Artsy Fan C-Table - A Fun Experiment!

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My new shop assistant Jon likes to dabble in design. He posted a cool little table idea to his Instagram feed and I thought it would make a fun experiment for TWW. We put our heads together and came up with a prototype. As you probably know by now, even prototypes can be beautiful and functional so Jon took the table home and put it to work. After that first proof of concept, I really wanted to take a second crack at the design with a few changes that put a slight Spag-spin on it and you'll see that one at the end of the video.
We have some basic plans for this if you'd like to try to build one for yourself, but you definitely need to measure your couch before starting. thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/a...
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[@woodwhisperer]

We have some basic plans for this if you'd like to try to build one for yourself, but you definitely need to measure your couch before starting. thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/artsy-fan-c-table-a-fun-experiment/

[@sethrosendahl]

Sick PS5 flex

[@robertburks201]

Love both the designs. Dovetails for the bottom joinery would be a cool change as well.

[@zapa1pnt]

@@sethrosendahl: I had to look that one up. But, yeah, I see it. Good call.

[@SailorRalph]

I love your philosophy and builds.

[@thornagain1497]

One of favorite science quotes “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” ― Isaac Newton. Now after listening to you I will use it in my woodshop also.

[@user-iu9sx4ci9c]

I had fun making these. I made two smaller models. I used only one vertical finger assembly for each consisting of 11 boards each. One thing I did differently was that I dado cut both tops and a scrap piece at the same time. This allowed me to glue the fingers into the table top while using the scrap piece at the bottom for support and to keep things straight. Then I glued the spacers in and trimmed to length. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@kglax10]

There's something about this video that I think makes it my favorite of this year. I really enjoyed the attitude of "Let's try it and see if it works," and I really appreciate you showing the broken one. Thank you for all that you do, Marc. You inspired me with this video.

[@viquarsyed1663]

Hey Marc, Your last few minutes talk seem to have eased my mind. Because I always thought that I am copying or stealing ideas from others but really we are only getting inspired. Thanks for being honest in sharing it. I am at ease now🙂.

[@marquisbois990]

This is the type of vid why I subbed to TWW all those years ago and ended up a woodworker a decade later. Thanks Marc!

[@rameezamos2249]

I like the end where you give your take on design . Great way you evolved the original design.

[@woodwhisperer]

Thank you very much!

[@DonsWoodies]

Agree. I love the fact that Marc gives credit where due always. Great, great video. Excellent explanations of the whole process. And yep, you took it to another level, Marc. Dang, I want to build one of these.

[@ness-ee]

As a professional designer I was taught to go with what you know works, so there’s no shame in taking an idea and enhancing it.

[@nathanwalters6186]

"Always build upon the work of other people" Thanks for saying that. I got into woodworking just a couple of years ago and sometimes feel guilty for copying a build from youtube. It took me a while to change that mentality. Awesome design build!

[@SEJones720]

A very beautiful design and build! Thanks, Marc and Jon, for sharing your creativity and excellence.

[@joshgray3360]

Beautifully done! You learn by pushing your boundaries and seeing what happens.

[@nextlevel8822]

This is beautiful, and seems relatively accessible for hobbyists to attempt. Well done. Also, nice PS5 flex at the end there...

[@kevinrich4637]

Have to say, to me, best video period. A friend says; “Hey I drew this out what do you think?” You, “Let’s give it a shot!” You went full in on the design to give the design the full opportunity to fruition despite your concerns. As a new wood worker right now I am getting all my ideas from people like you and others. Thanks for sharing.

[@kennethlegendre]

Beautiful looking pieces. Really like John's design style. Also like the way you iterate off of it and create a new piece. loots great.

[@adam_of_all_trades_no_mast8388]

love the developmental process and creativity outlook you mentioned at the end of the video!

[@BeauChampion]

Learning and applying new techniques is one of my favorite aspects of woodworking. It was really fun watching you do it! Super neat project that I suspect has the mental gears of many woodworkers turning.

[@user-wy5ik6zq4r]

Beautiful design. Loved your comments at the end. That’s exactly the way I work.

[@iamjimgroth]

I really enjoy the discussion about details, and especially why what worked or didn't.

