Rube Goldberg Hall Table

[G. Ross]

This is a hall table I built a dozen years ago. No mortises, no tenons, no dovetails--but it has fulfilled its purpose well. The top is stained and oiled poplar, the rest is black lacquered as a nod to our many Japanese pieces. The knobs are "solid brass" according to the packaging from Lowe's. Turns out they are solid pot metal with a nice brass finish.

Had to build a tapering jig for the legs. Not an heirloom. When my wife and I are gone it will probably fetch $5 at the estate auction.

Pictures at ABPW

[John Grossbohlin]

Gotta ask then... how is it held together?

[G. Ross]

Notched triangular pieces at the corners (forget what they are called). They are screwed to the apron and to the legs. Plus glue.

[John Grossbohlin]

That works! It's a relatively low stress piece (i.e., no big pressure or weight loads trying to tear it apart) so that is a reasonable way to do it... looks nice.

John

[G. Ross]

Thanks.

[Sonny]

I like the black lacquer effect. Nice contrast. Well done.

Looks like Hotei, there? Appropriate, also, if so! Give his belly a rub, for luck.... or have I misunderstood part of his "meaning", contentment.

Sonny

[G. Ross]

luck.... or have I misunderstood part of his "meaning", contentment.

Will do. Also have Ebisu. He lives out in the back yard near the fish pond.

[Just Another Joe]

AGLETS ;-)

Heading for the bunker...

Joe

[Swingman]

They'll certainly keep the bullshit off the legs. ;)