Another IMPOSSIBLE "FLOATING" Table Build That Almost BROKE!

[@lqwoodworks]

Full on dining table is the next step

[@doubledarefan]

Chairs, too!

[@brandonjared4523]

Tyler Hageman full dining room set. With floating chairs would be awesome

[@zackpeeler7008]

Finished this video and thought the same thing dining set with small center piece decor.

[@Cotyblack]

I thought the same. Table next.

[@jayknight205]

Yes absolutely with matching stools or chairs lmao

[@ansiviewer]

Use a spring load tension system for the stabilizing cables. It will reduce wobble and spread tension to all cables evenly.

[@John_Malecki]

Need that! noted for version 3 !

[@chrisk3739]

My thoughts exactly. Perhaps some stubby compression springs in the base so they stay hidden. Maybe even a stack of spring washers.

[@hmeslava]

I got inspired by John's first version and I am finishing mine, similar idea. If you have something in mind on how to create a tension system it would be appreciated. I can't find a solution that would increase the tension on the other sides.

[@MNhockeydude35]

@@hmeslava just use a strong spring to attach the wire to the base.

[@Particle44]

@@hmeslava I've been brainstorming my own and I believe I will try some threaded eye bolts with a counter sunk nut under near the frame to create tension

[@SirAmMaRAli88]

try it with extra strong magnets it will be literally floating

[@Big_E_]

Angle the magnets to hold center

[@williamwinder3466]

If anything throws off the balance the whole structure could experience rabid disassembly

[@shotintel]

@@williamwinder3466 if you can get a strong enough attraction.... But that level of magnetic attraction at a distance to make it look good.... Probably would be a bad idea for anyone who had any metal inside of 5 feet or more.

[@Johannes_K]

you need to get a giant type 2 superconductor.

[@joeyshofner639]

You are the Kimmy Gibbler of wood working.

[@Markus314159]

It's nice to see that I'm not the only one that uses a saw as a router. Table or circular doesn't matter I use them both that way.

[@Pietomb]

Nice to see you fully utilising Cardboard Assisted Design there, or CAD for short.

[@dannycbe949]

LOL!

[@astheruy8090]

Hence the manual CAD. Glad im not the only one doing it😁. Its proven effective

[@kellcomnet]

Love the evolution and improvements you have made, it it nice to see people doing things that they obviously get excited by. I will post suggestions in another comment.

[@JTWoodworks]

So awesome!! The thicker cable and ferrules add an industrial look which strangely works on this piece

[@zacharyherl8080]

Rather than going straight to dining table, I vote for a hexagonal coffee table. I figure after 6 anchors on the outside, you hit diminishing returns. Further, trying it with a coffee table first is simpler due to the height required. I would also change the strut to be a triangular pyramid, the top rotated 60 degrees off the bottom so the apex of each pyramid is within the other. This will further stabilize the forces by spreading them across the table, rather than just on one side.

[@garethbaus5471]

That is an interesting idea.

[@thomashughes4859]

4:11 - add the "Golden Mean" or "Cycloids" to any of your work, and it will immediately radiate with sublime beauty, John.

[@MrCg128]

Post everything. We love the content. You have inspired me to become more adventurous in the wood working projects I undertake. And it has been paying off! Literally, people pay me to build stuff now. You rock man, keep it up!

[@jfr7694]

Awesome. Try setting the 4 corner cables at desired height then tighten center cable & everything should be balanced perfectly

[@is6781]

Your craftsmanship is immense but your charisma is also so good

[@petegustafson693]

I love the concept of your floating furniture. One thing I would get rid of that 3/16” wire cable, which I assume is stainless steel, and replace it with a smaller diameter to make it less visible. For example, 3/32” 1x19 stainless steel wire has a breaking strength of 1,200 pounds which is plenty strong for what you are building. The 3/16” 1x19 stainless steel wire that I usually deal with has a breaking strength of 4700 pounds which is much higher than the 800 pounds you mentioned in your video presentation. Another idea would be to replace the wire with a highly polished stainless steel or brass rod which could be treaded into the two sections of the table. There are also available terminal fitting that can be easily attached to the wire that would be practically invisible.

