Log Lamp 2: Cut it out, Pat.

Okay, so this idea came out of a similar concept I saw on Reddit a couple weeks ago, but I thought it would look a whole lot cooler if I improved the design a bit (no offense, Reddit guy) and used a cedar log that had a little more character.

Disclaimer: This project was a hell of a lot more labor-intensive than I initially thought. If you’re going to try to build this thing, prepare for a (rewarding) challenge.

Finished product, for those tl;dr folks out there:

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The Build:

The cedar log: natural enemy of Texas allergy sufferers.

Bark stripped, top and bottom cut with chainsaw.

Drilled two holes all the way through to mark the center for later cutout.

Didn’t have a big enough power saw, and the chainsaw wouldn’t make the smooth cuts I wanted.

I spent an hour cutting these individual cookies by hand. Do. Not. Do. This. Find a big saw, or you will feel it the next day.

Time to hand-sand each cookie. (Hope you like hand cramps!)

Use those two initial holes to cut out the center circle of each cookie with a jigsaw.

Drill three continuous holes through all of your wood pieces. These are where your dowels will (hopefully) fit.

I used two coats of polyurethane, with a light sand in between. My thinking was that the shine would help throw the light better.

Time to wire.

Ta-da!

Ran into a bit of a problem with a faulty switch I bought from Home Depot (how could you let me down??), so I took one off a white chord I had on hand and wired it in. Oh well, it’s…unique…?

Inserting the dowels. These were a very tight fit, and I had to sand them down a bit to make it work. The advantage of the tight fit is that I don’t have to use any glue or fasteners for this project.

Cutting the lampshade paper to size. Shout-out to the Savers in Wheaton, Illinois for the $2 lampshade.

Getting the right fit.

Beginning to chisel and (roughly) dremel out an oval recess so the lampshade has a nice place to rest against.

Thumbs up for safety! I’m not sure what polyurethaned sawdust does to your lungs, but in an unventilated workspace I’d rather not take my chances while using the dremel.

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**For those concerned about the potential fire risk of a wooden lamp, I was too. To that end, I used a smaller, cooler-burning CFL bulb and styrene lampshade paper liner. In addition, the paper doesn’t continue through to the bottom, which allows air to reach the bulb and any heat to dissipate. Thanks for reading!

(S)crap Cedar Log Lamp

I’ll admit, I started building this lamp because the other design I had in mind was a little too complicated. I started that one a couple days later anyway, but it’s not done yet so I guess I’ll post this one. This design is easier, and you can do it in maybe 2 days, tops, minus drying time (provided you have a cedar log and a chainsaw lying around).

Start with a cedar log, and brace it somehow to make your cuts. (Rocks and pillar not recommended)

Admire your beautiful cured cedar cookies.

Semi-sand those suckers! Leave a little roughage for looks. (Belt sander not pictured, but very helpful)

Teak oil finish, and then glued with Liquid Nails. This stuff is very strong. Be careful not to get any on you.

Seriously, don’t get any on you.

3/8” hole drilled and threaded rod inserted. Pro-tip: Wrap some electrical tape around the end of the rod and use a drill gun to insert the rod into the wood. You’ll save time and won’t damage the rod’s thread when you drill.

Time to wire!

Underwriter’s knot before wiring. Remember that the ribbed wire (wide prong) is your neutral, while the smooth wire (narrow prong) is your hot.

All wired up with the bulb in place.

My roommates were out and I was bored so I went to Lowe’s and ended up picking out this lampshade for $5. I actually kinda like it. Also, I added some very small dowels on the bottom that allow it to sit evenly.

Worst. Photoshoot. Ever.

Anyway, easy project that will impress anyone who’s never wired a lamp before. And trust me, if I can do it, so can you. Stay tuned for another (slightly more complicated) DIY cedar log lamp!