Trefoil Knot Table

Project: Trefoil Knot Table

Materials:

• (15′) 2″ x 2″ x 0.065″ square tubing
• (3′) 2″ x 1/8″ flat bar
• 2′ x 1′ wood slab
• (1) flap disc
• (1) can flat black paint

This has a similar feel to the Infinity Cube Table, which has been a hit with virtually everyone.

A Trefoil Knot is a mathematical term for these endless loop type knots. They can be used as a decorative art piece, or repurposed as a table as I have done.

The Design

I wanted to use this as an end table so settled on 20″ height for the steel structure. I decided to use 2″ square tubing to keep the gaps reasonably sized. By keeping each spacing between the tubes equal, it keeps most of the weight over the center of it.

I’ve created a calculator and cut list for anyone that wants to give it a go themselves.

There is a total of 15 pieces, over 4 different cuts. There are only two lenghts, the long piece and short piece, but two different miters for each. All miters are 45 degrees.

The Build

I use these welding magnets and a homemade jig to make sure I keep everything square while I tack the entire Trefoil knot together.

The key is to be careful welding the beads on the corners to keep heat distortion to a minimum. I kept moving back and forth across the project doing one at a time to even things out.

It needed a small support leg to the middle level to keep the base stable if weight was put on the outer shelves. I also added some flat bar to each of the levels with some pre-drilled holes to secure the wood shelves to. 2″ flat bar for the small shelves and 4″ for the larger one.

Trefoil Knot Finishing Touches

I decided on flat black paint. It looks good in almost any space and makes the wood pop.

I had some pine available, so cut this to fit the 4 shelves. The middle two are 4.5″ x 11″, bottom one at 4.5″ x 9″ and the big one on the top 8″ x 15.5″. I finished it in Watco Danish oil and then a couple of coats of protective poly on top.