[@troybramer1008]

3.0 have the arm clear epoxy and the top and base solid wood. Completely floating Kinda look Wicked work man ! This is so awesome

[@ronferguson9695]

Hey John, it's not just a side table, its a FU@KIN work of art. I thought the thicker cable was a master stroke and didn't affect the illusion. Love your work Big Fella. 👍👍👍👍

[@JulianSammy]

1. To stop racking, put diagonal wires under tension on each side. I'm not sure if you'll need the vertical wires at all if you make an X on each side. 2. To tighten it up, turn it upside down, add some load, and then tighten the stablizing wires. You might need slightly stronger wires there. 3. Awesome build. It looks great, is strong, and has much more stability than the last one. Nicely done.

[@charlesthomas9294]

I really didn't think I'd care for the look of this, but that is a great-looking table! Amazing optical illusion.

[@OntologicalQuandry]

I wonder what it would look like with a chain in the middle...

[@pateralus9]

I'd love to see a version of this where the top & bottom of the table have intertwining corkscrew patterns, to give the effect of a tornado between the base & top. Great build, these are awesome!

[@AisforAwkwardd]

Theater people use that cable and copper sleeves all the time to rig stuff overhead- it's crazy strong when you've got it done right! They also make aluminum thimbles to help keep your loop a loop and not kink the cable.

[@Godemes]

Excellent vid! Instead of trying to hide the wires by using clear / thin wires, I wonder how a colored 500lb+ fishing line would look. Thanks again for sharing these projects and tips with us. Your 10 Epoxy Mistakes vid would of greatly assisted me when I made my coffee table 2 months ago using dremeled plexiglass in the epoxy to refract the led lights.

[@kevinosmundsen4057]

Try adding a spring under tension to the 4 support wires. Under tension they will still pull the wires tight and give them room to lenghten.

[@ryanakers1372]

Beautiful job on the table! For the Bondo, you have about 5 min of working time once you mix it, to put it on and then it will harden and be ready for sanding/painting in 30 min.

[@whatdoyouthinktodd]

I think you need to put springs under the base. For the four corner tension wires. Putting them under load. That way when you apply wait to the table. The springs can pull back and keep the wires under tension. Pulleys of some kind. Will be needed at the four corners of the base.

[@kenharman4858]

How about building the the base hollow so you can put adjustable tensioners on outside balance wires. Kitchen table, end crimp cable and hide fereles in frame. Recommend Sasafass, if you can find it, beautiful wood!

[@wartlme]

I like your videos. I go back and forth between metal and wood. I am in to wood now. Been milling walnut from a tree that fell in my back yard. It is so cool destroying chainsaws. I have burned out 2, on my 3rd one.

[@Druwoods]

Springs for the tension cables hidden under the base and maybe skeletonize the top mounting plate to lose some weight up top. A piece of nylon strap for the center cable would be a cool look too.

[@ganeshtn2098]

How can one dislike an amazing work like this it's definitely worth admiration

[@jeremiahpatty5509]

First of all I have watched everyone of your videos and I do t think I have seen one that I didn't enjoy so thank you for that!. Second and I don't know why but you remind me of the muscle from diesle brothers and that alone is enough to keep me coming back for more!!!!!!!

[@garyburnett7378]

Beautiful table. Just a suggestion, but maybe try crisscrossing small wires to keep it from racking.

[@nicgurkweitz389]

The next version should be a beefy industrial dinner table using that nice cable. Metal frame on top and bottom. Wood insert on top.

[@austinjordan2]

MORE SIDES!! (Octogon? Stop sign maybe???)

[@timellis9293]

Next version. Pulleys. Miniature Pulleys and a tensioner. This way you can use one single strand of wire to balance the load on all four corners. There are some pretty nice stainless steel and brass ones you can use that would look amazing.

[@timothythompson4750]

I would love to see you take that floating concept and make a chair or bench.

[@pjgaughan323]

I was thinking of a chair as well.

[@Sammy.U]

A multi level corner shelf would be suuuuper sexy!!! Definitely wanna try this myself!

