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Leg shape decision made on Petrified table

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Leg shape decision made on Petrified table

#1

Leg shape decision made on Petrified table

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

One of these choices with the second preferred. This is an easy build so I may do both and put some other top on one and the rock on the other.





On the drawing board I was attracted to the leg with the compound curve. When I darkened it and hung the drawing on the wall I found it interesting but unattractive. It is the kind of shape I would have done early in my woodworking when I thought "interesting" was the goal, but not now. I am striving for elegant and usually less is more in this quest.

I have an artist friend in MN who occasionally designs Arts and Crafts furniture. I asked her input on choices. Her artistic assessment was- heavy leg at top would draw the eye to the rock top, a good thing. Heavy leg at bottom (choice 2) conveyed a sturdy base for the rock atop. She preferred #1 and then changed her mind to #2.

Re: Leg shape decision made on Petrified table

#2

Engineering concerns

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

Two experienced woodworkers have expressed sturdiness concerns with the design. That comment attracted my attention to this element of design where it had not before. Engineering something to be sturdy is an result I have not failed to achieve in decades. There are only two significant forces this table will bear- vertical from rock weight and racking from sliding it across the floor.

I have no concern about vertical forces and little concern for tipping. With little thought and some experience I have leapt to the conclusion that small M&T joints in these dainty legs will sufficiently resist racking as a result of the double interlocking cross bracing. The typical stool appears to me to be less well braced.

Rev 1 will be built dainty and it will reveal whether it is tippy or wiggly. It is a simple build with little wood invested. I will not be troubled by burning a result and modifying for a Rev 2.

Re: Leg shape decision made on Petrified table

#3

Re: Engineering concerns

Mark Hennebury

Probably not of concern in this job, but it bought to mind a problem often overlooked in some construction. torsional rigidity.

I have seen large dining tables that while they may have plenty of structural strength in resisting down force and racking, they do not have sufficient torsional rigidity, which you may think is not that important, until you have a dinner party and someone bumps the edge of the table and start the table vibrating, spilling the wine.

Probably not too much concern on this job, but something to keep in mind with a heavy top on long legs.

Re: Leg shape decision made on Petrified table

#4

I have one of those

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

...our dining table, built around 1900 ( a used wedding gift to my great aunt about 1915). It is an extension table and wiggly when extended.

My table will be braced with two interlocking orthogonal cross braces. Adequate, I think.