Some of my recent designs have involved complex angled joinery, such as the base of this table inspired by a sketch by Vic Hubbard. I was having a hard time visualizing in my head how the joinery would work, so I built a prototype to help me understand.
Since it’s only a prototype to explore the mechanics of the base, I didn’t bother to make the top with the fancy joinery where one V penetrates the edges. The base was made from two Vs joined with cross laps for a strong connection. For the top I chose a piece of cherry that tapered in width, to match the footprint of the base and I secured it with dowels.
This is the twelfth slide from my PechaKucha presentation.
As a table it works, but not very well. However, I now know how to improve the next one.
You can see more pictures and read details of this table here.
Sculptural Woodwork by Chris Wong 
I’m anxious to talk to you about your findings. I’ve been planning on prototyping my base, as the curves will lend an added level of complexity.
Vic,
While I like the aesthetics of these crazy designs, the physics of them are very different from ordinary pieces of furniture.
Chris
Chris the first thing I saw, and what triggered in my brain…. was an ironing board. Not sure this triangle thang works for me. But since it is a prototype, I am sure you will make it more interesting…
Morgan,
You’re not the only one who sees an ironing board. I like the base and I wonder how much an effect changing the top would have on the perception of the base.
Chris
I constantly spent my half an hour to read this blog’s content every day along with a mug of
coffee.