[@xxrgxxcasco]

add 4 tension cables on the outside that are not totally vertical. on the bottom part, you can put 4 new spots where to tie wires, halfway between the corners and the center, and bind them to the original top spots. that way, you will have a MUCH more stable table. Stable table. Stable table... sounds awesome!

[@mortensentim511]

You could add a "floating" intermediate disk which is attached with multiple of the thinner cables around its circumference. The cables would form a cone shape with the tip being where the cables currently attach, and the base is the disk suspended mid-way between.

[@mrretrodoc7601]

For the middle cable, make your own braided wire out of a couple of pieces of the small gauge wire by putting it in a cordless drill at one end and a vice at the other. make it stronger and slightly less obvious

[@InaZeaAnaZazi]

you could add diagonal support cables, like go from bottom corners A, B and C to Corner B (and do that for all four corners). 3 times the cable strength with the same cable. Evan and Katelyn's tensegrity table held like 25 pounds without flexing that way and they used clear plastic cord

[@jessekincheloe2719]

That is really awesome it looks like the only thing holding it up is the cable connecting the metal

[@RG-gn8pe]

The same principal should work for a larger table if you spread it across two tensegrity systems. Basically build 1 large dining table with two tensegrity 'posts' to support the weight. Great video!

[@yeebslycrossinggum1766]

You should try implementing springs into the underside of the table to combat the loss in support tension (4 string thingies) when bearing a load

[@tcon1479]

Next version has to be like a dinner table size! Scale it up to something much larger

[@maxsoetermans7494]

Hang it at each end and have the stabilizing wires in the corners.

[@nanoreaper5002]

John this video is awesome..... you bring a lot of humor into metal and wood working..

[@John_Malecki]

Thats my goal my friend! thank you!

[@nanoreaper5002]

@@John_Malecki would it be possible on version 3 to replace the center chain with opposing magnets

[@arnonench1]

Maybe find a way to keep constant tension on the out side cables like with springs or or something or maybe one long cable that is both the middle and the out side ones

[@chrisalexiou9375]

Use stiff springs in combination with the tensioners so it keeps tension longer and stays more stable

[@StrongmanGeek]

If you make another version, to help with the stabilization, you could add some heavy springs to the corner cables on the underside of the base so they'll keep tension while you add weight to it.

[@JakeMakesProductions]

If you add tensioners to the cables hidden underneath, maybe with a pulley to make the 90 turn you could probably get it more stable

[@evilcanofdrpepper]

Instead of having just 4 wires that go straight up put 8 wires that cross and go to both other corners. Create Xs on the faces and that swill keep it from rocking and make a table that is actually sturdy and useable as a table that doesn't fall apart of you put something in the wrong spot. The main issues right now when it spins or rocks.

[@Kaffeeking]

Try using three main tension cables at an angle. That way the tension not only holds the table up, but also pulls it in three different ways, keeping it stably centered. Should all but eliminate the wobble. Take a bike wheel for example, as they also get their strength from all the spokes being in tension in different directions. You could also use 6 and cross them over each other for even more stability, kinda like a funky looking wheel with 12 spokes

[@AnthonyGonn]

it looks even better than the last cause instead of no wires it looks like its being held up by one UNEXPLAINABLY

[@kevinnathanson6876]

Awesome project! So, to save time: Chipmunk, profile gauge, it will crack next winter and split next summer because of the frame, and the fact that maple is stronger than walnut. OK. Now that I've got THAT out of the way... Synthetic cable, pretensioned, for the outside, and perhaps a convex or concave shape to the top, to heighten the effect. Keep up the great work!

[@John_Malecki]

I’m surprised it took this long for someone to comment on how it will explode apart. Haha

[@nicholaskellam7767]

the orange metal reminded me of a Jory Brigham piece.. looks cool.... version 2 however, what about magnets for the center pushing apart from each other with the cables on the outside holding it together so it will literally be floating with just the cables holding it down

[@kevinwthornton]

For the thinner tension wires, why not connect them under the top with spring tensioners, so that as weight is added they are automatically kept at roughly the same tension?

[@anonymousgreeen3070]

To make it stronger, and maybe it can make it cool as well you could use a chain in the center, it won’t look like its floating but this one didn’t either and it still looks awesome

[@josephineroach8227]

The editing on his videos are honestly so incredible. If I weren't interested in the content, tbh I'd still watch them just for how beautiful they are.

