Step 5: Drill the Holes

this old house general contractor drilling the holes for the wire while building a freestanding lamp
Photo: Renna Bammi
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Drill a ⅜-inch hole through the centers of the recesses in the stand-alone ledges and in the bottom and top ledges of the C-shaped assembly. Sandwich the vertical piece of the C-shaped assembly between the top and bottom ledges so that its ends abut the marked-off area and its face is flush with one edge of each ledge. Secure the assembly with wood glue and screws. Fill screw holes with wood putty.
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    Tools List

    Close
    • tubing cutter
      Pipe cutter
    • miter saw
      Miter saw
    • circular saw
      Circular saw
    • finish nails, various lengths
      Finishing nail
    • finish hammer
      Hammer
    • drill
      Drill/driver
    • spade bit
      ⅝-inch paddle bit
    • Drill bit
      ⅜-inch drill bit
    • 3-inch wide paint brush
      Paintbrush
    • random orbit sander
      Random Orbit Sander

    Shopping List

    Close
    Hollow metal curtain rod

    at least 48 inches long.



    9-by-12-inch piece of ½-inch plywood

    for the base.



    1x6 lumber:

    Buy at least 4 feet to make the ledges.



    1x3 lumber:

    Buy at least 12 inches to make the feet.



    Threaded wire rod:

    Buy sections to make a rod at least 60 inches long to house the lamp cord.

    Lamp kit:

    Buy one that has a harp, bushing, collar, lamp nut, and lamp cord.



    Lamp cord

    Wood glue

    1-inch screws

    to build the C-shaped assembly and to attach the bottommost ledge to the base.

    Wood putty

    120-grit sandpaper

    Paint