Opposing Arch Table #6: Building the Arches... Design Challenges

Great set of pictures Blake. Nice job on the design and on the implementation planning.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

Interesting problem, Blake. The dimensions have changed from the drawing to the actual table with the arches. Personally, I prefer the arches attached as you have them on the the actual table as opposed to the attachment in the drawing. The arch seems to flow out of the leg rather than being attached at an angle. You will think up a better way to attach the shelf than the pegs in the drawing. I’m not sure what that will be, but , knowing you it will be interesting to watch. Good luck.

-- Thos. Angle

Blake,

I agree completely with Thos. on the visual flow of the arch from the leg. The actual product is better than the Sketchup model.

I am fairly pragmatic about using available space in our tiny house. This side of me would lean towards adding the bottom shelf. But as I look at the photos, I think the table looks better without it. This is the purely artistic viewpoint.

I had Rita look at it too. We agreed on the bottom shelf. The table is light and airy with some great visual interest added by the graceful sweeping arches. The bottom shelf seems a bit heavy and out of place.

Leaving it out may be a consideration. Taking it in the house is perfect. Live with it in your space and see how it feels. Is it better with or without the shelf? How does it impact you when you first walk into the room? This is exactly what I am referring to when I talk about designing by “feel.” It is all about the initial impact when you see it. Does it feel like it is balanced, flows, or has a comfortable presence?

The actual table seems taller and not as long as the Sketchup model. The actual seems more delicate and is very pleasing.

This is a good experience to see how an actual project looks in comparison to it’s computer rendering.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

My consultant (wife) is advising me to stick with the mock-up version as well. She also likes the way the arches flow into the legs. I think I like it better too and will probably stick with the new design.

-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com

Very interesting design, Blake.

If you don’t end up putting the bottom shelf in there, there is something you might want to do.

Connect the front and back arch with a round or twisting square rod. (Square twist to make each end mate flush with the arch.)

The connection point would be where they would intersect if they were both on the same side of the table.

As well as adding visual impact it would also serve to strengthen the thin arches.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

Well Blake, you’ve gotten to the heart of what it means to design on the fly. To me it appears the fundamental problem is that the table you designed in sketchup and the mockup have different aspect ratios. The model is much longer that it is tall while the real table is almost square in form (as Todd mentioned). This means the severity of the arches between the long legs is much less graceful and that is compounded by the addition of the intermediate shelf. Hence, I agree that the table without the shelf feels more well balanced. The truncated shape of the actual; table also makes the arch appear more of a single radius and less an elliptical form. This affects the look in a way that causes the curved form to make the piece unbalanced. I know it is quite a departure, but have you considered two opposing arches (curved as you have them mocked up) in the same plane? Meaning double arches between each leg? Or shortening the table to make it match the model more…..

It’s your vision and your design, I’m sure the right answer will come. What I do in this situation is exactly what you are doing. Keep mocking up (physically as well as in sketchup). I wonder how it would look if you moved the shelf up? Perhaps above the mid point of the legs and made it thinner and shorter (like the model). Keep playing with it, it’ll come to you. The beauty of this process is you will test options, evaluate their validity and relevance and test and cement your own design ideals.

Good luck man, keep us posted!

Fritz

-- Fritz Oakland, Ca http://www.muegenburg.com (dedicated to my other hobby)

Hi Blake,

I was just wondering how you were coming on this the other day. Here are my thoughts. I think that once the opposing arches are in place they will help the piece looked more ballanced as it does in the rendering. I do like the way that the arch starts and terminates into the leg and apron in the mock up. I would keep the side arches the same thickness as the larger front arches. And I personally think the shelf helps in the composition of the piece. I think by keeping the shelf it helps reinforce the rectangular shape and lessens the look of a more square composition. If I remember correctly you were going to use brass rods (pins) to attach the bottom shelf. I think that you could get those small enough to work. The one recommendation I have is to put a bevel on the shelf (like you did on the top). This will help the shelf look more delicate and airy.

-- Brian, Folsom, CA http://www.brianfullerdesigns.com

You really do exceptional work. This is real craftsmanship, when you build to your own design and try this and that until it looks right to you.
Awesome job.

If you want the shelf to “float” you might think about easing the edge of the shelf like you did on the top.
Champfering the edge gives it a lighter look , takes away the heavy feeling of it compared to the legs, top, and arches, and will help give an illusion of floating.
I think I would attach it with blind dowels.

I agree. I have been planning on chamfering the shelf (if I include it) all along.

-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com