[@John_Malecki]

I will let our editor know !

[@glendavison355]

Ok soo. This is the second video I've seen from you and I had to subscribe. I wanted to click that button 30 seconds into the first vid (wooden levi-table) but I'm working on my impulse scribing... First off... THE QUALITY. Of everything.. your videos the material... your attention to details..... Craftsmanship.. id literally put a TV in the corner that repeats all your vids on your channel... keep this up.

[@toxman69]

If you aren’t standing atop version three. I call fail! How’s that for a goal!

[@ibrahimaldwaik5523]

it's amazing how you mix the metal and the wood together .. but I have a thought is why you didn't but the two iron sides in front of each other ? what's the idea of butting them on the sides of one angle .. they would look much better I guess !?

[@maxfreemynd]

awesome stuff @JohnMalecki. I wonder if there is a reason you switched to metal wire and didn't stick with fishing line like the first table. There are a number of high tension fishing lines that take up more than 400lb of load, and I suspect they would still be less visible than a metal wire. wouldn't they?

[@FennahMakes]

Great build again John! Love your videos! Keep up the good work! Love these tensegrity tables a lot!

[@John_Malecki]

Thank you my friend, man you watch fast!

[@FennahMakes]

@@John_Malecki I'm always waiting for new videos to come out;) And to be honest I skip to the end result first before watching the whole video!

[@Vanquish12V]

I would absolutely buy this table. It's rad.🖤 And I really like the big wire in the middle, haha. 🤷🏻‍♀

[@ericmorrow88]

Place internal tension springs that hold onto the external/corner wires. When you place weight onto the top causing the center cord/wire to "stretch", the external wires will stay taut keeping the top balanced.

[@BenNawrath]

Tightening the outer cables under load would definitely help. And you still wouldn’t need it as heavy as the center one. Also I think if you made the attachment points on the underside of the top closer together than the base attachment points, I think it would resist twisting more. Or oppose, top wider than the base. Ever use a kid’s swing where the ropes were closer together at the top? Twist city. Spread them out and you’re golden. Also bold move picture framing a slab...

[@jessepowell8267]

Great build. Question. When rigging a square piece of equipment you place 4 lifting lugs with straps at the corners to pick it up. In actuality only 2 straps are doing the lifting because none of the 4 straps are exactly the same length. So the shortest strap and the opposite strap are lifting the load. Could that be why the top is swaying in that direction? Also go bigger over all. Build a metal base with multiple drops for a table that is 6 ft long? Stabilize the corners the same

[@schusterian0]

Make all the sections curvilinear. Candycane or question mark-shaped supports and ovular base and top. Hide the ferrules inside the supports.

[@HomeAwesomation]

I think diagonal wires from top left to bottom right corners would fix the rotational stability a lot. It wouldn't look as impressive though. I have been building small 6^3" versions of this on my 3d printer. I am going to give my idea a shot.

[@jthibault420]

think the first cables failed due to shear point in the steel maybe a bushing to soften the edge would help? or did the clips fail? that thin wire shoulda held just fine either way cool build and thanks for sharing

[@eriktrent2585]

I think for the next one you need to step up to active control. If you can adjust the tension of the guy wires in real time I think you can increase the stability.

[@simonmilburn8336]

Try cris crossing the corners even though its using 8 outside wires i wonder if it would eliminate the rocking

[@MrDubstepOCE]

If you went diagonally on the outer cables, wouldn't that help prevent the spinning under load?

[@rononel8046]

How about a hexagonal base & top with struts coming off of every alternate corner so that you get two interlaced pyramids? That might conceal the tension wire.

[@number23br]

It reminds me of an old-school billiards table. I dig it!

[@coreys2686]

Hide the ferrules inside the structure for the big cable in the middle. Haven't watched the other table video: are you tensioning the other lines individually? Having a turnbuckle accessible from outside should make it easier to tension those other lines.

[@SchysCraftCo.]

