Concave Table Base

Posted on May 14, 2018 by David Wilson

Concave base mirror table

A custom concave table base was required on which a large black framed mirror could be mounted. The client wanted a unique display table for their optometrist business. A sturdy design was developed for the base section that blended well with the mirror while maintaining an elegant double concave surface on the base.

White LEDs around the inside edge of the mirror frame were also fitted to illuminate the display area. The table base was constructed of timber and was finished in a high gloss black enamel.

To make the concave surfaces an intricate timber framework was built on which the plywood surfaces could be attached. To keep the weight to a minimum sections of ply were cut from the ply panel components that were not structurally required. This had the added benefit of allowing access inside the base to ensure good adhesive bonding of the edges of the concave surfaces.

Routing the curved profiles for the support structure

Completed internal framework prior to cladding

First concave 5mm bendy ply section attached

First concave ply section attached

Cladding in 5mm bendy ply completed

The LED strips around the inside edge of the mirror were powered by small battery packs fitted in recesses under the mirror in the base section. The LEDs were divided into two sections with a battery pack fitted either end of the table base.

Side view of concave table in shop

View of the mirror top showing LED strips

Steel Mosaic Table Base

Posted on July 25, 2011 by David Wilson

Ethel Rhind mosaic steel table

A steel table base was needed by a client who had a beautiful early 20th century mosaic table top made by the prominent Dublin stained glass artist Ethel Rhind.

The mosaic plaque was in two halves and was originally used as a wall plaque for an unknown company in Hong Kong. Somehow it then ended up in Singapore and, as nobody wanted it, would have been discarded if not salvaged by the current owner many years ago.

Round table base support

The mosaic was very heavy and, having a cement back, prone to being broken if treated roughly. To give the mosaic as much support as possible a circular table base was designed to offer uniform support around its circumference.

The existing two brackets that had been fibreglassed to the back of both halves were utilised to fix the mosaic to the new table base frame. Additional steel brackets were made and fibreglassed down the middle edge of both halves to stop the halves flexing when the table was lifted by the edge.

While cleaning the mosaic with the client after it had been fitted to the table base Ethel Rhind’s signature was discovered on the edge of the mosaic. It had gone unnoticed for years and was an unexpected bonus for the owner who now has a steel mosaic table with a history as colourful as its theme.

Fitting frame to mosaic

Completed steel mosaic table base

View of the Ethel Rhind mosaic table top

Ethel Rhind signature of the mosaic top

Coffee Table

Posted on June 27, 2011 by David Wilson

Finished coffee table

You can buy a coffee table in any size in styles ranging from economical IKEA and Freedom models made from particleboard to quality pieces from exclusive furniture makers made from exotic timbers such as ebony. Coffee table sizes tend to be standardised however more often than not a specific length and width is needed to suit a particular space or function.

The coffee table legs

This project required a particular height as a student work table and also to double as a coffee table. The client also wanted some turned pine legs cut from another piece of furniture incorporated into the design. Some minor adjustments needed to be made to the coffee table legs on a lathe so they could be attached to the top which resulted in a handsome piece of furniture.