How Conference Tables are Made: Wiring Grommet

By Stoneline on March 10, 2010 1:11 PM | No Comments
Spring has arrived in North Carolina, and when weather permits, our artisans move some of their work outside. Here Mace uses a diamond drum to polish the wiring hole in a glass conference table top.
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When the conference table is assembled, the hole will be fitted with a wiring grommet which houses power and data jacks under a removable cover. Most wiring grommets are flanged to cover the edge of the hole, and sit up on top of the table. Stoneline uses a grommet without a flange which is set flush with the tabletop surface, leaving the edge of the hole exposed. We hand polish and edge detail the hole, creating a focal point in the design of the table.

Running water reduces friction as Mace works, and tape protects the glass table top in case the diamond drum slips.
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Conference Table Etiquette

By Stoneline on March 3, 2010 4:51 PM | No Comments
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The book The Essential Guide to Business Etiquette by Lillian Chaney and Jeannette Martin discusses not just faux pas to avoid, but also advice on using the principles of etiquette to improve one's position at a conference or meeting. Some of their tips:
  • Arrive three to five minutes early to get your pick of seats, and allow more important people to choose their seat first. 
  • Try to sit to the left of the most important person at the meeting. This may not be the person leading the meeting. 
  • Try not to sit next to an empty chair as this makes you appear isolated and reduces your importance.
  • Do not sit directly across the conference table from someone with whom you expect conflict; this is a confrontational position. Try to sit on the same side of the table as your antagonist, but not next to them.
  • The person leading the meeting should sit at the end of the conference table furthest from the door. Chaney and Martin call this seat the "power perch." 

We have a few tips to add:
  • Just as you should avoid sitting next to someone with whom you expect conflict, try not to sit next to a close friend or work buddy. You may be tempted to chat or share a private joke during the meeting, which is rude and isolates you from the rest of the group.
  • Make sure your cell phone is turned off, not on vibrate. Better yet, don't bring your phone to the conference room. If you absolutely must have your phone, explain why (waiting for a critical call, etc) to the conference chair in advance.
  • Setting your smart phone or Blackberry on the conference table is an aggressive gesture. You are telling everyone in the room that your time is more important than theirs. Don't do it unless you have the standing to justify it, as it can make you appear arrogant. 
  • Use a pen and paper to take notes instead of a laptop. Other people may have trouble seeing you over the laptop case, which tends to isolate you from the group. Besides, the potential for distraction is too great with your computer, especially if the conference room provides a wireless network.

Conference Tables in History

By Stoneline on March 2, 2010 3:21 PM | No Comments
The dot com boom led to many innovations in workplace culture, such as casual dress codes, employees bringing their dogs to work, and even sometimes game tables used as conference tables:conference-ping-pong.jpg
This super-casual approach may have worked great for the dot commers, but most businesses find more value in separating work and play. Keep the table tennis games for after hours, and let your conference table be a productive space that makes a good impression with clients.

(table tennis/conference table photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.) 

Bamboo Furniture Care and Maintenance

By Stoneline on February 26, 2010 2:00 PM | No Comments
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Bamboo is a fast-growing renewable resource, and has a beautiful, modern look making it a popular interior design choice for home and office. Bamboo flooring has been popular for years, and the quality of bamboo veneer has made it an appealing material for tables and other furniture. 

Many homeowners are unsure of how to care for their bamboo furniture. In general, furniture made of bamboo veneer should be treated just like fine wood furniture. 

Bamboo is as hard or harder than wood (depending on the specific hardwood). Like wood, bamboo furniture will hold up to years of ordinary use with no special pampering necessary. However, bamboo is an organic material, and it is not as hard as metal or stone. Take care not to bang sharp objects against your bamboo table, just as you would protect a prized wood table from dings or nicks. And do not allow liquid spills to sit for long periods of time.

In many cases the durability of your bamboo furniture will depend on the finish rather than the bamboo. A cheap or poorly applied finish may wear unevenly or discolor with age, while a good finish will protect your bamboo furniture and remain beautiful for many years. We use a water based, low VOC finish for our bamboo furniture. This finish requires no maintenance besides occasional cleaning with a soft cloth and if necessary, a non-abrasive cleaning product. In case of a sticky or gummy stain such as gum or tape residue, use a razor blade to carefully scrape off the stain without scratching the finish. Sometimes ice can be used to make the substance brittle before removing. Do not apply wax or furniture polish to a water based finish. If you are not sure what kind of finish has been used with your bamboo furniture, check with the manufacturer for specific care instructions.

