Some people really like puzzles. [Simone Giertz] is one of these serious puzzle lovers and built a transforming table (YouTube) to let her easily switch between puzzles and more mundane tasks, like eating.
While there are commercial solutions out there for game tables with removable tops and simpler solutions like hinged lids, [Giertz] decided to “make it more complicated and over-engineered than that.” A tambour top that rolls out of the way makes this a unique piece of furniture already, but the second, puzzle table top that can be raised flush with the sides of the table really brings this to the next level.
If that wasn’t already enough, the brass handles on the table are also custom made. In grand maker tradition, [Giertz] listened to her inner MYOG (Make Your Own Gnome) and got a lathe to learn to make her own handles instead of just buying some off the shelf.
If you’re less enamored of puzzles, you may want to see how Jigsaw Puzzles are Defeated. If you’re worried about losing pieces, check out these 3D Printed Sliding Puzzles.
That is true meticulousity and grand complication in table design. I love this so much. I have had this exact problem where a huge puzzle took over my kitchen table for months and we ended up not finishing it. I’m starting to think I should build a metal version of this. Its just too cool.
Nice, love the design of the classic Bonzini table soccer, never goes out of style.
Lovely table and design. Very entertaining Video.
“Hey, Miss Tambour thing Ma’am, …”
(Apologies to Robrt Zimmerman)
a.k.a. Bob Dylan, not Phil Zimmerman of PGP fame.
(I don’t knew that The Commenter Formerly Known As Ren is from that far before the UNIX epoch.)
Pretty cool! My only concern would be liquid intrusion onto the puzzles (etc.) below from spilled drinks on the table. Not sure if the tambour helps prevent that or not. Otherwise, a slick design :-)
Seems like a table cloth is in order — for those opps moments :) . Neat project!!
I would think it’s essential to the jam free (Both literal and rhetorical) operation of the table long term. Given how sensitive to misalignment it appears to be, toleration of stray matter in it’s workings would not be high.
Nice table and video.
My favorite part was her rhapsodic reaction to using the lathe. I still remember the feeling I had when I first learned that I COULD CUT METAL! As a STEM mentor, I made sure each of the girls got a chance to use my little Sherline lathe to make a ring, or cut a retaining ring groove or something. I really wanted to pass that feeling on.
Thanks Simone, for capturing that moment so well on video.
Maybe I should just give up the dream of someday owning a [big,heavy,3 phase] lathe and buy a Sherline lathe and mill…
don’t buy the mill. Get a Taig mill. Sherline lathe with 3C headstock is decent tho
Would be better it there where two plates that fold back somehow, since there will only be one crease that way. But great design, and so much work!