Three Layer Tensegrity Table

This tutorial will demonstrate how to make a three-layer tensegrity table, a hanging table supported by tension to keep it stable and balanced.

You need:

10 feet of small chan that will be able to fit on the hooks

1-1/4" hook screws

3' x 4' of 3/4" plywood

find a tensegrity table design that you like, it could be curved connections like the ones I used, boxy ones that hang over each other such as in the example images, and many more. as long as you follow the laws of gravity there are a plethora of designs to choose from.

prototypes are important to determine any imbalances or flaws with you design, to make sure that your design can hold itself up using tensegrity, and you keep the center of gravity stable. you can do this by scaling you design down by a factor of three or so, just big enough that you are able to attach your strings/chains, and there is enough space between your layers that you can test the tension aspect of it.

https://a360.co/3ZsfDEX

Create a CAD model to transfer your design to a router. This will make it far easier to cut out the round connections and the squares. After you create a CAD model, turn it into an array by designating each piece using CAM. This will allow you to turn it into a suitable form to be transferred and cut out as a flat piece, as shown in the images above.

When creating the setup for the router, here are the steps to follow (disclaimer: my setup might be different from yours so be sure that this works for you machinery and tools):

1. Create a new setup, set the XY axis as your router's platform, and set the origin at the corner of your material.
2. Define the dimensions of your material
3. Choose 2D Contour for your cut type
4. Select your tool and set the spindle speed to 18,000 and the cutting feed rate to 40 for a 1/8" tool.
5. Select the chain in the geometry tab as your specified cut type.
6. Move to the heights tab and change your top and bottom height to origin, your top offset to your material height, and your bottom offset to zero.
7. Check the multiple depths box and set the maximum roughing stepdown to 0.2 to make numerous laps with the router.
8. When finished, select the post NC program, change the file name, and select the output folder.
9. Select the AXYZ axis as your machine,
10. make sure operations are correct on the operations tab,
11. upload it to a USB stick, and connect to the router to cut out your pieces.

Best practices:

Some recommendations I have are for the round connection pieces. Unlike the ones I created, I would recommend making more of an arc shape rather than a half circle; something more elongated will allow the table to be taller and make more room between the connections. This will allow you to attach more chain between the hanging pieces rather than cramping them with the half-circle shape.

Once you've cut out your pieces on the router, it's time to start the assembly process. Measure out the center of your bottom larger piece and use wood glue and a nail gun to secure it to the piece. Drill pilot holes into each corner of the table, measuring about half to a quarter inch from the corner but ensuring each one is equidistant. Do the same on your top piece that you will be putting on before you attach it to your bottom piece. After you drill the pilot holes in each corner, screw the hook screws in. drill a pilot hole and put a screw at the highest point on the underside of each arc to attach them as well. Interlock the top and bottom pieces, glue, and nail down the second, smaller arc. Connect the chain to each hook screw, and fidget with the tension until you get the proper alignment. Check by laying a level on top of the table and rotating it to ensure it is fully level.

now that you have your table, test it out by placing some weight on top of it to make sure it can sustain tension while not tipping over or snapping. if your smaller platform is also completely level at this point, you can screw in pilot holes and attach hook screws to put on your second layer. You can also keep messing with the tension in each of the corner screws and chains to make sure the platform doesn't wobble. if you don't have too much sway and your platforms are level, you've done a good job.

You now have a tensegrity table!