Floating Tensegrity Table

The idea of tensegrity has always interested me as it is a very cool thing to work with, for this project I've decided to use tensegrity as a way to build a table like some might have seen before in some places. A video of a tensegrity table build caught my eye and this project has been on my mind ever since. Although it may look complex, it is actually quite simple!

• (x9) 2x4 Wood From Pallets
• 10 ft. lightweight chains
• 10" 3/4 Screws

Tools:

• Router Tool
• Miter Saw
• Table Saw
• Orbital Sander
• Jig Saw
• Nail Gun

The first step of this project is measuring the 2x4's, these measurements can really be dependent on how tall you want your build to be, for this, I have measured 16 inches.

Getting the correct angles is important, as if the angles don't match up, the pieces might not fit together like they're supposed to. In this case, you want to make sure that you cut the angles correctly to make a lap joint, cutting the 2x4 at a measure of 1' 3/4". I measured 3 inches for the lap joints in length.

Although there are many different orders you can go from here, I have personally chosen to start with the chains since it was quite an easy step and easily measurable. Each one of the chains measured is 15 inches tall, which with the chains I am using, equals out to about 37 chain links.

As stated before, there isn't a real correct reason on which one comes first, this was all personal preference. I measured out the middle of the lap join that I have created and screwed it down with a simple two screws I had at home, 1 inch screws often will do the trick.

The middle chain is quite short, a simple inch or two will do. I would also double up on chains, as this is likely the most beneficial part of the table, if this piece happens to break then the table is likely to fall apart.

At this point, you should have the middle chain, and the bottom chains attached. At this point the bottom chains should stretch out to the top chains perfectly, making them not too tight, but tight enough to hold everything in place. There isn't much calculation to go into this, simply putting a bolt through the bottom chain and attaching them to the top part of your table!

This is quite an optional step but I believe it makes the look of the table look much better. The table may look a bit rough initially, but sanding can surely help with that. Whether you are using a piece of sandpaper or a sander, I'm sure any type of sanding will get the job done well.

This project was quite harder than what i expected, as I am not the most experienced with woodworking. I had lots of fun making this, some struggles I had with this were measuring and ensuring that I got the correct angles, I had many failed attempts. This being the most successful out of the bunch!