Conference Tables in History

By Stoneline on February 23, 2010 2:15 PM | No Comments
This 1919 political cartoon about the Paris Peace Conference shows Georges Clemenceau, prime minister of France, inviting German delegates to sit at a conference table with spiked chairs, manacles at each seat, and platters of cactus and nettle. The cartoon reflects German fears that the Treaty of Versailles, created at the conference, would mean harsh terms towards Germany.
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case study: credenza and bookcase

By Stoneline on February 17, 2010 12:42 PM | No Comments
Stoneline recently completed this credenza and bookcase for a private home in Asheville, NC. 
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The pieces, from our Axis and Radian lines, both feature Anigre wood, cross-hatched brushed steel, and our "Scratched" glass. The bookcase and credenza work well with the client's art collection and modern design sense.

Here's what our client had to say when the first piece was delivered:

"I commend your crew. The delivery was quite professional and compact. We appreciated the phone call from Bart, zeroing in on the timing, as well as his complete and confident assembly of the unit. I guess that goes with being one of the craftsmen involved in construction. 

"That brings me to the piece itself. Absolutely beautiful, exactly what I had anticipated since I had visited your factory earlier and had seen some pieces first hand, fits into the decor of our home perfectly -- these are just a few of the expressions of satisfaction that Michael and I uttered after your crew left. I'm sure they were aware of how pleased we were, as we were oohing and ahhing the entire time they were here! A well-chosen piece,artfully designed, and constructed with quality and precision. I could go on and on. Thank you for creating this unit which we are proud and lucky to own. "

Thanks so much, it really means a lot to us. And thanks for the photos: we love seeing our pieces in such a beautiful home! 

Case Study: Bamboo Office Suite

By Stoneline on February 9, 2010 4:50 PM | No Comments
Stoneline Designs recently completed this custom designed Bamboo Office Suite for a client in the Chicago area. 
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The client wanted his home office to feature sustainable materials as much as possible. We adapted our Axis Office line for him, using rapidly renewable bamboo veneer over NAUF (no added urea formaldehyde) MDF substrate, with a water-based low VOC finish, to construct the drawer boxes. The leg plates are 33% recycled aluminum in our Bright finish, and the I-beam support rails are also 33% recycled aluminum with a powdered finish.

The office suite includes a desk and a 3-part credenza. The credenza was custom designed to fit the angled wall in the office space, with a lowered center which the client uses as a computer desk. The desk and credenza both have custom designed drawer boxes, and our Patterned "Scratched" Glass tops, with a bamboo veneer top in the center section of the credenza and custom arced ends on the two glass top pieces.

This detailed photo of the desk shows the Bright Aluminum texture on the leg plates, Patterned "Scratched" Glass top, and bamboo drawers.
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Case Study: Glass Conference Table

By Stoneline on January 6, 2010 12:34 PM | No Comments
We just received these photos of a conference table we designed for a client in Ohio. The client is an innovative environmental designer which specializes in changing people's behavior through the design of physical space. The conference table, from our Crescent line, features a boat shape top with our "Scratched" glass finish. The table was installed in a training facility designed by our client. We also provided several pieces of "Scratched" glass which were used to create signage and counters in the space.

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It's great to see our table integrated into such a dramatic, colorful space. Thanks for the photos!

Conference Tables in History

By Stoneline on December 21, 2009 1:20 PM | No Comments
Stoneline's office will be closed from December 22 until January 4. Whether you set your holiday table with a tree, a menorah, a kinara, or even an aluminum pole, we hope you have a wonderful holiday and a happy new year!

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A Special Credenza and Media Cabinet

By Stoneline on December 18, 2009 1:32 PM | No Comments
We recently made a couple of special pieces for an orthopedic surgeon in Pullman, WA: a large custom designed display cabinet, and matching credenza with Blue Pearl granite top. We consulted with the client extensively to design furniture that would be perfect for his office. We just received this message:

Hello Diana and Monte,

I just wanted to get a quick note off to let you know that the credenza and display cabinet arrived just fine yesterday. It was delivered on a truck with the lift gate which allowed it to be deposited at our front door. With the installer who helped during our office construction we managed to break down the extremely well constructed shipping crates which withstood the vigors of the cross country trip with no damage. The quality of the crates was an indication of what was to come.  

