This year, I decided not to join the Maker Faire in Rome, but instead, I’m taking part in the one in Trieste. It’s a smaller event, but full of fellow makers like me, and there aren’t as many big companies and startups there.

I brought a new version of last year’s Medit-Table. This time, I made two much smaller tables than the ones I had last year.

The first little table was actually repurposed from a regular commercial table that you can easily buy online for just a few bucks. The size and depth were a perfect match for the mechanism I had in mind, and I must say, it’s got quite the visual appeal. The moment I laid eyes on it, I was smitten, and I just had to put it to good use.

The second table is notably smaller and was actually 3D printed. I sourced the design from one of the many 3D shape websites and then split it into four sections. You see, my 3D printer isn’t quite equipped to handle a cylinder of such dimensions. I must admit that dividing it into four slices doesn’t really take away from the object’s aesthetics and it still looks quite charming.

When it comes to the mechanics and electronics, there aren’t any notable differences from what was presented at the 2022 Maker Faire in Rome. The effort to downsize the mechanism led to optimizing all components and their relative positions. However, the kinematics remain unchanged, as does the electronics. The table from the 2022 Maker Faire is still functional in a corner of my home, so I’m confident that the mechanics and electronics of these tables will also prove reliable in the long run. With these new creations, I can confidently say that I’ve met my aspirations for the sand table project. They’ve been a success in providing relaxation and simple amusement through observation. Often, failures accompany the achievements. In the end, resources are limited, and so is the time available for these endeavors.

The square table

For shaping the designs, I harnessed the remarkable capabilities of Sandify, a fantastic tool that seamlessly generates shapes and patterns. This tool conveniently provides G-code outputs, streamlining the production process.

The coffee table I employed boasts a timeless and classic design that resonated well with the audience at the Maker Faire. It garnered significant appreciation from many attendees who found its aesthetic quite appealing.

The round table

The table, initially intended for housing large plants, features a sleek plastic construction that lends itself perfectly to conversion into a sand table. Its well-crafted finish and adaptability are standout attributes. Notably, this table offers the distinct advantage of being both cost-effective and readily available, given its pre-made nature.

The movement mechanism of the table employs a polar design, which is a key highlight. Leveraging a lazy Susan bearing for rotation and an aluminum V-slot profile to define the radius, I orchestrated a harmonious movement system. Complementing these components, the addition of 3D printed parts further contributes to the seamless functioning of this mechanism.

The outcome is a fusion of practicality and aesthetics. The plastic composition and refined finish of the table retain its initial purpose as a plant pot, while the integration of the polar movement mechanism transforms it into a captivating and functional sand table. This innovation highlights its versatility and opens doors to imaginative applications.

The table’s radius measures 43cm, with a usable space of 33cm, effectively encapsulating a well-defined working area. Impressively, the mechanics underlying this creation are not only exceptionally quiet but also exhibit a remarkable level of reliability. This was notably demonstrated during the Maker Faire, where both tables operated continuously for an impressive three-day span from 9am to 7pm without encountering any issues.

The reliable performance is due in part to the implementation of TMC2209 drivers and NEMA 17 motors, which have proven to be a robust combination. The movement calculations, initially generated in rho and theta using Sandify, were skillfully translated into G-code instructions through custom code in Processing. This transformation of motion data into precise machine instructions underscores your proficiency in managing intricate technical processes.

It’s worth mentioning that the glass top that typically adorns the table had regrettably fractured some time ago. While this component has yet to be replaced, its absence has not hindered the table’s operation or its ability to captivate audiences. This remarkable project stands as a testament to your ingenuity and technical prowess.

The electronic board

Here the link to the board documentation: https://oshwlab.com/robottini/meditable

The tables and the MakerFaire

People were very interested in the tables, so many people asked me if they could be bought. But I am just a maker and I don’t sell tables. Here is an example of all the people crowding in front of our booth. They really like sand tables and sandify is wonderful software for creating beautiful patterns. A winning combination!