FABRICATION OF CONFERENCE TABLE IN SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

BOARD ROOM

BY

ADARA VICTOR OLUWANIFEMI 1902031001

ADEWALE JOSHUA ADEBOYE 1902031002
AJIDE SHAMSIDEEN OLANREWAJU 1902031003
MARTHIAS KELVIN EHICHIOYA 1902031004
OLAJIDE OLAYINKA PHILLIPS 1902031005
FATAI ROHEEM OLANREWAJU 1902031006

SUBMITTED TO:
THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING,
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, LAGOS STATE
POLYTECHNIC, IKORODU.

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF

NATIONAL DIPLOMA (ND) IN CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY, LAGOS
STATE POLYTECHNIC, IKORODU.

JANUARY, 2022

i
 CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that this project work is produced and submitted to Civil Engineering
Department, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu Campus by the following students, in partial
fulfillment for the requirement of the award of National Diploma (ND) Civil Engineering
Technology.

ADARA VICTOR OLUWANIFEMI 1902031001

ADEWALE JOSHUA ADEBOYE 1902031002
AJIDE SHAMSIDEEN OLANREWAJU 1902031003
MARTHIAS KELVIN EHICHIOYA 1902031004
OLAJIDE OLAYINKA PHILLIPS 1902031005
FATAI ROHEEM OLANREWAJU 1902031006

ENGR M.O OYEBOLA DATE

PROJECT SUPERVISOR

ENGR T.A AKINPELU

DATE
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

ii
 DEDICATION
This project is dedicated to ALMIGHTY GOD (GOD ABOVE ALL), for his sufficient
support and effulgent grace given to us throughout our studies and also in the course of this
project may His name be Blessed Amen.
 iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We give thanks to Almighty GOD for making this project a successful one for us, keeping us
alive and making provision for every one of us. Upon whom we dwell and live in his mercy
and by his grace.
Our sincere appreciation also goes to our departmental lecturers, first and foremost, our
project supervisor, ENGR M.O OYEBOLA, for his guidance and support in completing this
project, and also the HOD, ENGR T.A AKINPELU for his unrelenting assistance, instruction
and utmost support, and also the entire Lecturers of Civil Engineering department, Lagos
State Polytechnic, Ikorodu. It is my profound prayer that the Almighty GOD shall be the
sufficiency of you all and your families, Amen.
Lastly, our special thanks goes to our parents for support both morally and financially.

We sincerely thank you all.

 iv
ABSTRACT
This project is concerned with the planning, designing and fabrication of the conference table
in the school of engineering board room.
 v
TABLE OF CONTENT

Title Page i
Certification ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgement iv
Abstract v
Table of Content vi - vii
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Aim 1

1.2 Objective 1

1.3 Scope and Limitation 2

CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review 3-4
2.1 Construction Materials 5
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Selection of Material 6