All the pieces were free of any damage including the specially requested granite top for the credenza which is just beautiful. The media cabinet required the muscles of a couple of electricians who were working on another suite in our building but with their help we got it into my office without incident.  We got the shelves and doors installed and they all fit perfectly.  The lighting in the cabinet works just fine and the glass shelves are beautiful, and with the mirrored back, will show off the Steuben glass to maximum effect.

The brushed stainless steel is flawless and has a very nice crisp appearance which is just what I was looking for. It contrasts very nicely with the light stained ash. The sizes of the pieces look excellent in the office, not being too big or too small. Monte, I appreciate your judgment call on the hardware. The sandblasted lock looks great with the door hinges and both complement the look of the stainless steel side panels very well.

You have been super people to work with throughout this whole project. Everything was extremely professional and I appreciated your patience as we worked out all the details as to dimensions and finish. You obviously take great pride in your work and have every reason to be what with the outstanding quality of the materials you select and the skill with which you fashion them. Thank you very much! I'm very glad that I came across your site on the internet while looking for furniture for my office. --Charles

Thanks so much, Charles. We're glad you came across our site too! We hope you'll send a photo so we can see the credenza and display cabinet in their new home.

Energy Efficiency: As Easy As Changing a Light Bulb?

By Stoneline on December 15, 2009 2:30 PM | No Comments
A flash of inspiration is sometimes described as a "light bulb moment." In some cases the light bulb isn't just a metaphor. 

As part of our commitment to sustainable manufacturing principles, Stoneline Designs is working to reduce our total power consumption by 30%. We reached a big percentage of that goal in 2009, thanks to light bulbs. 

This past spring we upgraded all light fixtures in our manufacturing facility. We replaced all the old fixtures and installed high efficiency fluorescent bulbs. With this one change, we've seen our electricity use reduced by over 20%. 

A good idea doesn't have to be radical or strange to work. Sometimes improvements are as simple as changing a light bulb.

How a Desk is Made: Detailing

By Stoneline on December 11, 2009 12:29 PM | No Comments
In this photo, Stoneline artisan Dave continues work on the desk he and Chuck glued up a few days before. Dave uses a chisel and sandpaper to remove imperfections like dried glue marks, and make the tiny adjustments necessary to be sure every inch of the desk meets our quality standard. He will spend many hours on this step of building the desk.desk-detail1.jpg
Every wood table, desk or credenza we make receives the same care and attention. These are traditional woodworking techniques and do not involve trade secrets or unusual tools. Just precision, patience, years of experience and the desire to do the job right. When Dave joined Stoneline almost twenty years ago, he made it clear that he didn't want to work in a place where he'd be slapping pieces together without concern for quality. He wanted to build furniture he could be proud of. We're proud too, that all our artisans share that satisfaction in their work.

How a Desk is Made: Gluing Up

By Stoneline on December 9, 2009 2:36 PM | No Comments
In wood furniture construction "gluing up" is the crucial step when all the parts come together and the finished piece takes shape. In these photos, watch as Stoneline artisans Dave and Chuck glue up a Cessina desk.

Metal angle brackets are used as splines in the corner joints, where strength is critical. 
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Each corner joint has 2 metal splines. The pieces of the desk are labeled inside the joins, for a precise fit and so the pencil marks will be hidden when the desk is assembled.
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Chuck applies epoxy to the corner joints where the splines will be fitted.
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At the same time, Dave applies wood glue to the rest of the joins.
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Continue reading How a Desk is Made: Gluing Up.

