Parametric TV Console

Intro: Parametric TV Console

I designed this TV Console to keep all the peripherals out of sight. Most of the stuff that goes in it need ventilation and IR remote connectivity, hence the open / grilled design which eliminates the need for handles as well.

I bought my first woodworking tool in June 2014 with no prior woodworking training or experience and this project was completed by October 2014. So it really doesn't require a whole lot of experience but I certainly recommend that you build smaller things first to get comfortable using woodworking tools if you decide to build one yourself.

Here is my website with more information and plans on this and other projects of mine. But go ahead and finish reading this post first

STEP 1: Initial Design in 3D

I wanted it to be simple with one major design feature: the curve pattern that appears as sort of an illusion.

I used Rhino and Grasshopper to 3D Model the console. Entire form is generated using 4 curves and those curves are controlled by 4 points each.

I originally planned to use walnut but figured a lighter toned wood would bring out the curvature better. Ended up going with poplar which I'm glad i did. Great wood to work with, affordable and looks good if you avoid buying the green stuff.

STEP 2: Making the Front Panels

I printed templates for each slat and cut them with the bandsaw. Then I made some spacers to help with the glue up. Each panel is made of 16 slats and there are three panels.

STEP 3: Building the Box

I used a Biscuit Joiner to help align the two 7 inch boards while edge gluing them to achieve the 14 inch depth. Did this for all 4 sides of the box. I used Rabbet Joints for the corners of the box. I added two middle supports using dados.

STEP 4: Test Fitting and Adjustment

Test fitting the front panels onto the box with clamps to make fine adjustments.

STEP 5: Making the Legs

Legs are designed to match the faceted, sharp edges of the rest of the console. It is an octagon at the top and a square at the bottom. 90 degree sides have a constant width of 3/4".

STEP 6: Testing in Its Place After Installing All Panels and Fine Sanding

Sanded to about 200 grit before mounting all 3 panels using No Mortise Hinges. Not the easiest thing to align the panels perfectly with this kind of hinges but it worked after a few tries.

STEP 7: Surface Finish

I sealed the wood with thinned shellac (one coat of 3/4 Shellac+1/4 Denatured Alcohol). This step is necessary when using certain wood species that are known to be blotchy. I then used 4 coats of Satin, Wipe on Polyurethane while lightly sanding in between each coat.

I placed a black shelf liner inside which helped hide what's inside.

STEP 8: Lighting

Finally, I installed LED strip lights, which turned the TV Console into a lantern. When we watch a movie, we now turn off all the lights except the "lantern"

Micho seems to like it too.

Hope you like it. Check out my website for more information and plans for this and other projects of mine.

Comments

[makemagic01]

This is a piece of art. Beautiful.

[PJSolarz]

Very nice... One could also use brackets to mount this on the wall, eliminating the legs adding even more depth to the visual impact of the design. Google "floating wall cabinets"

[rudolph]

Also google "french cleat"

It's so much easier to level the cleat(s) instead of trying to juggle the whole cabinet into level.

[JohnG138]

So true, rudolph. I've used french cleats in my workshop to hang tool fixtures (such as bit holders) that can be easily moved about the shop, then hung back up to store. Nothing more that two beveled 1 by boards, one attached to the fixture (or console, as in this case), and the other to the wall.

[PJSolarz]

You are correct Rudolph. I wasn't sure it had a name. I knew that it came with a system that I bought some years ago.

[JeanB36]

Congratulation ! I love your work.

I've adapted your design to a lamp.

http://www.lairdubois.fr/creations/1869-lampe-3d.html

[AlexS6]

BRAVO

[jeanniel1]

Very simple elegant design. Bravo!

[JaydenLawson]

Looks awesome with the LED's! Great work

[weldedwork]

Great design! Thanks for sharing! Cheers, Joel

[BohraKap]

I got what I looking for so long. Thank you mate. Liked it very much. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I'm gonna start off very soon. Well done. Keep coming.

[Hank025]

Great Looking Design! I made my way to your website, some great ideas there as well.

Do you have a list of raw materials that you used?

[HaldunK]

Thanks. It's all 3/4" thick Poplar for this one. I used Soft Maple and Plywood for the Night Stand.

[smallmachine]

Nice to see parametric design tools used to inform the creative process rather than bypass it. Great work!

[silkier]

That is a truly beautiful piece. I take my hat off to you, especially as you say you were a relative beginner when you designed and made it.

[Arnn]

Inspiring man, will soon start off (hopefully) on my furniture designs too ...

[mkeith54]

Love the design and execution. It's hard to tell that you are just getting started in wood working! Instead of buying new hand tools look at antique shops, second hand shops and farm/rural auctions. Planes and chisels sometimes go cheap and the older tools are better made and the blades will hold an edge longer.

[rsfluffy]

I've been looking for a rhino project, perfect! I like the green poplar but in your case it would not have worked. Hold on... yes it wood.

[BrianG70]

Beautiful design and impressive that you are new to wood working. I need to check out Rhino and Grasshopper as I am a sketchup guy.

[tatagatha]

That's a really nice build!