Week 07 ~ computer-controlled machining


Side-board table

For this week, I wanted to design a simple "side-board" style table/shelf for my room. After initially exploring pure mechanical-interference/friction joints between the pieces of wood, I decided it would be interesting to design some custom snap-fit 3D printed connectors.

Responsive image
CAD model in Onshape.
Responsive image
Responsive image
Connectors: in CAD and 3D printed. On the next iteration I would include the snap-fit also on the top-facing wedge which turned out to be much harder to insert.
Responsive image
Cutting the parts on the Onsrud CNC mill. We used an 1/8 in compression bit (a bit that tries to balance the trade-offs between up and down cutting).
Responsive image
Connector detail
Responsive image
Responsive image
Finished tabel in the M.A.D. workshop. I'm quite happy with how the joint details turned out. In the future, I will try to work more with the natural bow of the wood: as it is (with the 'nicer' sides facing upwards), the middle and top plates want to dissassemble themselves from the connectors ... I would also try to improve the connector by making the top side also a snap-fit.