Conference Tables in History

By Stoneline on December 8, 2009 1:34 PM | No Comments
This conference table is from very recent history: US Defense Secretary Robert Gates at the Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas (CDMA), 3 September 2008. Secretary Gates expressed support for defense ministers throughout the Americas to work together "while also respecting and honoring the sovereignty of each nation." He also spoke on the need for cooperative disaster relief: "We still do not have a comprehensive, hemispherewide mechanism to channel outside assistance to disaster areas effectively." 
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How a Desk is Made

By Stoneline on December 4, 2009 4:15 PM | No Comments
This Cessina desk in maple has just been glued up. Stoneline artisans Dave and Chuck measure every angle of the desk before the glue dries, to make sure the desk has been properly fitted together. The desk will be finished with a Wenge stain.
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Granite Streaks

By Stoneline on December 2, 2009 4:10 PM | No Comments

We received this question from a reader:

Q. Today a Zimbabwe granite counter was installed in our kitchen. It was thereafter cleaned by a house cleaning company, I presume with regular cleaning material. Afterwards it showed stripes which we can't get out anymore. We only tried with water, as we did not dare to use any strong material. Please advise if and how we can solve this.

A. You will need to ask your stone fabricator as they probably used a sealer on the stone and you will want to make sure that the cleaning products you use are compatible with their sealer. On stone finished with our sealer, we use a glass cleaning product (Windex) for difficult streaks.

How Conference Table Wiring is Made

By Stoneline on December 1, 2009 4:36 PM | No Comments
This four inch diameter hole in a granite conference table will be fitted with a wiring grommet which holds 2 power and 2 data outlets under a removable cover. 

Even the inside of a wiring hole, which is not seen by anyone once the wiring is in place, receives the same attention to detail as every aspect of our furniture. The inside of the hole has been sandblasted, beveled on the edge, and polished to match the top.

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Conference (and Dining) Tables in History

By Stoneline on November 24, 2009 4:42 PM | No Comments
In 1621 the pilgrims and members of the Wampanoag sat down together to share a harvest feast. Take a moment to be thankful for all the good things in life, and have a happy Thanksgiving!
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Case Study: Lectern

By Stoneline on November 23, 2009 4:00 PM | No Comments
Stoneline Designs recently completed this lectern for CNN's "Inside CNN Studio Tour." The lectern is constructed of Stainless Steel panels riveted to a curved Black Ash form. Wiring and microphone access is concealed inside the pedestal.
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Bamboo Conference Table: Stoneline Goes Green

By Stoneline on November 18, 2009 4:38 PM | No Comments
Stoneline Designs is pleased to add the Bamboo Conference Table to our line of custom designed, hand built conference tables. The Bamboo Conference Table is sustainable inside and out: the top and pedestal feature bamboo veneer, a renewable resource. The substrate is low emissions MDF, made with no formaldehyde-based glue. And the table is finished with a water based, low VOC finish.

The Bamboo Conference Table is an excellent choice for businesses concerned about their environmental impact, who prefer sustainable furniture. Click here for photos and detailed information about our Bamboo Conference Table. 
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How a Conference Table is Made: Granite Delivery

By Stoneline on November 18, 2009 3:31 PM | No Comments
The Stoneline Designs team receives a shipment of granite for upcoming conference table orders. In this photo Brian, Rob and Mace guide a granite slab off the truck while Bart drives the forklift. granite-del-5.JPG
Stoneline president Monte McDermed (shown here with Mace) personally inspects each piece of granite to make sure it meets his quality standard.
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The entire stone surface must be checked for tiny imperfections. Here Brian, Monte and Mace work together to inspect a granite slab.
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Tea at the Conference Table?

By Stoneline on November 17, 2009 12:55 PM | No Comments
Nothing cheers up a cold day like a hot cup of tea. But it can be hard to get good tea when you're at your desk all day. The Tea Table Blog has an excellent post on how to make good tea at the office. Here at Stoneline Designs we have both coffee and tea drinkers among us. We agree 100% with the Tea Table Blog that facilities to make tea are all too rare in most offices, and that a coffee maker is no substitute. The residual flavor is so strong that your tea will taste like weak coffee, not tea.

Our taste in tea is not too refined -- no need for the gourmet stuff, we like tea bags just fine -- and we are always grateful when we find decent tea in a business setting. At your next conference, why not set up a hot water dispenser and some good tea bags on the table next to the coffee pot? It's easier to make than coffee, and you may be surprised at how many conference attendees choose tea.

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Our Coffee Tables Turn Up In the Strangest Places

By Stoneline on November 13, 2009 1:46 PM | No Comments
Game designer James Owen Lowe incorporated Stoneline's Cessina coffee table into his design for a Half-Life 2 mod which appeared in the independent film Death In Charge. Lowe says: "The game itself is called "Blood Splattered Corpse Orgy," and will be set in a bright, cheery upper middle class suburban home. Then the player kills some zombies, and all sorts of parts fly hither and thither."