3.1 Material Used 6-7

3.2 Process of Welding 7-8

3.3 Types of Arc welding 8

3.4 Consumable Electrode Method 8

3.4.1 Shield Metal Arc Welding 8

3.5 Machine Used for Fabrication 8

3.5.1 Drill Press 8

vi
3.5.2 Welding Machine 8

3.6 Welding Tools and Their Uses 9

3.6.1 Hacksaw 9

3.6.2 Chipping Hammer 9

3.7.3 Hand File 10

3.6.4 Screw Driver 10

3.6.5 Wire Brush 10

3.6.6 Spanner 11

3.6.7 Measuring Tape 11

CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Fabrication Process 12

CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 PLAN 13 - 15

5.1 3D DETAILING 16 - 18

5.2 RESULT 19 - 21

CHAPTER SIX
6.0 Maintenance 22

6.1 Conclusion 22

6.2 Recommendation 22

REFERENCES
Appendixes

vii
 CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Fabrication is the process of constructing products by combining typically standardized parts
using one or more individual processes.
Metal fabrication is a somewhat broad term for several types of fabrication processes.
Cutting, punching, forming, shearing, stamping, welding are the common fabrication
techniques used to shape, cut, or mold raw metal materials into a final product. Fabrication is
distinct from other manufacturing processes.
The cutting of a metal work piece is a common fabrication technique in which the material is
split or cut into smaller sections. In old days cutting of metals are done by sawing them but
this have been superseded by modern forms of cutting that utilize state-of-the-art machinery.
From power tools to computer numerical cutters (CNC), todays methods include laser
cutting, waterjet cutting, power scissors and plasma arc cutting.
Shearing is a process which is used to trim or remove unwanted materials from metal,
shearing is achieved by mounting two blades above and beneath the metal to produce one
long, straight cut. Straight cut is achieved by combining two tools, essentially blades, with
one of the tools above the metal and the other one located below for applying pressure.
Welding is the art of joining two or more metal together utilizing a combination of heat and
pressure. Metals can vary in shape or size. The three main types of welding procedures are
Stick or Arc Welding, MIG Welding and TIG Welding. While Spot Welding and Stud
Welding are two other versatile welding applications used in “Metal Fabrication”.
Punching is known as mechanical devices or machines used to punch or create holes in
metals.
Folding involves the joining of two or more metals parts at a selected angle to provide
stability and also to create designs of metal frame.

1.1 AIM OF THE PROJECT

The aim of this project is to fabricate a beautiful and befitting conference table for meeting
use.

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

∙ To produce suitable drawings for the table
∙ To produce layout of the conference room
∙ To fabricate a conference table made u of steel and timber
 1
1.3 SCOPE AND LIMITATION
This project (Fabrication of Conference Table) only involves the cutting, punching, welding
folding and joining together of all metal parts and wooden components required to assemble
the conference table.
 2
CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

Furniture refers to movable objects intended to support various human activities such as
seating (e.g. stools, chairs and sofas), eating (tables) and sleeping (e.g. beds). Furniture is also
used to hold objects at a convenient height for work (as horizontal surfaces above the ground,
such as tables and desks), or to store things (e.g. cupboards and shelves).
Furniture can be made from any made from many materials, including metals, plastic, and
woods. It can also be made using variety of woodworking joints which reflects the local
culture.
The practice of using natural objects such as rudimentary piece of furniture likely dates to the
beginning of human civilization. During the late Neolithic period, from around 30,000 years
ago, people began fabricating and carving their own furniture, using wood, stone and animal
bones. The earliest evidence for the existence of constructed furniture is a Venus figurine
found at the Gagarino site in Russia, which depicts the goddess in a sitting position, on a
throne.
Asian furniture has a distinct history. The traditions out of India, China, Korea, Pakistan and
Japan are some of the best known, but places such as countries of South East Asia have
unique facets of their own. The use of uncarved wood and bamboo and the use of heavy
lacquers are well known Chinese styles. It is worth noting that Chinese furniture varies
dramatically from one dynasty to the next. Traditional Japanese furniture is well known for
its minimalist style, extensive use of wood, high-quality craftsmanship and reliance on wood
grain instead of painting or thick lacquer. Japanese chests are known as Tansu, known for
elaborate decorative iron work, and are some of the most sought-after of Japanese antiques.
The antiques available generally date back to the Tokugawa and Meiji periods. Both the
technique of lacquering and the lacquer (resin of Rhus vernicifera) originate from China.
The first three-quarter of the twentieth century is often seen as the march towards modernism.
Designers such as Weiner Werkstatte, Art Deco, De Stiji, Bauhaus Jugendstil etc. have
worked to some degree within the Modernist idiom. Born from the Bauhaus and Art
Deco/Streamline styles came the post WWII “Mid-Century Modern” styles using materials
developed during the wars including laminated plywood, plastics, and fiberglass. Postmodern
design, intersecting the Pop art movement, gained steam in the 1960s and 70s, promoted in
the 80s by groups such as the Italy-based Memphis movement.
Great efforts from individuals, government, and companies has led to the manufacturing of
products with sustainability known as Eco-design. This new line of furniture is based on
environmentally friendly design. Its use and popularity are increasing each year.
 3
Types of Furniture
Types of Furniture are classified into what purpose they serve,
Office Furniture: Desks, Storage cabinets, Bookcases, Tables etc.
Bedroom Furniture: Beds, Nightstands, Dressers etc.
Dining Room Furniture: Side Chairs, Bars and counter stool etc.