[@Itstheoutputs]

Hi Marc, You and David will always be my favorite woodworkers. You have built a bridge from the past to the future. Indeed many stand on your shoulders. In a world of time lapse projects and plywood, you still stand out. You deserve a quiet “That’ll do Pig. That’ll do.” So here’s one from a fan and an internet friend. Keep it up. Jim

[@woodwhisperer]

Very kind of you Jim!

[@Gregory_Chap]

Mark, one of your best videos in my humble opinion. Couldn’t agree more with your wrap up!

[@cherkruger1166]

Thank you Marc for sharing this project, as always, a great build. I watched your video on the step stool (about a hundred times) you did a 15 degree on it, I dont have that jig you used on the table saw so I made one for a 5 degree for the sides of a sideboard, your work has always inspired me. Thank you Marc

[@irhgsy]

Awesome. So nice to hear the design philosophy and to watch a real artist. Many thanks.

[@tharemyhopkins5873]

Such a cool video - great design, craftsmanship and education, all wrapped up in an entertaining and smooth edit. Thank you.

[@franceshallen2478]

That is beautiful. Great idea Jon, you're lucky to have a boss like this. keep it up.

[@JoshMakesStuff]

You guys do amazing work! I’m glad that John is co tribute for to the channel and he really nailed it.

[@Edge1775]

I love it when experiments work out beautifully. nice job thanks for sharing

[@Matimila59]

Grateful thanks for sharing your wisdom and experience, Marc. I really appreciate your take on design building on previous experiences of others even. By my standards this would really stretch my competence. 🙏🏾

[@motzemog]

Experimenting with John. New free site series! Love the outcome and evolution.

[@Hellyers]

Those tables look really smart, bit of an art deco vibe going on. I like them!

[@SwearingenTurnings]

I've watched this a few times since you posted. I would never be able to design this but LOVE how funky, yet delicate, it is. My next big tool purchase will be a drum sander and I think this will be one of the first pieces I build with it. Thank you!

[@mooizweden2022]

He looks very proud. Good work and thanks a lot for the plans.

[@glencrandall7051]

First, Jon had a really great idea. It's a very nice design. It's light and easy to implement. Lots of room for innovation too. I think the flex on the taller one is mostly due to the extra height. Second, the format of this production is outstanding. I like that you are working out the design and construction points during the production. This is not a "Here are the plans go make one" video. This is a both educational and entertaining production. I see you left out the dowells on the second one. I think they were unneeded. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay healthy.

[@woodwhisperer]

Thanks for the feedback Glen. The second actually does have dowels. It’s just harder to see oak on cherry. 😊

[@pwiegardt]

Very cool project. I could see adding another variation by using different widths in the thin strips. Or possibly creating an arch with them for added stability.

[@TheOtherGuybo]

Gorgeous, elegant. One of the best builds I've seen. I agree with you, the compound curve must be what gives greater stiffness - unexpected, but clearly demonstrated. The various accents and modifications, especially for the second one, are striking. Looking forward to making my own evolution. Great video!

[@fowadkhan5938]

You are a doctor of wood working. Always over the top.

[@AndrewKleinWW]

I really like that. nice work man!

[@woodwhisperer]

Thanks man!

[@JamesSmith-su3oz]

Mark, great video. The parting shot at the end is so true to life, very few have the wow idea, but we can all " make better " .

[@wolfwoodworkingcreations4321]

I just had this exact talk with my podcast partner right after our recording. He brought the advise and you reinforced it. Thank you Mr. Whisperer. You're a pretty smart guy no matter what Matt says about you. Cheers

[@deucerider430]

I used to use the analogy about the wheel , albeit a little differently stated ,when I used to race cars: "I didn't invent the wheel but I'm here to make it roll faster!" Another BEAUTIFUL piece! Thank you for sharing!

[@rolandkuhn9066]

Love it, made one for the wife. We both think it is beautiful. Thanks guys

[@edwardsimmons3721]

Love different engineering of a seemingly simple project idea.

[@Ernzt8]

This design is beautiful! And I really like the way you take us by hand in the process

[@keithspencersr.6806]

Outstanding work and idea, like the book matching walnut the must.

[@timmymartin317]

Well done gentleman! Beautiful work and beautiful philosophy!

[@TheNorthernEarly]

Allot of great wood info in this one. Thanks mark 👍

[@hoperules8874]

Thank you, John! It all starts with an idea.

