Anders K Nelson

What it is

A simple end table design, so I can get a pair of desk lamps and complete my life.

What it’s made of

I started out designing with classic “black steel” or “malleable iron” pipe:

• 1/2″ diameter, xx” length threaded pipe. Qty: 16. Long axis.
• 1/2″ diameter, xx” length threaded pipe. Qty: 8. Short axis.
• 1/2″ diameter, xx” length threaded pipe. Qty: 4. Tall axis.
• 1/2″ diameter, xx” length threaded pipe. Qty: 4. Short axis.
• 1/2″ diameter, tee fitting. Qty: 24.
• 1/2″ diameter, floor flange. Qty: 8.
• 1/2″ diameter, tube strap. Qty: 16.
• 19″ x 34″ x 3/8″, furniture-grade birch plywood. Qty: 2. Link
• Walnut stain. Link

But that would be heavy and require all ends be threaded. Nah.

Then I found the wonders that are structural pipe and fittings. Like SteelTek and Key Clamp Fittings. No threading necessary, you can use cheap kinda expensive schedule 40 electrical conduit and the fittings are secured with a hex wrench. Yah!

• 3/4″ trade size, **SCHEDULE 40, NOT EMT** 10ft electrical conduit. Qty: 2. Link (aluminum), Link (steel)
  • 3/4″ ID, xx” length pipe. Qty: 4.
  • 3/4″ ID, yy” length pipe. Qty: 6.
  • 3/4″ ID, zz” length pipe. Qty: 1.
• 3/4″ ID, 90º fitting elbow. Qty: 4. Link SteelTek 3/4-in x 90-Degree Silver Galvanized Steel Structural Pipe Fitting Elbow
• 3/4″ ID, floor flange. Qty: 5. Link SteelTek 3/4-in Silver Galvanized Steel Structural Pipe Fitting Floor Flange
• 3/4″ ID, single offset flange. Qty: 12. LinkSteelTek 3/4-in Silver Galvanized Steel Structural Pipe Fitting Rail Flange
  • Cheaper Link Sigma Electric ProConnex 3/4-in One-hole Strap Intermediate Metal Conduit Compatible Galvanized Rigid Conduit Compatible Rigid Metal Conduit Compatible Conduit Fitting
• 3/4″ ID, double offset flange. Qty: 2. LinkSteelTek 3/4-in Silver Galvanized Steel Structural Pipe Fitting Swivel Socket
  • Cheaper Link Sigma Electric ProConnex 3/4-in Two-hole Strap Intermediate Metal Conduit Compatible Galvanized Rigid Conduit Compatible Rigid Metal Conduit Compatible Conduit Fitting
• 3/4″ ID, fitting tee. Qty: 4. Link SteelTek 3/4-in x 90-Degree Silver Galvanized Steel Structural Pipe Fitting Short Tee
• 3/4″ ID, 90º fitting tee. Qty: 4. Link SteelTek 3/4-in x 90-Degree Silver Galvanized Steel Structural Pipe Fitting Short Tee
• 3/4″ ID, cross tee. Qty: 1. Link SteelTek 3/4-in 90-Degree Silver Galvanized Steel Structural Pipe Fitting Cross Tee
• 19″ x 34″ x 3/8″, furniture-grade birch poplar plywood. Qty: 2. Link
• Walnut stain. Link
• Thick rubber tape to fill any gaps between the straps and pipes. Link
• 1″ hole saw bit. Link 1 1/8″ hole saw bit. Schedule 40 pipe won’t fit in a 1″ hole, aye! [Link]

3D Model

To help cut the corners and locate the riser pipe holes, I exported a 1:1 scale drawing from the model. All corners can use the same drawing:

Mockup

Before cutting the expensive/tough steel pipe I mocked up the table using cheap schedule 40 PVC pipe. A bit wobbly with PVC but stiff enough that steel should make the structure very rigid without bracing. FYI if you don’t have a cutting wheel Home Depot will cut your pipe for free.

I also found that 1.05″ OD pipe absolutely will not fit in a 1″ hole, so I had to re-cut the holes with a 1 1/8″ hole saw. BUT LOL there’s no material for a new saw bit to center itself after the first hole was cut! We can make a centering tool and 3D print it though:

Worked like a charm.

Gallery