Introduction: Spider Shaped Lamp

This is my attempt to make a spider shaped lamp. I used mahogany for this purpose and an Edison bulb.

So lets get started,

Tools And Materials:

  • Wood (any kind, I used mahogany)
  • Super glue
  • Wood glue
  • Sander
  • Drill
  • Rotary tool
  • Sandpaper
  • 8mm drill bit
  • 28mm spade bit
  • Band saw
  • Miter saw
  • Clear varnish

Please check out this video I have made to understand what is going on and to see the whole process:


Step 1: Select and Prepare the Wood

Get a piece of wood and cut it into 2.00 x 1.2 cm strips. These strips are going to be used for the spider's legs. You can also use a planer if you have got one to plane the wood. If you do not have one you can use a hand plane.

Step 2: The Socket

You will also need a socket for the light bulb. I have chosen a metallic one, not for its appearance but because it was the only one that could be disassembled and give small parts. I used only the ring you can see on the picture.

Step 3: Making the Spider's Body (Part 1)

The spider's body is consisted by two discs of wood each one 3.0 cm tall. The one of them has to be hollowed using a 28 mm spade bit. This is going to be the part where the socket will fit in.

So cut the two pieces on the band saw and glue them together. Use a clamp to apply pressure and once they are clamped let the glue set overnight.

Step 4: Making the Spider's Body (Part 2)

Once the glue is dry take the piece you just made and give it a round shape. A lathe would help a lot but once I haven't got one I had to find another way to do it. So I removed as much material I could using an orbital sander.

Step 5: Spider Legs

Using your miter saw cut out six pieces 6 cm long with miters on both ends. I cut two pieces at 45°, two at 30° and two more at 35°. You can cut your pieces at any angle you like as long as its not less than 30°.

Next cut six more pieces 15 cm long. Again two of them at 45°,two at 30° and two more at 35°.

Step 6: Spider Legs (Part 2)

Shape the spider's legs as shown on the picture 2 and glue them together. You should have something like this.

Now with your rotary tool shape the legs to make a good contact with the spider's body.

Step 7: Attach the Legs

Attach the legs on the body using super glue. You can also use wood glue but it takes more time and it is difficult to clamp the legs on the body.

Step 8: Jaws

Again for the spider's jaws cut two small pieces of wood and glue them together as you did with the legs. This time use a hand saw or a hand miter saw because the parts are too small and it is dangerous to use power tools.

Step 9: Attach the Cord

Drill a 8mm hole on the spider's belly for the cord. Pass the cord through the hole and connect the wires on the socket. Once you have the wires connected place the socket into the hole on the wood and secure it with two screws.

Step 10: Paint or Varnish

Finish the lamp the way you want it, whether using spray lacquer or paint.

Step 11: It Is Done!

The spider lamp is ready. Hope you had a good time reading this.If you have any questions I am here to help!

Lights Contest 2017

Runner Up in the
Lights Contest 2017

Woodworking Contest 2017

Third Prize in the
Woodworking Contest 2017