EASY Beginner Woodworking Projects From Offcuts & Scrap

How To Make An LED Smart Lamp
Scrap Wood Projects: Shelving Unit
Build a Lamp and Shelf Unit From Scraps and Offcuts
FREE Plans

Are you sitting on a pile of scrap wood and offcuts, wondering what to do with it all? In this video, I’ll show you how to turn that leftover timber into two stunning, modern woodworking projects: a custom LED smart lamp and a modular, configurable shelving unit — all from reclaimed and scrap materials you probably already have in your workshop!

This is the perfect project for anyone looking to save money, reduce waste, and build something that's both beautiful and functional. Whether you’re a beginner looking to grow your skills, or an experienced maker searching for inspiration, this is a fun, rewarding build with high-end results on a low-end budget.

🔨 What You'll See in This Video:

DIY LED Smart Lamp with Soft Glow Lighting Built from hardwood offcuts, featuring clean lines and a minimalist modern design
Integrated LED strip lighting with smart home compatibility (app-controlled or Wired Remote)
Ideal for ambient lighting in any space
Configurable Wall Shelf Unit from Mixed Scrap Wood
Built using various scrap materials including Pine Pallet Wood and Oak Offcuts
Modular design lets you rearrange or expand the shelf layout to your taste


🧰 Skills & Techniques Covered:

Planning and layout for mismatched scrap pieces
Cutting the Trench Housing for hidden LEDs
Safe cutting, sanding, and joining mixed materials
Mounting techniques: Wall anchors
Finishing tips to unify mixed woods for a cohesive look

💡 Why This Project Rocks:

✅ Budget-friendly – All made from scrap and offcuts
✅ Eco-conscious – Keeps usable timber out of the bin
✅ Design-driven – Modern aesthetic with a smart tech twist
✅ Customizable – Easily tweak dimensions, layouts, or lighting controls
✅ Beginner to intermediate friendly – A great way to practice clean joinery and layout

Whether you're building for your home office, workshop, bedroom, or living space, these two builds are incredibly versatile and satisfying to make. The matching design makes them ideal as a coordinated set, giving your space a polished, custom-made look without the high cost.

This is one of those videos where you'll walk away saying:
“Why didn’t I build this sooner?”

🔗 Links & Resources:
6 Month £0 - £5k Challenge Video:    • TRASH to CASH: 6 Month Woodworking Side Hu...  
Free plans and cutting guides – Hit Like & Comment Below

Tools and materials used:

Smart LED lighting kit used – https://amzn.to/41cvyrL
Large Belt Sander: https://amzn.to/40jmYqY (I've used this one and it's great - but it's not the one I own).
Metal Detector / Scanner: https://amzn.to/4eVTky7
Centre Punch: https://amzn.to/3IAyPe7
Makita Palm Router: https://amzn.to/44T0v5v
Dewalt Orbital Sander: https://amzn.to/4m2cKnk
Dewalt Impact Driver (I have the older version of this): https://amzn.to/44TXIc2
Air Purifier (I have the Scheppach but this looks identical): https://amzn.to/4lLtjnu
Camera Tripod: https://amzn.to/44FC24U

Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
00:20 – Preparing The Pallet Wood
01:12 – The Inspiration For The Lamp / Video
01:30 – About The Second Shelf Milling
01:41 – Milling The Shelf
01:57 – Discussing The Groove For The Lamp
02:20 – Cutting The Smart LED To Size & Testing
02:48 – Cutting The Trench For The LED Strip
03:00 – Test Fitting The LED Strip
03:11 – Chiselling The Rebate For The LED Plug
03:38 – Preparing The Wood For The Shelving Unit
03:58 – Drilling The Holes & Screwing Together The Corners Of The Shelving Frame
04:45 – Marking Up For The Trench Cuts Of The Frame For The Shelves
05:02 – Cutting The Trenches
05:28 – Applying The Paint / Ink Finish
05:55 – Marking Up & Drilling The Keyhole Fixings
06:27 – Discussing The Assembly
08:03 – Applying Beeswax Finish To The Oak
08:36 – Fixing The Lamp Sconce Back Plate
09:02 – Functionality and Outro


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💬 Comment below – which project are you building first? The lamp or the shelf? Or both?

#woodworking #DIYsmartlamp #modularshelving

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