How to Transform an IKEA Find into a Unique Lamp

It's easy to transform an IKEA lamp into a special home decor accent piece using Proxxon tools. You can make the perfect reading lamp!!

Supplies for Making a Book Lamp

• IKEA HEMMA table lamp
• IKEA JÄRA lamp shade
• Replacement lamp cord plug
• Old books
• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TBM 115
• Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 460
• Proxxon spiral scroll saw blade

Instructions for Making a Book Lamp

1. Cut the plug from the existing lamp cord. Carefully pry the top and bottom sections of the switch apart. Look closely at the way the wires are positioned in the switch. You will be reassembling this switch later. Remove the cord from the switch. (Note: You may wish to draw a simple schematic, or snap a photo with your phone for later reference.)
   
2. Wrap the cut wires against the solid length with painter's tape to prevent any further splitting as you work with the cord.
3. Measure the height of the book tower that the you want. Select books to match this height.
4. Find the center of the book by marking diagonal lines from corner to corner.

1. Drill a pilot hole for the scroll saw blade using a 5/32" bit in the bench drill press.
   
2. Measure the diameter of the lamp post, and draw a circle around the pilot hole as a guide for the scroll saw.
   
3. Thread the scroll saw blade through the pilot hole in the book, and cut around the circle. Using a spiral blade makes this job easier as a spiral blade cuts in all directions without your having to rotate the work piece.

1. Repeat Steps 4 through 7 with each book.

Reassembling the Lamp

1. Beginning with the book that you want on top of the stack, thread the lamp cord and lamp post through the center hole. Continue adding books until all of them are on the lamp post.
2. Add the replacement plug to the end of the lamp cord.
3. Unwrap the cords to expose the cut wires. Replace the wires in the switch and reassemble the switch housing. (Note: At this point—before you replace the top section of the switch—I recommend testing the lamp to be sure it lights. If it doesn't, chances are that you didn't press the wires firmly enough into the switch to make a connection.)  
4. Let there be light!!
   

Carole