Machine: Shopbot
Material: 1/2″ Plywood ( on 4’x4′ sheet)
End Mill: 1/4″ Straight
Overview:
The goal was to design a table that would function and hold together without glue, nails, or screws. Every part must be “press fitted” into place. An additional personal design challenge was making a table with three legs. Designing a three legged table further challenged the weight/load distribution.
A precedent that was sought was Noon Studio’s tripod table (view link section). Their design however had one of the legs puncture out and through the top of the table. Exploring a way to not have a leg go through the top was a goal.
Prototype:
Shown Below:
Top, Elevation, Cutsheet on a 30″ x 40″ x 1/2 MDF
3 Main parts: Top and 2 legs
All the pieces are milled out. Time for sanding and pressing!
All openings had a tight fit. Sanding was a whole process of it’s own in order for all the necessary pieces to fit.
The base stands…well kind of….
The biggest issue was the legs sliding in every direction. There was nothing at the crossing point that stabilized the legs.
Now when the top is placed…
The openings on the table top were not large enough for the legs to press through. That was an error for not drawing in t-bones in the corners of the openings. Therefore the top is shown to merely be placed on top. The weight of the MDF is extremely heavy. The legs slip out underneath and is clearly unstable.
Evidence of damage and poor weight distribution. Luckily the finished product will be made out of plywood. Yay for lighter material!
Revisions:
There were two goals for the next and final design in attempt to build this tripod table.
1. Improve connection where legs cross to add stability
2. Revise relationship between top and legs to improve connection and create unity/balance.
Table Top dimensions were designed smaller while legs were designed wider.
“Teeth” connection was placed where the legs intersect to solve the sliding out and sideways issue.
What’s great about the design of the table is that 2 of them can be produced on a 4’x8′ sheet of ply.
Final:
With the revisions made, the table is a success!
Assembly:
COMPLETE FABRICATION 
