Torsion Table

This table design is reminiscent of suspension style bridges, and is easy to build in a weekend.

- Doug Stowe

PROJECT #2413

Skill Level:

Intermediate

Time: 2 Day

Cost: $150

I built the first of these "torsion tables" for my book “Making Elegant Custom Tables," and it wasn't until years later that I realized that the engineering is unique, leading me to revisit. One of the things I like about this design is that it is visually light and airy while actually being quite strong and stable.

I named this particular table a "torsion table" due to the resemblance between the way its various parts are given stability and the suspension on my mother's old '62 Volkswagon that relied on torsion rods in place of springs to cushion its ride. That may be a stretch, but then the way this table gets its strength is unique and deserves a name. It has none of the parts you would normally associate with a table other than legs and a top.

Making the table involves making front-to-back cross pieces with round tenons on each end. The legs are mortised for those tenons to fit and torsion rods connect the front-to-back pieces together. Short tenoned pieces connect the top and elevate it over the table's structure, allowing it to float while also allowing the underlying structure to be seen and admired. This is a great project for a woodworker who, in addition to the common shop tools, has access to a lathe.

1 At the drill press, drill a series of holes in what will become the stretchers.

stretchers.

2-3 Turn the parts into octagons by nipping off the corners.

4 Two stretchers have two holes, two have one.