Sylvia
Project Intent: Apply knowledge of joinery and precedent into simple table design
Project Duration: 5 Weeks
Exploring basic woodworking techniques through demonstration project
Inset Apron
Domino joints
Slip tenon joints
Rungs
Stretcher
Initial Ideation Sketches
Different table types and purposes are explored.
Design Intent: compact coffee table for small living room. Fits into sectional couch cutout comfortably.
Finalizing Concepts
Making the piece
Two identical pieces of aluminum hardware are custom made to best fit into the piece. Each has three holes to allow one screw to lock into the supporting beam and two to attach to the table top.
Wood is milled, planed, cross cut, and rip cut according to size. Table saw is used to make angle cuts consistently. Domino cutter and slot mortiser are implemented to provide space for joinery.
Defining Design Ideas
Coffee table purpose is chosen. Post and slab, post and beam, and post and rung structures are considered.
Choosing the Design
Two tiered design allows for lower storage and use of upper surface simultaneously (shaker tape weaving used to create lower surface not depicted)
Mid-century modern look and woven lower level lead to Scandinavian style
Angled legs lend to elegant form
Surface edge treatment makes short ends look sturdy and long sides look delicate
Post and beam structure provides stability through aprons
Stretchers create frame to be woven
Rounded and sharp edges of legs echo rounded and sharp edges of surface
Overall proportions follow 1:1:2 ratio
Base is fitted together with domino and slip tenon joinery then glued for stability. Soft edges off table top are shaped using a hand planer.
Wood is finished with Osmo oil. Lower portion is woven using shaker tape and frame made by stretchers. Ends are tacked into legs subtly.
