Walnut lamp(s) build (part 1)

[Duane N]

I'm relativity new to woodworking and I'm limited with the tools I have (not making excuses) but after building some side tables to go underneath 2 framed pictures of mine I decided I needed some small(ish) table lamps to go under the pictures.  I could easily go out and buy 2 but there's no fun in that right?

I have no drawings or plans to make these lamps...just an idea in my head of how I think they should look and things change as I go.  Right now I'm working on the bottom portion of the lamps then I'll tackle the shades which will also be built out of Walnut with some frosted glass inserts.

I wish I owned a lathe but I'm not at that point yet....maybe in the future.

I also plan on doing some sort of leaf/branch in-lay on the body of the lamp (2" X 2" square) using a lighter colored wood for contrast...possibly some Maple.  This is also my first attempt at a box joint connection for the base and I think I want to do some sort of legs to wrap the corners of the base to stand it off the table.

The pine board in the last image is just a test piece to see if I like how the next piece will attach to the base...I'm up in the air at this point.  Any input is welcomed of course because I'm here to learn.

[barryvabeach]

I like the base.  As to the column, without a lathe, you can always make it an octagon by knocking off the corners, or you can make it look pretty close to round, using a plane.

[Tynyyn]

Wear gloves when handling walnut lest you walk around for a couple of days with stained fingers.

Very nice. I first thought the finger joints were odd until I read your post. Newbies ideas are always refreshing because they do think outside of the box.

Keep up the good work.

[fredhargis]

Nice. Another trick for the column would be (if you have a router) to cut a bevel on each corner, stopping it short from the ends; maybe an inch or so. But I think you'll have a nice looking lamp. Thought about what your finish will be?

[Bill Holt]

I think your proportions look pretty good and I like the shape of the pine transition piece.  Your inlay idea for the column will draw the eye and the corners will become less "stark".  Just my opinion.

[MsNomer]

I see that pine piece in figured maple.

[Duane N]

Thanks for the input...I have some more ideas to contemplate and it's appreciated.  I'm in no hurry to finish the 2 lamps (I've been working on them on and off a couple of weeks).  Not sure on the finish yet...something natural and to bring out the grain of the Walnut.  The pine board was just a test piece to see if I like the transition from the base to the column...still up in the air with it but it's going to be Walnut whatever it ends up looking like. 

I do like the octagon idea for the column but then that eliminates the maple in-lay idea or just smaller than what I thought about doing.....decisions, decisions.

[clockman]

for the column you could do a tapered Arts and Crafts style, something like below
http://antiquehelper.rfcsystems.com/Full/526/56526.jpg

[Duane N]

for the column you could do a tapered Arts and Crafts style, something like below
http://antiquehelper.rfcsystems.com/Full/526/56526.jpg

I have a hard time making decisions especially when I'm not following a plan or sketch...now I have one more idea to consider.  I do like the tapered column and I do want to see the grain of the Walnut/  Maybe this or the octagon cut is the way I need to go.  An in-lay is something I want to do but I don't think I'm capable of doing it at this point...at least not how I see it in my head.

[Bill Holt]

Duane, don't give up on the inlay.  I followed Carolyn's (MsNomer) steps and every inlay has been a breeze.