[@zapa1pnt]

John, you are, obviously, a talented "dabbler". Congratulations, on a beautiful and functional design.

[@AdityaMehendale]

About your consideration "one design is stiffer than the other" --> This has little to do with the fan shape or parallel-shape of the fingers. For a cantilever, the stiffness scales as the cube of the length. For example, if one table is 1.26 times as tall as the other, its stiffness will be ~ half, all other things being constant. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5CoXqePh911obc

[@ericcasteel1379]

Yep. I said the same thing, but you said it better than I did, because math.

[@AdityaMehendale]

@@ericcasteel1379 Haha, math ftw. :) Did you watch Prof. Dan Gelbart's excellent video (linked above)?

[@philshock3805]

I think Marc was referencing side to side flex and not so much of the cantilever flex. It's somewhat obvious that the longer piece will have a bit more flex than the shorter piece but I think the extra tension of the perpendicular fingers helps quite a bit when we're talking side to side flex. The fingers are simply stiffer.

[@richs5422]

Obviously, wider and/or thicker strips would help with the flex and twist as well. Steam would make larger strips easier to bend. The point at which the short strips stop will also make a difference.

[@ask_jeebs]

Man these are both such an awesome design. I think I prefer the single bend just a little more, it just looks a little more smooth. Great work guys

[@archbuilder71]

The fan design of the vertical elements is very nice, I enjoy tinkering with designs like that. As an architect, I can tell you that design changes are driven by material advances, more than anything else. And our ever changing lifestyles impact design as well, more than you would think. Thanks for pointing out the evolution of design in the built environment!

[@RocketDragons]

"If I have seen further it is by standing on the sturdy furniture of giants." - Sir Isaac Newton, maybe

[@bushman4124]

That was finally a nice video of a very nice project, cool design. love to see how you guys made it and learned a lot!

[@benjaminsantiago7802]

Really enjoyed the “experiment”! And the design theory at the end was pretty interesting too. Cheers, nice work!

[@grapplergirl10]

Great project. I like the first one, but that second one is greatness. Very Art Deco.

[@kennylakits4093]

I was finishing up a bowl today on the lathe thinking I need a cool flat work project. This hit it out of the park! Thx bud, hope all is well been to long since we last talked at the woodworkers shows!

[@dangreen7709]

Marc, the flexibility of a beam varies with the cube of length (L^3), so the taller 2nd version became more flexible just by virtue of the increased height (beam length). Length was probably a more significant factor than tension from the reentrant curve.

[@adkchip1]

Awesome work! Saved a screenshot so i can always look back to it for inspiration.

[@emaildavidlehman]

Outstanding idea executed flawlessly.

[@mikem7662]

Nice video guys and cool design John! The serendipitous miter cuts on the spacers definitely added some cool flavor, good call keeping them. :)

[@vs77mail]

Watching your channel for long time and really enjoy it. I really respect you giving the credit to John for the design. Great design and great improvements. Well done guys.

[@woodwhisperer]

Thank you very much!

[@albertqss]

I saw this video a while back. Now I was looking fir an idea for a sofa table. This vid popped up. I just want to say again: "Thanks for all the fish". Your videos not only inspired me, but also helped me in learning the trade. Cheers!

[@twotopsturning6493]

great job on the tables Marc, the last 10 minutes or so of chatting design was a highlight

[@jerrybengtson9779]

Thanks for posting the plans for this. I was planning on building two tables like this. But I was not finding any designs that I liked. This is beautiful. I am looking forward to building these.

[@ronhochhalter3491]

Great project, looks magnificent , really enjoyed watching this production.

[@Pistol_Knight]

Big pat on the back to John, knocked it out the park on the design, nice looking project

[@playersracing]

Great project and video. It’s a beautiful lil couch table!

[@brentprosser5563]

I definitely like your boy’s design. He’s new to woodworking and coming up with better stuff than I do after years of it. Lol. Kudos to you both.

[@brentprosser5563]

@@TheSnowboardhippie oh my bad. When he said new shop guy I assumed that meant new to the craft. I apologize and stand corrected. Still a beautiful design whether from novice or old timer. Lol

[@codacreator6162]

Design is a lot like music. And that’s exactly how I approach it, borrowing from you and a bunch of other creators, mixing and matching techniques and ideas, often on a single project, until I have something I like. 😎

[@claystevenson2400]

Can't wait to try this myself. Very nicely done.