That is just mind blowing crazy awesome. Great build John

[@OOOHBILLY]

Not only would heavier cables on the outside help stability and “payload”? But it would look beefier. The table will still mind-fudge your brain. Can’t wait to see it.

[@jacknorris7715]

Pentagon Table, made of wood, reinforced with metal. Maybe try to find a way to adjust the tension of the outer cables like you did with the string on the first table. Alternatively make a wobbly chair.

[@59eurobug]

Do a hexagonal shape maybe? Also, you might want to balance the weight of the top with counterweights opposite the arm that comes down. It looks like that's the reason it was moving towards that side when weight was applied.

[@bballplayer5555]

Diagonal exterior wires/cables. Will create horizontal loads to prevent twisting. Vertical loads will still exist to create the effect. Should allow smaller external cables to achieve goal.

[@mfennema]

For the next version, you could cross the outer cables instead of going straight up and down. Essentially all of the cables would meet in the middle.

[@frankreichert3144]

Bracing meeting in one point doesn‘t work. However you are right, the outer cables should not be straight down, do triangles on each side.

[@jorgecoria7858]

This is off the charts! Saludos from Los Cabos, Mexico.

[@mbf237]

I'd put an obvious chunky chain in the middle and the "invisible" wire cables on the outer points. Or a mix of chain and cable. Optical illusion of balancing on the chain.

[@LordAnvilian]

Instead of attaching the thinner wires straight up, have 2 from each bottom corner go diagonally up to the next corners on the top board. Wouldn't this help with stability?

[@jacquestettero788]

If the internet is right I think te best kinde off wire you can use is kevlar it can hold 520.000lbs/ square inch or in metric 365,57 kg/ mm^2. Because it can hold a lot of weight per small surfes you van make the wire almost invisible.

[@bills.771]

From the examples I've seen elsewhere, I'm thinking that the stability may be improved by having the vertical parts that hold the main cable facing each other, instead of at a right angle to each other.

[@getrail3d994]

You could achieve 100% stability and remove the wobble by running 2 runs of cable at ~45 degree angles in opposing directions from one corner on the bottom to adjacent corners on the top. Tables need to be reliable. Love the builds man, keep it up, Roll Tide!

[@theimpulse77]

McMaster is awesome because not only can you get almost anything there, they also provide solid models for whatever system you're using for almost everything they sell. I have a gigantic library of hardware that I use for work and hobbies.

[@edwardholmes3461]

Love your stuff mate - even made me start to perform squirrely woodwork! all the best from the UK and keep it up John and Sam!

[@nathanvanthof2326]

Just shooting ideas: have a pump pump up water to the top. Have it waterfall at the corners to hide the cables. I think it would look sick if you painted it like mossy mountainous rock, floating in mid air with streams coming off of it

[@BalthazarL]

Love the nick offerman Wall painting

[@gail8834]

You can camouflage the center wire with similar colors as the table as well as blacks and browns to hide it.

[@watti-yi7sw]

Thx4 vid....been following and fascinated by builds. Question....the white 'paint' pen you marked your metal with, where can I purchase? Would be a big help here precision wise. Going to try build with time on my hands! Thx and keep vids coming.

[@northernwesty]

should do one more crimp on each of the big ferrules. PS, when it says the WLL (working load limit) is 800 pounds, they factor in a 5:1 safety factor. that center cable will hold 4000 lbs before it shears

[@thomaswithpie]

Would it possibly be more stable if the small wires tensioning the corners crossed from one corner to,the opposite? Idk just something you could maybe try.

[@spoonit9939]

Could this work with a longer table? Multiple supports along length? Then you could possibly use thinner support cabling with more of them? Or maybe I'm mad.

[@jeffoliver4158]

Larger table. Like a coffee table or dining table. Could use 2 center pieces facing in opposite directions. Also would look really cool with a clear resin river so you can see down into the floating madness you've made.

[@MarisaClardy]

I'd love to see you make it look like it is chain links, but tensegrity... So having the middle anchors be squares around each other, locked together, but then still floating.

[@jpt1205]

Awesome vid as always! Ron Swanson Painting/Pic--Where did you get it????! I keep asking and searching but nada! PLEASE DO TELL!

[@paulmuller3282]

This table is absolutely amazing 😍