Chair-side table

[nclemmons]

Just competed this side table.  It's a versatile design that can sit next to a chair or turn inward and be used in the middle of a couch.  Works great for holding a remote control, a drink, book, notebook, or tablet.

Materials were scraps that I had in the pile left over from other projects.  Walnut, figured maple, and lacewood.  The back is tapered from the bottom to the top and rounded on the back side.  Dominos hold the corner braces in place top and bottom.  The back cants forward about 3 degrees and the top and bottom are parallel to the floor but at 3 degree angles to the back.  This adds stability by pitching the table forward as well as interest.  There are four rubber tips on the bottom to elevate the table off the carpet and give it a bit more stability.

Finish is two coats of oil wet sanded and then two coats of sprayed lacquer.  Festools used included sanders, 1010 router, domino, jigsaw and CXS drill.  There was a fair amount of hand plane and scraper work shaping the back.  I had to use the sanders to finish and clean up tear out given the figure on the maple, but I'm pleased with how well the figure pops on all faces.

Top and bottom are attached to the back with two countersunk screws covered with walnut plugs.  Those plus the dominos in the two braces provide a lot of strength.

Feedback welcome -

neil

 

[rmwarren]

Very nice, Neil! I like the minimal use of materials and contrast between the woods. I need a table for my reading chair, may copy your design.

One question: is it stable enough not to tip easily if it gets bumped? Sitting next to my chair, which swivels/reclines, I envision bumping it a bit.

Thanks for posting,

RMW

 

[Kev]

Very nice, Neil! I like the minimal use of materials and contrast between the woods. I need a table for my reading chair, may copy your design.

One question: is it stable enough not to tip easily if it gets bumped? Sitting next to my chair, which swivels/reclines, I envision bumping it a bit.

Thanks for posting,

RMW

I like it too, but the stability question was the first thing that came to mind when I saw it ... I'd be looking at adding a heel if I was to use that design (a necessity due to my clumsiness).

That said, did you bump test it ... Maybe the 3 degrees is enough  [smile]

Great use of scraps btw, I rarely seem to have anything nice left about.

 

[nclemmons]

No issues for me with it being top heavy or unstable.  It is used for a remote and a drink most of the time as well as for holding my iPad.    It sits next to a chair so less likely to be bumped.

Neil

 

[ScotF]

Neil,

This is exquisite!!!  Love everything about it and what a great use of scrap...

Scot

 

[ScotF]

Any pics of the bottom?  Did you add any feet or is this resting on the entire piece of Walnut?  Also what size dowels did you use?

Thanks,

Scot

 

[lumbajac]

At first I thought what... but when I actually read your post and saw the functionality in it I actually like it quite a lot now.  Nice work and use of contrast and minimal material.

For added stability if an issue - could you route a 1/4" recess and affix a piece of 1/4" flat stock steel to the bottom for additional weight at the bottom - might that help?

 

[nclemmons]

Scot - I pot four rubber feet on The base screwed in about 3/4 from the four corners.  The table is with my daughter now so no bottom pics.  The bottom is rabbeted in and the top is dadoed, both in a 3/4 groove at the 3 degree tilt.  I used four screws set in with a countersink and covered with 3/8 inch plugs from the walnut.

Lumbajac - you could definitely rout in the piece of steel for added weight.  Good idea!

Thanks for the comments!

Neil

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Very nice piece and amazing what you did with just scraps!  The finish is sweet too.

 

[skids]

awesome, I love it. Minimalist and unique..Here is a question as it relates to use of Dominos.

Could you have made the dominos go through the back instead of using coutersunk screws? If so, how would that be done? Would it just be a matter of plowing a longer Domino bit right through the piece until get daylight? then fitting it into the walnut?

I really like the finished product, great job!

 

[nclemmons]

Skids - You could use Dominos, but I think I would have plunged from the back through to the shelf rather than trying to match up the mortises.  That would reduce the chances of any blowout from the domino bit coming through the back.

Given that the top and bottom shelves are canted, you would need to be mindful of the plunge and depth so as not to come out the shelf bottom, but you could do that.  I have not tried doing through dominos though I have seen some members do it on drawers.  I'm just not sure on how 'fine' the hold would be so as not to require any filling.

Jesse - thanks for the compliment.

neil

 

[skids]

Skids - You could use Dominos, but I think I would have plunged from the back through to the shelf rather than trying to match up the mortises.  That would reduce the chances of any blowout from the domino bit coming through the back.

Given that the top and bottom shelves are canted, you would need to be mindful of the plunge and depth so as not to come out the shelf bottom, but you could do that.  I have not tried doing through dominos though I have seen some members do it on drawers.  I'm just not sure on how 'fine' the hold would be so as not to require any filling.

Jesse - thanks for the compliment.

neil

It's a great project Neil..You should be proud of it. I do like the look of through Dominos, but the contrasting plugs with screws looks very nice as well. Great little table. I want one for my nightly glass of Vino!!

 

[rdesigns]

Practical and attractive...I'm gonna copy it!

I've been thinking of doing a similar accessory for our small sofa, since it's the only seat in the living room without a nearby table or wide, flat arm to set stuff on.

Thanks for posting.