[@warrenxanthos8241]

Awesome project Marc! I might have to make one myself. I like that little shot of the Dual Sense at the end there. Glad you were one of the lucky ones who managed to get ahold of a PS5!

[@russellfranken3662]

Great idea and great video. Calming and relaxing.

[@ricg44]

Marc, great project! Classic WW combo of light and dark woods. The "springiness" is due to a longer "beam" length, or height of the walnut shelf. This longer length of the fanned fingers allows the shelf to deflect further given the same load as the other shelf. All else being equal...

[@danielallen2000]

I love that you have a beautiful giant rubo, with a dozen ways to hold the piece down... but you also have an assistant that can do it!

[@dragon66leo]

Awesome project also a great advice on the design of other woodworkers. Im a bit like that cause when i see a design i change some of it but still it comes from someone's mind. Keep up the great work.

[@Wordsnwood]

I didn't think I'd like it, but at the end I really do. Really appreciate the compare and contrast of the two slightly different interpretations.

[@ryanmacewen511]

When I attended design school. I was shocked to see an experienced designer using velum or tracing paper. I honestly believed every part of ones work should be original. I guess I learned a lot at that moment. It's just a matter of efficiency. I still strive to be original, and in many ways this might actually handicap potential. I do feel you are correct. Inspiration is inspiration. The beloved FLW took boatloads of inspiration from traditional Japanese architecture.

[@jodymontez693]

Beautiful job!. I've been looking to make a eating table like that to. Thank for showing this.

[@PrueSean]

Man those are so beautiful. OutSTANDING work. You are a great dude! Nice philosophical rant at the end. I agree!!!

[@samposton9101]

Beautiful work gentlemen!

[@bizrael11]

Beautiful! Such a creative design.

[@ByTheGrain.mengyang]

Hey Marc, I'm a long time listener first time caller. I just want to say this is an exceptional piece. I have been pondering on a design for awhile. Spot on with the design inspiration. We don't have to recreate the wheel if we don't have to. A little inspiration can go a long way.

[@farmcat3198]

Great job, John!

[@pbates33]

Nice T-Shirt! One of the best in KC! Thanks for continually providing quality content.

[@davecurda2350]

I really like this one, great job guys.

[@BMOORE344]

Awesome table build. you explain it perfectly. as always

[@tooljunkie555]

Really nice design! And really beautiful finish!

[@ryangranado]

Great job on these. Def going to be making some of these with an epoxy wood top.

[@TheCompoundctc]

Great video - this is my favorite in a long while - enjoyed everything about it - thanks so much

[@gpanizzolo6090]

Excelente idea y excelente trabajo! Felicitaciones! Germán, Montevideo, Uruguay

[@derekjarman1638]

Great project John and Mark!👍👍

[@johnwhitley2898]

Very Cool 😎! There's a lot of mileage to be had with these Fan-C legs! Cool experimental build!

[@jasonwyllie2936]

Beautiful design.

[@bobbyblizzard8488]

That is a really neat table idea, great project!

[@robertsteele3353]

That looks ABSOLUTELY COOL! You could make one that is a bit wider & then they could match the one you did but use for chairs. They look wicked

[@jackx7382]

Wow, amazing design, evolution, education!

[@alanblasczyk1779]

Really cool and beautiful design.

[@njbaquatics4827]

Thank you for sharing this I’ve been looking for some new projects and there’s lots of ideas in this piece they are definitely going to take forward love the legs just think the top of the base needs something I don’t know why it doesn’t look right I think it may be the fact that there is square but as you say it’s an experiment there is definitely some food for thought thanks again

[@rodcormier7428]

Very nice .... great little project.... I think , you and your partner did an awesome job .... thank you for the video:)

[@alanr745]

That’s really cool. Nice work guys!

[@scottdunsmore8355]

That was a fun watch. Thank you.

[@FredMcIntyre]

They turned out great, awesome work guys! 😃👍🏻👍🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@ginoasci2876]

there is a guy on youtube that builds in that exact style but he doesn’t glue strips of wood together, instead he makes cuts into the boards creating an accordion type pull-spring design and he flex’s them into many different types of projects an i believe mostly tables. i’ll gladly share his videos and/or his name if i can find him and/or his videos. that C table looks really cool. nice idea !