---
title: Lampshade from Recycled Bottle Caps
slug: lampshade-from-recycled-bottle-caps
description: We will show you how to bend a recycled plastic sheet from the sheet press without heat or mold.

This technique is inspired by a woodworking technique called ‘kerfing’. Kerfing is a wood bending method done without water or steam.

tags: ["HDPE"]
category: Products
difficulty: Medium
time: < 1 day
keywords: 
location: Cikarang, Indonesia
---
# Lampshade from Recycled Bottle Caps
![Lampshade from Recycled Bottle Caps](lampshade-186bab11dd7.jpg)
We will show you how to bend a recycled plastic sheet from the sheet press without heat or mold.

This technique is inspired by a woodworking technique called ‘kerfing’. Kerfing is a wood bending method done without water or steam.


User Location: Cikarang, Indonesia
## Steps
### Step 1: Prepare all the materials and tools

Here’s what you need:
- The HDPE plastic board that you’re going to bend: 
     - 30 cm x 10,5 cm, 5 mm (thickness)
     - ⌀9,5 cm, 5 mm (thickness) 
- A portable sanding machine
- A soldering iron
- A table saw
- Rope



![1-186ba254193.jpg](./1-186ba254193.jpg)

### Step 2: Score the plastic

First, we’re using the table saw to score the plastic. Cut 3 mm in depth while keeping a 5 mm distance between each cut. Make sure you’re scoring the board perpendicular to the direction of the bend.


![2-186ba25e82d.png](./2-186ba25e82d.png)

### Step 3: Thin out the end sides of the plastic board

Thin out the end sides of the plastic board using a portable sanding machine so that the sides will fit better in the next step.


![3-186baadba45.png](./3-186baadba45.png)

### Step 4: Bend it

Now bend it carefully! Use a rope to tighten it in place.


![4a-186ba278eb1.png](./4a-186ba278eb1.png)


![4b-186ba27a02a.png](./4b-186ba27a02a.png)

### Step 5: Weld the end pieces of plastic

With the help of a soldering iron, weld the end pieces of plastic together. Make sure you do it well.


![5a-186ba28457e.png](./5a-186ba28457e.png)


![5b-186ba28645a.png](./5b-186ba28645a.png)

### Step 6: Smooth out the welded part

Now back to the sanding machine again. Smooth out the welded part to get that nice and evenly joint.


![6-186ba28d230.png](./6-186ba28d230.png)

### Step 7: Done!

And voilà! Your beautiful, eco-friendly lampshade is done.


![7-186ba29536d.png](./7-186ba29536d.png)

## Resources
## References