Table No. 3
Wobbly wobbly wop!
By Herick Acosta
When I started woodworking I notice a common problem when creating four (or more) legged structures and this is that it they tend to wobble if their measurements differ. I know we can solve this problem if we try to answer the following question, why do objects wobble?
Lets start with the definition of a plane. According to Wikipedia, “a plane is a flat, two-dimensional surface that extends infinitely far”. This definition can help us understand why objects are not stable if they do not lie perfectly flat on a plane and the keyword here is perfectish.
Now that we know what a plane is, how do we define one? Well they are at least four ways to determine a plane:
- Three non-collinear points (points not on a single line).
- A line and a point not on that line.
- Two distinct but intersecting lines.
- Two parallel lines.
Simple four legged chair
Knowing that three points make a plane we can understand why a chair wobbles and this is because the first three legs that touch the floor will define the plane the chair stands on leaving one leg as another plane definer once it touches the floor.
Basically if an object can stand in more than one plane in the same position it will wobble.
A perfect example of a structure that does not wobble is a three legged stool and a camera tripod.
Now that you know why three legged objects are stable you might understand my approach for Table No. 3 which started with the idea of creating a stable modern and minimalist looking side table and ended up being that and more!
Traditional lap joints reinforced with poplar dowels and mahogany caps for the pine leg make for a really strong and tough table. Pine and mahogany might not sound like a good choice of materials due to their bast difference in price and quality but for this creation I wanted to showcase pine as the main plate and use mahogany as a “topping”.
The main leg of this piece sits closes with the rustic concept in which wood knots exists but tries to challenge it. This was achieved by incorporating other types of wood to accentuate it. This can be appreciated when looked by the front from which you can see how the mahogany is framing the pine leg.
As for the double mahogany leg, I wanted to replicate the lap joint from the main leg and add a stretcher at the bottom. This last idea changed as I notice that by doing it the table would seam more bulkier. On the contrary, by adding the stretcher on the top of the legs this lightens the bottom and adds both a border and a handle to table portion of the piece.
I do not know about you but when I see this three legged table a feeling of interest comes to my mind and I just want to know why this table has only three legs. If you feel the same than good! That it exactly what I am trying to generate with my creations, a conversation.
What do you think about this piece? Would you like one in your home? How would you use it?