Nolop Staff Table
Building a new help desk for the Nolop makerspace to better welcome and assist students and faculty in the space
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TIMELINE
July to August 2023
ROLE
Fabrication Specialist
SKILLS & TOOLS
Power Tools
Woodworking
Precise Measurement
DELIVERABLES
+ A staff table that is welcoming, stable, and fit for everyday use
OVERVIEW
Nolop Makerspace aims to be a welcoming space for the entire Tufts community. As such, the staff table is a crucial place for students and faculty to seek assistance while in the makerspace. The previous staff table had two of the four staff members facing away from the door, which made them less approachable for people looking for help. I redesigned and constructed the staff table along with my co-workers Brandon Stafford, Natalie Nicoletti, Julia Divan, and Douglas Lilly, so that all the seats would face the entrance and the makerspace instead of the wall.
Julia, Brandon, Douglas, and Arcadia around the in-progress staff desk
Old staff table
STAGE 1: DESIGN THINKING
We began by drawing out the L-shape and how each beam and piece of plywood would attach together. We defined the dimensions for all these pieces, so that we could reference the design drawing as we bought materials, cut the wood to size and constructed the frame.
STAGE 2: CONSTRUCTION
We measured and cut each 2 x 4 to length using the mitre saw. Then, we began connecting the frame by drilling into the end of each piece of wood at the correct spacing using a self-centering dowel jig. We then inserted the wood dowels and secured the joint together with wood glue. After, we built the frame, we cut the plywood sheets to cover the sides and top of the desk using the table saw and screwed these in place using wood screws. We finished off the table by applying a polyurethane finish, sanding the sides smooth, and inserting outlets in the table top.
Organizing 2 x 4 wood pieces
Glueing frame together using dowels
Arcadia and Julia building the frame
Frame constructed
Attaching plywood sides
Attaching table top
CHALLENGE
In the midst of connecting the multiple pieces of the frame, we discovered that the dimensions for one of the beams in the frame was too tall, and so we had to readjust the design. This redesign required critical thinking of why the measurement was off and what we needed to do to change as few elements as possible.
THE FINAL TABLE
KEY TAKEAWAYS
This project gave me great experience working with wood and using power tools to make precise cuts. It also taught me to build sturdy joints that will support substantial weight on the table and withstand everyday use. I am excited that this table has served as the staff desk for the Fall 2023 semester, and will continue to be used as a home base where people can find one of the lovely staff members to help them!
Arcadia Ohnemus arcadia.ohnemus@gmail.com LinkedIn
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