorate the normal spray paint.

Step 6: Wiring Information technology Upwards

Uncoil the strings of lights. Showtime at the top of the cone. push the bulbs through the holes. The start band or then are easier to push through using the hole in the pinnacle. Long arms help with the others towards the elevation. So does a partner with a set of pliers. Go along pushing the bulbs though until they are all in their place. This step may take some time, so you may want to watch a video or TV prove that you have seen before while you practise this.

Step 7: Plug It in and Relish

Now you lot have a prissy decorative tree. Enjoy it.

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