Factors Involved in Furniture Design and Fabricating

∙ Analyzing Usage
∙ Durability
∙ Aesthetics
∙ Cleanability
∙ Ergonomics
∙ Comfort
∙ Cost

Types of Raw Materials Used in Fabricating Furniture

∙ Wood: Wood is by far the most abundantly used raw material in interior design to make a
furniture piece. From sofas to beds to tables to even flooring, wood is profusely used to make
furniture of numerous shapes, sizes and forms. It forms a strong raw material that is
comparably affordable to other raw materials.
∙ Glass: Glass is a unique raw material used by manufacturers to create furniture. Glass tables
are popularly used for dining and decorative purposes. Although it needs to be cautiously
looked after, it surely lets out a stylish vibe in the interiors of space.
∙ Steel: Stainless steel like other types of raw materials is highly durable and affordable. The
high point of stainless steel is that it does not easily corrode or rust to changing
environmental conditions.
∙ Leather: Leather is extensively used to make sofas. They reflect luxury, comfort and
durability. Leather sofas are suitable for rough use and are loved by children. These are
available in different colors making them all the more popular.
∙ Cane: Cane is a raw material that has been in the manufacturing process for centuries. In
2021, cane has been improvised to make innovative furniture pieces. This material is
preferred by interior designers for its easy manufacturing as cane can be bent to any shape
and size with more ease.

4
2.1 FABRICATION MATERIALS
One of the important material used in the fabrication of the conference table is the (HDF-
High Density Fiber) which have different physical and chemical properties (composite
materials).
High Density Fiberboard (HDF) is an engineered wood product composed of wood fiber
extracted from chips and pulped wood waste, formed by glue under immense pressure and
heat.
Composite material is a combination of two materials with different physical and chemical
properties. When they are combined they create more stability to do a certain job.
Advantages of Composite Materials
∙ Stability
∙ Low cost
∙ Design flexibility
∙ Low weight
∙ High Impact Strength

The selection of the HDF for a particular purpose is governed by several considerations
which includes fitness for the purpose of use, cost, availability, shape of the plywood and
strength.
Another material used in the fabrication process of the conference table is the rectangular
steel pipe. Steel is a material with some unique properties which makes it suitable for various
construction work. Some of the properties are high tensile strength, toughness, malleability,
durability etc.
 5
CHAPTER THREE

3.0 SELECTION OF MATERIALS

The choice of materials to be used in the creation of the conference table is based on the
properties of the materials that will make the by-product more suitable and easy to use. Some
of the factors under consideration are:
∙ Durability
∙ Workability
∙ The cost of materials

