Tensegrity Shelf
Introduction: Tensegrity Shelf
Having created a set of tensegrity models, what better way to display them but on a purpose built shelf.
But in keeping with the models to be displayed this is to be no ordinary shelf.
This is to a be Tensegrity shelf, employing the same methods as applied to the models.
However, were the previous models have been 3D printed this project is to hand made.
A three tier Tensegrity shelf to be constructed from wood and copper pipes.
So lets get down the to process of making this next project.
Supplies
Planks (L) 380mm x (W)120mm x (H) 24mm - Qty 3
4mm Screw in ring eyelets - Qty 4
15mm copper earth clips - Qty 8
Copper elbows (D) 15mm diameter- Qty 8
Copper Pipe (L) 35mm x (D) 15mm - Qty 8
Copper Pipe (L) 178mm X (D) 15mm - Qty 8
Copper End caps (D) 15mm - Qty 8
Chain (L) 90mm - Qty 4. Link diameter to suit earth clip screw diameter.
Cord (L) 70cm x (D) 3.5mm - Qty 4
Cable ties - Qty 4
Spirit level
Screw driver, tip type dependant upon earth clip screw head
Cutter to cut chain.
Ruler/Tape measure
Tri square
Pen/Pencil
Drill bit 4mm
Drill Bit 3mm
Forstner Drill bit 15mm
Plumbers Solder
Non Corrosive Flux
Saw
Wire Wool
Blow Torch/Pipe Soldering Iron
Sand Paper
Wood coating - Stain, Paint or Oil as required and as suits ones tastes.
PPE - Associated with the activity to be undertaken.
Step 1: Plans
Dimensional details for the pipes and the shelves.
Step 2: Woodwork
You will need three wooden shelves with dimensions of (L) 380mm x (W)120mm x (H) 24mm, I cut these from a longer left over piece of decking I had been using to build a fence.
Each of these three pieces needs to be drilled to accommodate the copper pipes and the stabilising cords.
Identify one shelf that will be the middle tier and with a 15mm Forstner drill bit make two holes 15mm deep, diagonally opposite each other in the corners at the intersection of 35mm on the long edge and 25mm on the short edge. Repeat the process at the other location.
Turn the shelf over and repeat the process but ensure that there is no hole directly behind the hole to be made.
These holes are to accommodate the copper pipes.
Next from the corner measure 20mm on the long edge and 10mm on the short edge and at the intersection drill a 4mm hole. Repeat this in each corner.
These are the pass through holes for the stabilising cords.
The two remaining pieces will make up the lower and top tiers but these are only drilled to accept the pipes on one side only.
With a 15mm Forstner drill bit make two holes 15mm deep, diagonally opposite each other in the corners at the intersection of 35mm on the long edge and 25mm on the short edge. 735
Repeat the process at the other location.
Do this in the remaining shelf.
Finally, from the corner measure 20mm on the long edge and 10mm on the short edge and at the intersection drill a 3 mm hole, which is to accommodate the screw-in eyelets. Repeat this in each corner.
With all the drilling complete its time to turn our attention to the copper pipes.
Step 3: Metalwork
Cut 4 x 15mm copper pipes each 178 mm long.
Then cut 4 x 15 mm copper pipes each 35 mm long,
Ensure that the end of the pipe is not rounded but flat as any slack in the mounting hole in the shelf will reduce the supporting depth increasing any lean.
A pipe cutter is a quick and clean method of cutting but will round the edge of the pipe, this is not an issue for all but the base of the pipe that will plug into the shelf. Either file, grind or use a saw for this part of the operation to prevent this.
If the copper tubes are plated with chrome or some other coating you will need to remove~15mm of this from the end as this will prevent the solder melding with the copper. This can be accomplished with a file, sanding paper or a grinder
Its still recommended to clean and roughen the end in preparation for soldered even if there is no plating to improve adhesion. 735