Page 212 of 339

ABOUT THE DESIGN
ABOUT THE DESIGN
The Cat in Bag ii is a low coffee table with rota-
tionally arranged, interlocking legs that form a
frame. The tabs lock into the table top with an
end-to-face connection (detailed in “Eight Basic
CNC Joint Conditions” on page 47), featuring
functional CNC joinery as a surface embellish-
ment. While it may not share the volumetric
and rectilinear edges found in other pieces, the
Cat in Bag’s rotational structure and rounded
corners do share AtFAB’s simplicity. The table’s
shape emerged from design explorations for a
parametrically transformable shape and struc-
ture (see “AtFAB’s Parameters” on page 254).
It is where the concept for the rotational struc-
ture originated.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
This project is well suited for practicing basic
CNC fabrication steps and digital techniques. If
you’re looking for more of a challenge, the large
surface area of the table top and modest mate-
rial requirements make this project an espe-
cially good opportunity for exploring materials
and finishes. Refer to “Selecting Materials” on
page 128 and Appendix B on essential consid-
erations in selecting and sourcing plywood and
sheet materials for your project. Consult “Fin-
ishes for CNC Projects” on page 210, for finish-
ing recommendations and techniques that are
well suited for CNC furniture projects.
If cutting a single table, the cut file uses one
4′×8′ sheet of plywood and provides plenty of
surplus material for cutting test pieces and
testing out finishing techniques. However, if
you’d like to cut two tables from a single sheet,
you’ll need to purchase additional surplus
material for test cuts and finish experiments.
Because its parts friction-fit together without
the need for glues or hardware, the Cat in Bag ii
Table is the only project in this book that you
can make without fasteners. If you like the
detail of mechanical fasteners or dowels, or
would like the extra reinforcement, the cut file
includes holes on each of the legs and the top.
If you plan to use fasteners, ensure that you
purchase the seven required fasteners that
functionally and visually coordinate with both
your material and finish.
Download the two required files for this project,
AtFAB_CiBii.skp and AtFAB_CiBii_TEST.skp.
FINISHES FOR CNC PROJECTS
In most cases, furniture made from raw ply-
wood parts isn’t especially durable over the
long term. A protective coating not only allows
a piece to stand up to dust, impact, and even
weather, but it also gives you a chance to cus-
tomize your furniture project to suit a particular
environment. Since material thickness has an
impact on joinery fit, it’s best to work with fin-
ishes that add minimal thickness to the furni-
ture parts.
Even with this limit, there are many finish
options and an infinite array of techniques to
explore. Regardless of what finishes you use,
it’s helpful to test any finish prior to making
your final project so that you can practice appli-
cation techniques and get an idea of the final
product. It’s also critical to review manufac-
turer instructions on application techniques
and safety.
Oil and Wax
A simple combination of tung oil and beeswax
on veneer plywood adds a barely perceptible
amount of thickness to the sheet material. Oil-
ing and waxing need to be done somewhat reg-
ularly on a finished piece of furniture, but the
fragrance and tactility of natural oils and waxes
can make it quite an enjoyable process.
210
DESIGN FOR CNC
    "