3.1 MATERIALS USED

The following are the suitable used in the fabrication of the conference table:
I. HDF (High Density Fiber) Plywood
This is a wooden platform of 8mm thickness, it serves as the top surface, side, bottom and
facing board of the conference table
II. Edge Tape
This is used for covering the edges of plywood and other non-wood edges and surfaces that
need to be nicely finished
III. Evostic Gum
This is a water based PVA type of adhesive that is primarily designed for bonding wood to
wood, (such as bonding mortise and tenor joints and dowels) among other wood bonding
requirement.
IV. Screws
Screws are used to hold together objects to one another.
V. Edge Bracket
It is used to mount objects to horizontal surface.
 6
VI. Rectangular Steel Pipe 250mm by 500mm (1.5mm thickness)
This forms the frame and the base of the table after each parts of the already cut steel pipe
have been welded to each other.
VII. Angle Brackets
This material feature holes in them for screws. Its typical use is to join a wooden shelf to a
wall or to join two furniture parts together.
VIII. Carpet Castor
They are composed of a hard plastic which rolls easier over carpet making them ideal for
carpeted flooring. Because carpet casters do not have the soft tread they will not provide an
optimal level of traction/grip needed for hard flooring.
IX. Washer
This is placed at the front of the nuts and bolts so as to ensure tight and secure fittings.
X. Electrode
This is used for welding the steel pipe together.
3.2 Process of Welding
Welding is an act of joining two materials (metals) together by applying heat, pressure and
fillers either separately or in any combination forming a join as part of the cool.
Arc welding is one the several fusion process of joining metals, this involves the use of an
electric arc from an AC or DC power supply which creates an intense heat of around 6500°F
which melts the metal at the join between two work pieces.
 7
The arc can be either manually or mechanically guided along the line of the join, while the
electrode either simply carries the current or conducts the current and melts into the weld
pool at the same time to supply filler metal to the join. Because the metals react chemically to
oxygen and nitrogen in the air when heated to high temperatures by the arc, a protective
shielding gas or slag is used to minimize the contact of the molten metal with the air. Once
cooled, the molten metals solidify to form a metallurgical bond.
3.3 Types of Arc welding Used
The Steel pipe were welded together using the below welding method
3.4 Consumable Electrode Methods
This is one the several fusion process of joining metals, this involves the use of an electric arc
from an AC or DC power supply which creates an intense heat of around 6500°F which melts
the metal at the join between two work pieces.
3.4.1 Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): Also known as manual metal arc welding
(MMA or MMAW), flux shielded arc welding or stick welding is a process where the arc is
struck between the metal rod (electrode flux coated) and the work piece, both the rod and
work piece surface melt to form a weld pool. Simultaneous melting of the flux coating on the
rod will form gas, and slag, which protects the weld pool from the surrounding atmosphere.
This is a versatile process ideal for joining ferrous and non-ferrous materials with a range of
material thicknesses in all positions.
3.5 Machines Used for Fabrication
This are the following machines used in the fabrication of the conference table
3.5.1 Drill Press
They also called Drilling Machine, device for producing holes in hard substances. The drill is
held in a rotating spindle and is fed into the work piece, which is usually clamped in a vise
resting on a table.
3.5.2 Welding Machine
This basic arc welding circuit consists of an AC or DC power source, fitted with some
controls which are needed, it is connected by a work cable to work piece and by hot cable to
an electrode holder.
An arc created across the gap when the energized circuit and the electrode tip touch the work
piece and withdrawn.
The arc produces a temperature of about 6500°F at the tip. This heat melts both the base
metal and the electrode, producing a pool of molten metals sometimes called a crater. The
crater then solidifies when cooled behind the electrode as it is moved along the joint.

3.6 Welding Tools and Their Uses

The welding tools include:
3.6.1 Hacksaw
This is a tool used for cutting metals. It can be used to cut other materials, such as plastic and
wood.

3.6.2 Chipping Hammer

This is a tool of about 8-10 inches long used to gently dislodge the slag from the welded
surface.
 9
3.6.3 Hand File
A file is a tool used to remove fine amounts of material from a work piece. It is common in
woodworking, metalworking, and other similar trade and hobby tasks. Most are hand tools,
made of a case hardened steel bar of rectangular, square, triangular, or round cross-section,
with one or more surfaces cut with sharp, generally parallel teeth.

3.6.4 Screw Driver

This is used for tightening and loosening of screws and also used in marking materials such
as steel, wood.

3.6.5 Wire Brush

This is a rush made of steel or stainless bristle with a wooden or heat resistance plastic base
which does not allow heat and electricity to pass through it. It is used to remove dirt and
corrosion from the surface of the steel before welding.

10
3.6.6 Spanner
This is made of two types which are adjustable and fixed spanner. They are both used for
tightening and loosening of bolts and nuts.

