I'm using ultralight granite ;-}
No, fun aside - the granite plate is only on the left side, and that leg will carry it - I've calculated it. 4 mm stainless steel sheet enforced with pipes at the edges won't bend.
The right leg won't bend either. 6mm stainless steel plus enforcements will do the job, unless you put 500 kg (approx 1000 pounds) on it. This is the official version, I don't publish the unofficial version here ;-}
I've developed many granite tables with stainless steel legs, and the ones that went into production didn't bend or fold at all. A large desk for an executive meeting room weighs 420 kg, but the tiny stainless steel legs are sturdy as hell. The trick is to use the right material - and in this case only stainless steel with incredible wall thickness will do the job. Standard iron is far too weak, even if you harden it after bending.
OK, and now I have to be honest: I didn't show the important detail because I don't want to see this design at the next furniture exhibition ;-} , that's why I say 'official' and 'unofficial' version.
That's how I 'disguise' my published desigins, even in presentations: if somebody thinks he can do it, he will fail because he doesn't have the vital information for the missing part... besides the mssing experience with the stainless steel stuff.
Another example: the table plate. You only think you know how it's done, but the important detail is hidden from your eyes. I can disclose this tiny secret: there is a stainless steel plate worked into the wood (sorry, no more details here).
My granite supplier told me what happened to another customer: he approached him with a similar design I've made 2 years ago, but without the vital tiny parts I used, orderd a large granite plate, and when they put it onto the rack construction it deformed it in a few seconds and the expensive granite plate broke into 3 pieces.
Quidquid agas, agis prudentere et respice finem (latin, meaning: whatever you do, do it carefully and think about the results!) - my first priority philosophy to mechanical construction.
So please forgive me if I don't disclose everything here - I'm just cautious because I don't want to give away my know how for free.
However, I hope you enjoy the shapes even though you don't see the missing parts. What counts is the overall form, shape and function.
jens g.r. benthien
designer
http://www.sacalobra.de
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If you don't know how to dream you'll never be a designer.
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We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.
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