In considering the advisability of making the desk lamp shown in the accompanying illustration the reader need not hesitate on account of the metal work involved in the construction of the shade. This should not hinder the undertaking, however, as it is possible to get almost any sort of a shade at the department stores, after which the lamp may be constructed to match.

The standard will constitute the chief care. Select a piece of straight-grained material an inch and a half square and of the requisite length. With a sharp pencil mark off the various lines as indicated in the detail drawing. Cut down one side to line and then the side opposite, after which mark the lines for cutting the other two sides, and then work them down. Proceed slowly and carefully, testing with the try-square frequently as the work advances. When the final surfaces have been secured, but not before, bevel off the four corners. The lower end is now to be reduced to one inch square to fit into the base, and a three-eighth inch hole is to be bored clear through the center. The base block will be next in order. Do not attempt to bevel off the edges until the piece has been smoothed off squarely and to the exact size. Accurately lay out the necessary lines on the sides and top before proceeding to cut away the extra material. When finished bore a hole through the center the same size as the one in the standard and another in through one side about the size of a lead pencil to connect therewith. At each corner on the underside glue on a small block one inch square and a quarter of an inch thick. The block on top of the base is next to be prepared with a square hole in the center to match the bottom of the standard-Fasten this piece to the base with glue and a few nails driven in through the base from below, after which glue the standard in position, clamping it firmly overnight.

The staining and polishing is now in order, after which run in the flexible conducting cord and connect the socket. A simple way to hold this in position is to procure a piece of brass tubing about two inches long and thread or solder it into the end of the socket. Slightly enlarge the hole in the top of the standard so that this tube may be snugly forced in without splitting the wood, and the socket will be securely held in an upright position. The four brackets that support the shade may be made from narrow strips of brass, or from stout wire, bent as indicated and fastened with round-headed screws to the top of the standard.