How to Build a Wooden Lamp Base

Although building a lamp base consists of one of the easiest woodworking projects, incorrectly building your wooden lamp base could create balance problems. In turn, these balance problems could result in a hazardous situation if someone knocks over the lamp. Additionally, a faulty lamp base could teeter or tilt based on how well the cord fits. Correctly building your wooden lamp will provide you a structurally sound base that will support your lamp years to come.

6-by-6 inch block of wood
Pencil
Metal Ruler
Drill press

Instructions

- 1
  Write "T" on one side of the block of wood and a "B" on the opposite side using the pencil to designate the top and the bottom of the lamp base.
- 2
  Mark an "X" from corner to corner on the top and bottom of the block of wood using the pencil and the metal ruler as a straight edge.
- 3
  Adjust the back plate on the drill press until you can center the drill bit at the center of the top "X."
- 4
  Hold the block of wood against the back plate. The back plate consists of the horizontal metal guide that keeps the wood in place while you drill.
- 5
  Drill approximately halfway through the wood.
- 6
  Flip the wood over.
- 7
  Drill into the center of the bottom "X" until you bore to the center. Stop when you feel the bit bore into the previously drilled hole on the opposite side. This complete hole will hold the lamp chassis and allow the wire to thread up it to the bulb socket.
- 8
  Flip the wood on any side.
- 9
  Adjust the back plate until you can center the drill bit's tip against the edge of the bottom portion of the wood. Centering the bit's tip against the bottom edge of the wood will allow you to drill a half-circle or half-moon hole that will allow the wire to exit out the side of the base.
- 10
  Drill into the very bottom edge of the wood until you reach the hole in the center of the "X."

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