Extreme Woodturning – Cedar Lampshade

May also be viewed on YouTube.

Cedar Lamp ShadeMy best learning comes from watching someone turn a fantastic project and then making it myself. Soren Berger did a great demo of a lampshade. So I had to try one myself.

My lampshade is Atlas or Titan Cedar which is more dense than the more common western red cedar. It is about 7 1/2 inches in diameter and 8 inches high. I’m leaving it not sanded and without any finish.

With the depth inside the lampshade, this was tough going. I feared that at any moment a catch would destroy my work.

Yet both the lampshade and I survived the experience.

It was challenging.

Good turning.


6 Responses to “Extreme Woodturning – Cedar Lampshade”

  1. John Danner says:

    I realize the shade is thin, but how much light actually comes through the shade. I would like to see a shot of in the dark, with the lamp on of course.
    I love your videos..
    John

  2. ARTHUR says:

    Does light show thru, does’nt it heat up to hot around balb ? Good job holding up under that preaser, I can’t get ceader to keep together .

    • Alan says:

      The cedar is not as translucent as I wanted. But I still like the shade.
      The cedar is Atlas or Titan cedar very different from western red cedar.
      Thanks for watching.
      Alan

  3. Walter says:

    Hi Alan. It was nerve-wracking to watch you turn that lampshade, and I was also relieved when it was completed without accident.
    Regarding the acrylic top cover. You should consider cutting or drilling some large vent holes in it, to allow air flow. Regardless of what type of bulb (tungsten, CFL, or LED) you install in the lamp, it will dissipate heat, and bad things will happen if the heat is trapped. You might even consider making a “spider” out of some heavy wire, rather than using a plastic disc.
    This weekend, I am finishing off a goblet with a captive ring on the stem, made from Russian Olive, for a wedding gift.
    Good turning to you too!

    • Alan says:

      Great idea for the holes in the acrylic. I’d also use an LED bulb which is a lot cooler than incandescent.
      Good luck with the Russian Olive goblet.
      Thank you
      Alan Stratton