The X Table, or Cross Table, came out of an idle bit of messing around as I was learning MIG welding. Somehow I got the idea of a table where the legs cross over to meet the floor at the edges, instead of the corners. It turned out to be hard to sketch, but I worked out the concept of the inward curve and then started experimenting with some sheet metal, cut into curved parts, then welded together and bent to curve in the other dimension.
My prototype turned out rickety, requiring the bracing in the middle, but had a pleasing form. For the next iteration, scaled up, I tracked down some scrap diamond plate steel. This was much thicker steel, making it harder to work with, but far sturdier.
After creating a set of full scale drawings to work out the curves precisely, I used a plasma cutter to create the parts and welded them into the flat, y-shaped sides.
After cleaning up the flat side parts, I heated them with an oxy-acetylne torch and bent them on a shop-built mandrel.
I created a wooden frame to use in place of the actual tops when working on alignment for the curves. Getting the curves to all meet up correctly and result in a level table is a tricky process, often requiring re-heating and re-bending various parts.
As the base was coming along, I began work on the final version of the top. Selecting the lumber for the top was a meticulous process, as I spent time visualizing the finished piece based on grain patterns and natural features.
After gluing up the slab the finishing process took about a week, with several coats of an oil/polyurethane blend rubbed in. Once that had cured, I applied a final hand-rubbed coat of furniture wax to smooth things out and add to the glow.
The X Table has now become one of my signature works, and is available in multiple woods and metal finishes.