In Lowe's role as environmental artist, he designed 3D renderings of furniture for the home featured in the game. The first piece he designed was a coffee table based on our own Cessina table.

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Thanks, James, for immortalizing our table. We can't think of a better setting for a Cessina table than a zombie attack. We only wish it was a real game that we could play! Next time you need a prop for a game, you might use an Axis table for your model: the steel I-beam would make an excellent weapon against zombies.

Conference Table Power: Wiring Trough

By Stoneline on November 11, 2009 3:05 PM | No Comments
Our new bamboo conference table, the latest addition to Stoneline Designs' line of office furniture, features the wiring trough with sliding cover. The cover slides open to reveal wiring plates which can be fitted with a variety of power and data jacks. When closed, the cover conceals the power jacks.

Move the mouse over the image below to see the wiring trough open and close:

How A Conference Table is Made: Fitting Multiple Piece Tops

By Stoneline on November 10, 2009 12:48 PM | No Comments
In this photo, Stoneline Designs artisan Mace sands the beveled edge of a granite conference table. Running water reduces heat from friction, and keeps the sander from clogging with debris. The water appears cloudy due to debris rinsing away from the sanding surface.This granite will be used as part of a multiple piece conference table top, held together with a T-bar in between each piece of granite. Mace stops frequently and measures the bevel against the T-bar, to make sure the edge of the bevel and the edge of the T-bar line up perfectly. This takes time, but ensures a perfect fit and seamless appearance to the finished conference table.mace-sand2.jpg
 
 

Conference Tables in History

By Stoneline on November 6, 2009 10:16 AM | No Comments
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William Pickering, James Van Allen and Wernher von Braun of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory hold up a model of the Explorer 1 rocket. This news conference on January 31, 1958, announced the successful launch of Explorer 1, the first US satellite in space.

How a Conference Table is Made: Edge Detail

By Stoneline on November 4, 2009 10:39 AM | No Comments
One of the reasons we love our location in central North Carolina is the weather in autumn. Even now, in early November, we often get warm, sunny afternoons which allow our artisans to move some of their work outside. In this photo Brian details the edge of a boat-shaped glass conference table with an angle grinder.
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How a Conference Table Is Shipped

By Stoneline on November 3, 2009 1:50 PM | No Comments
Our responsibility to you doesn't end when your conference table is made. We expertly crate and palletize your table for safe transport to your door.

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Continue reading How a Conference Table Is Shipped.

How a Conference Table is Made: Wiring

By Stoneline on October 29, 2009 1:11 PM | No Comments
The wiring grommet is our most popular option for adding wiring/power to a conference table. A 4" hole is cut into the table top, and fitted with a wiring grommet including 2 power and 2 phone/data jacks. The grommet includes a removable cap and is positioned over the pedestal so that wires can be concealed within the pedestal.

In these photos, Stoneline Designs artisan Mace uses a drill press with a diamond bit to cut a grommet hole in a granite conference table top. The table is a multiple piece top, so the grommet must be positioned exactly over the break between two pieces. Clamps hold the pieces secure so they do not shift during the cutting process.
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Cutting each hole requires a steady hand, and takes 10-15 minutes for a granite top, longer for glass. Plus the time to measure and position the hole, and secure the pieces and tools in place.
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Running water keeps the diamond bit cool as it cuts through the granite stone. Without water the heat generated by friction would cause the bit to expand and possibly shatter. 
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The finished hole! Even the inside of a wiring hole, which no one will see, receives the same care and attention to detail as all parts of our tables: it will be sandblasted inside, beveled on the edge, polished to match the top, and then fitted with the grommet.
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A Stoneline by Any Other Name

By Stoneline on October 28, 2009 3:38 PM | No Comments
This past summer, artist Richard Long held a major retrospective at the Tate Gallery. The exhibition featured a work called "Stone Line".
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We here at Stoneline Designs love Long's work. We were delighted to share our name with a piece in his exhibition, even more when we realized that we created a similar installation earlier this year without even trying. A slab of granite (intended for a conference table top) was our medium and an unexpected wind storm was our artist:
 Is it art, or accident? We'll never tell.
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