Summary

Table designed to be used in groups of 3 to from a larger hex table.

Instructions

Instructions with Photos
https://sites.google.com/a/g.essextech.org/makerspace/projects/hextable

More Photos Here
https://picasaweb.google.com/101126821429911112952/HexTablePhotos

Â This a a table that is designed to so that 3 or 6 of them will form a hex pattern for a classroom. The design above is for 3 tables. Each table is designed to be cut from 3/4" material on a CNC machine. For the prototypes I have been using 1/8" Hardboard (Masonite Type) Panels and printing on the laser cutter at 1:6 scale. I will need to make some changes when going to the CNC machine to allow for the tool size.

A designed the table in GoogleSketchup using the PRO version. I then took each component and laid it on a flat surface in Sketchup. I then zoomed in on only the parts I needed and exported to dwg. I need to turn the view->Parallel Projection in order to avoid scaling errors. See the photo below. The Table top and legs don't mate together. I realized that if I looked at the exported dwg you could see the error in there also.

After correcting the export from Sketchup I was able to get a design that worked. I imported the dwg into Corel Draw on the computer attached to the laser engraver/cutter. When importing into Corel Draw I scaled the dwg by 1:6. The photos below are from the second version of the design. I also engraved the top with name of the table.

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The Sketchup drawing below is of the most recent version. I have not yet had a chance to print and test this design. It incorporates some changes to allow the legs to slide together. It also includes a shelf on the bottom that locks the legs together.

Laser Cutter Settings for 1/8" Masonite.

Black was used to engrave the letters on the top of the table. Red was used to cut the design. Blue was NOT used or tested.

I also found it easier to turn OFF the z-axis. I used the jog controls to move the laser over the top of the surface and then set the depth using theÂ gauge and the z-axis jog buttons on the Laser.Â

Hex Table V4