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Lamp help

Joined
Jul 17, 2010
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Location
Waco, TX
I have not turned a lamp yet. I want to make some that are about 50 inches tall to set on the floor behind our end tables. I am wondering about the base, do you guys turn it long or short grain I’m thinking long grain is strongest. This should just be a large spindle in a couple pieces so mostly curious about the base.
Thanks
 

hockenbery

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The table lamps I have made I glued the vertical spindle into a face grain base.
This makes a stronger an prettier base.


end grain is the ugly part of the wood that furniture makers have been hiding for thousands of years.
 

john lucas

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Joined
Apr 26, 2004
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Cookeville, TN
I make face grain bases. One problem you have is the weight is not enough You can buy lamp weights from several sources. I simply hollow out my base to accept the weight. Adding a weight keeps the base from having to be so massive to properly counterbalance the lamp. You can find different sizes and weights by searching. Here is one I found on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Lamp-Cast-Ir...603727379&sprefix=lamp+weights,aps,185&sr=8-4

Here is a better source. http://www.mylampparts.com/Departme...oOHZtzecYNBpU31i5MCM7ls_7XQ8cPuYaAvJeEALw_wcB
 
Joined
Jul 19, 2018
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Ponsford, MN
Ditto the side grain.
8064Lamp.jpg This is an example of several table lamps I have made with a half log as a base. I thought it might be a good idea for a floor lamp but have never tried it due to the checking problems I would encounter. That might be an idea for you if you could find a big enough mesquite log plus it would give you enough mass to hollow out the under side for the previously mentioned weights.
 
Joined
May 6, 2004
Messages
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Location
Sonoma, CA
I have been making some table lamps lately.
Something like Grueby Pottery.
I have been using two 2 1/2# weights in the bottom. Go to Dick's Sporting Goods and go to the weight lifting section. Lots of different selections.....weights.
One of my other hobbies is making Tiffany Style glass lamps. I live in earthquake country. Want the lamp to stay upright when the earth wiggles.
 
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