Here is a goal: How to re-purpose an old, thrift-store lamp.

Which way makes more sense to accomplish this goal?
An old, thrift-store lamp can easily be repurposed by careful disassembly to reach the portions you wish to re-use, such as the cord and light socket, being careful to make sure the lamp is unplugged when you are removing the old plug, then replacing the salvaged parts in a new fixture such as a chunk of wood.