How to Make a Wood Spindle Lamp

Select spindles that match in height and architectural shape for the lamp project. Clean the spindles and sand away any rough edges to prevent injuries or damage from splinters.

Drill a hole into the center of the square or rectangular-shaped wooden base. Drill a second hole in the side of the wooden base until it connects with the hole at the center of the piece of wood.

Paint or stain the wooden pieces to give a uniform color to the lamp. Allow the wood to dry according to the directions of the product you are using. You can also choose to leave the spindles in the original color or shabby chic state.

Spread wood glue along the side of one of the posts and line it up evenly with the second spindle. Glue two more spindles together. Secure a clamp to each set of posts to keep them aligned during the drying process. Let the two sets of spindles dry for at least 24 hours.

Thread the end of the electrical cord through the side of the wooden base. Bring the cord up through the middle of the base.

Lay a bungee cord out on your work surface. Place the two sets of glued spindles vertically across the cord. Tightly wrap and secure the cord around the spindles to keep them from slipping.

Drill a 1 1/4-inch wide hole into the center of the flat top of the four spindles. This hole will house the bottom of the preassembled lamp kit. Release the bungee cord and lay one set out flat on the work surface.

Place the electrical cord along the seam where two of the posts are joined together.

Press the cork portion from the bottom of the light fixture into the drilled area of the wood top. Spread wood glue along the center of each of the two posts being careful to keep it from the cord area. Press the second set of spindles on top of the glued unit. Clamp the sides together to hold the unit in place while the glue dries.

Drill two to four starter holes into the bottom of the wood base. Set the spindle unit on top of the wood base. Insert the pointed end of a wood screw into one of the holes and embed it up into the wood with a power drill. Add the other screws to secure the base to the spindle column.