the tensegrity table!!!

[Midget]

hey all!

i just moved into my new apartment. and to celebrate, i took on a new project-- the tensegrity table.



to build a tensegrity table, you will first need to read about the master and inspiration, richard buckminster fuller.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckminster_Fuller
after that, everything is step by step.


here's some good instructions on how it's done. this guy builds a better one than me.
http://yakko.bme.virginia.edu/lab/tensegrity_coffee_table.htm



and now, i present to you my tensegrity table. (crappy pictures)

down the center

here it is supporting 600 rounds of .45ACP (>20.0 lbs.)




let me just throw this in... leveling/balancing this table was the worst thing that has ever happened to me. everything else was simple. but leveling this bastard... we're talking 6+ hours of try, try, try again. also 3 trips to home depot, and just under 50.00 in supplies. it's a cool looking table, although it's not very functional for much. i'd rather have circular-shaped plexiglass, although i don't know where to get any... i'm going to spray paint the legs black.

just wanted to share! take care everyone.

 

[Midget]

and just a quick note...


the legs are NOT supposed to be touching in the middle (i dorked up).

it's not perfectly level. but i'm pretty damn close.

if you've got a drill press, use steel pipes for legs--copper tubes are junk.

get THICK glass. i'm using 3/32" because that's all homedepot has. if you can get some cut circular, do so. around 1/4" should be good.

 

[maximus otter]

1. Great work.

2. Get a girlfriend, mate!



maximus otter

 

[zpaulg]

I second Maximus...........if nothing else it'll relieve some tension!!!