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!

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

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