3.6.7 Measuring Tape

It consists of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, fiber glass, or metal strip with linear-measurement
markings. It is a common measuring tool. Its design allows for a measure of great length to
be easily carried in pocket or toolkit and permits one to measure around curves or corners.
Today it is ubiquitous, even appearing in miniature form as a keychain fob, or novelty item.
Surveyors use tape measures in lengths of over 100 m.
 11
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 FABRICATION PROCESS
The fabrication involves various processes as explained below:
Metal pipe
 Cut each pipe to sizes and braces
 Weld the standard first, the legs and the leg stand to each other
 Weld the leg bracing to both legs
 Weld the braces at the back of the table and the inside to hold the wood fiber
 Weld the bracing at the legs at 45 degrees
 Weld another at the top connecting the standards to the leg at 45degree angle
 Drilling of holes that allows the attaching of the frames to the wood fiber
 Ground the welding edges or excessive welding edge to prevent excess welding
 Apply filler body filler to avoid exposed joint
 Sand paper the frame with manual sand paper to make it smooth and neat
 Dust the sanding dust and spray it and place it aside to let it dry<minimum two days>

Wood
 cut the main top board to right dimension
  cut the batting 3inches long and screw to main board
 cut the tongue 2inches long and groove 4inches long at the breath
 screw the tongue and grove to the main top (at the breath) and screw to the frame
 cut the side board 300mm by 300mm and bottom board 1 and 350mm width and
screw it
 the face board is cut and screwed to the frame at dimension 1.1m by 300mm and
screw it together
 the carpet castor is splittable, so weld the first part to the leg frame, then use paint to
clean the area, then fix the other part of the castor.

12
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 PLAN
13
14
15
5.1 3D DETAILING

16
17
18
5.2 RESULT
ESTIMATION FOR THE FABRICATION OF A SINGLE CONFERENCE
TABLE
MATERIALS QUANTITY UNIT PRICE AMOUNT
HBF [1200 * 2400MM] 1&1/2 17,000 25,500
EDGE TAPE 15 100 1,500
EVOSTIC GUM 1 1,600 1,600
SCREWS - 1,500 1,500
EDGE BRACKET - 1,500 1,500
RECTANGULAR STEEL PIPE – 2 5,200 10,400
5400mm (25mm by 50mm)
[2.5mm thickness]

TOTAL MATERIAL 42,000

EXTRAS AMOUNT
TRANSPORTATION OF MATERIALS 4,000
TOTAL EXTRAS 4,000

LABOR RATE PER TABLE

WOODEN WORKMANSHIP 10,000
STEEL FRAME WORKMANSHIP 15,000

TOTAL WORKMANSHIP 25,000

SUB-TOTAL: 71,000

19
20
21
 CHAPTER SIX
6.0 MAINTANANCE
1. The surface of the table must be kept clean.
2. Avoid pen and pencil on the surface of the conference table.
3. Due to timely use of the conference table, the screws and bolts should be checked and
replaced when worn out to ensure long life span of the conference.

6.1 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the conference table was constructed successfully with a set of procedures
adopted as explained in chapter 4 of this report.

6.2 RECOMMENDATION
The fabrication of the conference table was constructed with materials that are durable.
Conference table is a large table, often rectangular, around which a number of people may be
seated, as when holding a meeting. We recommend the conference table should be properly
taken care of so as to prolong its life span.

22
 REFERENCE
Hoobasarl Rampaul (1997): Pipe Welding Procedures, Industrial Press, Inc.
Hoobasarl Rampaul (2005): Pipe Welding Procedures (Volume 1) Second Edition,
Industrial Press, Inc.
J.K.N Sackey (2002): Woodwork Technology (MOTIVATE (Macmillan Texts for
Industrial Vocational and Technical Education), Macmillan Education Ltd.
Joclyn M. Oats (2021): An Illustrated Guide to Furniture History, Routledge.
John Morley (1999): The History of Furniture: Twenty-Five Centuries of Style and
Design in the Western Tradition, Bulfinch Press; 1st North American edition.
Larry Jeffus (2020): Welding: Principles and Applications (Mind Tap Course List) 9th
Edition, Cengage Learning.
Robbie G Blakemore (2006): History of interior design & furniture: from ancient Egypt
to nineteenth-century Europe, Hoboken, N.J.: J. Wiley & Sons.
Tom Carpenter (2001): The Complete Book of Woodworking: Step-by-Step Guide to
Essential Woodworking Skills, Techniques, Tools and Tips, Landauer.
William L. Galvery Jr. (2007): Welding Essentials (Volume 1), Industrial Press, Inc.
William A. Bowditch (2016): Welding Fundamentals Fifth Edition, Goodheart-Willcox.