what is the best wood to make a lamp out of?

Answer 1

depends on what the goal is and how complicated U want to make the lamp.
suggest a trip to lumber store to see these woods or on line pictures.

Of the common woods:
pine, fir, larch have large grain patterns -are relatively soft and easy to work.
mahogany and hemlock, finer grain-still easy to work.
oak, ash, hickory, walnut, maple, finer grain-woods are harder

Answer 2

pine is cheaper, I prefer walnut or oak

Answer 3

oak hickory, walnut, cedar,