Mechanical Table

Most people have probably owned a kitchen table that can be enlarged by adding a piece in the center or unfolding an additional segment, but this is an entirely different (and purely awesome) method of expanding a table for larger groups. I honestly never thought it would be possible to get excited by a table, but I really want one of these.

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Posted By: Salamander Sam - Wed Nov 17, 2010
Category: Furniture | Technology | Rube Goldberg Devices | Video | Interior Decorating

Comments

I know what you mean. The first time I watched this, I didn't completely realize what was happening until about the third time they changed the size. I was watching the changing shapes and suddenly every seam disappeared and the table was whole again. I thought it was video trickery at first, but when I realized what it was I was even more impressed.

When I was trying to find a better video (I found three different demonstrations of the table, but all of them look that bad) I saw a few that looked like they might be how-to instructions for building your own expanding table, but I didn't check to see what they were. I'm sure someone has designs for building a similar table if you are interested in the mechanics.

Posted by Salamander Sam in Chicago on 11/17/10 at 09:10 PM

There are 3 main layers to the table. The top, another section under that just like the top then the "star" under that. When you open the table the top expands, the section under the top comes up and expands then the "star" under it all comes up to fill the gap created by the 12 pie shaped leaves. (I think)

Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 11/18/10 at 12:10 AM

Modern math: 6 + 6 = <12

Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 11/18/10 at 10:29 AM

that table is freakin' cool!!! it took me a minute to realize what was happening too sam.

Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 11/18/10 at 11:49 AM

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