Table build attempt (1 Viewer)

[JoeBiz]

Gonna have a crack at a table for my garage game. Super casual group, but I think we need to upgrade from using an old coffee table as a playing surface. @allforcharity suggested I post a build thread so... here goes.

One of the guys has a cnc router, so thinking of doing an ellipse or similar. Some of the criteria I'm considering:

• Trying for the smallest possible table that can be made from a 4x8 sheet (or several) that will fit 8 players reasonably comfortably.
• Probably a wood rail (feel free to flame me for this) because padded looks like a PITA to build, plus the table is going to be spending most of its time in storage, and I've seen too many used for sale with ripped or damaged rails.
• Budget build.
• Cup holders... seems like a controversial topic, but with my group it's a must. No room for side tables. Don't like them in the rail, because too close, don't like them in the playing surface because seems like you might lose a chip into them once in a while. So planning on a cup rail. Maybe I'm an idiot. Maybe it's ugly.
• No racetrack. Just because.

Anyway, concept below, feel free to provide constructive criticisms, or not so constructive ones. I got thick skin.

 

[PARADOX]

84x42 oval. Fits eight to nine and isn't so big that guys in center can't reach across and guys can still pitch cards from the ends.

I would do your cup holders in the rail vs where you have them located on your cad drawing.

 

[Shaggy]

I'm not personally a fan of the cup holders, but you have stated your need for them. Having access to a CNC is a beautiful thing and it opens up a lot of options.

For that reason I am intrigued by your cupholder rail.

I would however still recommend slide under cup holders for the following reasons:
1. You are not locked in to the location of the cupholder (or player)
2. The cupholder is temporary, so you can remove it from the table when not in use.

Here is a link to the cup holders I am talking about:
https://www.amazon.com/Brybelly-Slide-Under-Stainless-Holder/dp/B009FAJ04S

 

[buzzmonkey]

Padded rails aren't as hard as you think. Single sheet of vinyl and you're golden. There are tons of plans to show you the technique.

 

[vanislander]

+1 on the slide under cup holders. There when you need them, not when you don't.
Lots of storage options that are less work than building a wooden rail/ring w cup holders.

 

[CHP TD]

Padded rails aren't as hard as you think. Single sheet of vinyl and you're golden. There are tons of plans to show you the technique.

true this is the most difficult part of the build BUT anyone can do it.

There are also 4 way stretch vinyls that make your life much Much easier. look up what others have done on this site and see how they did it.

A few tips ive found out after a few builds.

• Use the best materials you can get. it seriously makes a big difference.
• Try to use 1 sheet of foam ie dont try to stick smaller pieces of foam together.
• 4 Way Stretch vinyl for the win.
• the quality and hardness of the foam is matters.
• Take your time.

You may find difficult is cutting an oval. There are jigs you can build to make that easier.

Good Luck.

 

[JoeBiz]

Appreciate all the feedback. I posted and then decided, screw it, let's give it a go. Plus if I wait around, lumber prices are going to go up again. Anyway, cut the sheets, so I'll see if I regret not doing slide unders. Hadn't seen those before, seem like a good option too.

Still have time to change my mind on padded rail, but not sure if I want to spend money on the material yet. Emphasis on budget build here... might upgrade the whole process on the next go 'round.

Pics of the cut sheets... CNC is a beautiful thing. Very precise, huge timesaver. I consider myself fortunate to have friends with toys.

 

[JoeBiz]

Also, as a point of reference, the old playing surface is a table built from a cutoff from a glulam beam and some old pallet wood for legs. The bar is low. Which, I suppose, shouldn't excuse much compromise... but we'll see how the boys treat something a little nicer before upgrading to premium.

Decided on 1/4" volara foam and green suited speed cloth for the playing surface. Should do the trick. Ordered and in the mail...

Still love the feedback and thoughts on it!

 

[MoT519]

Interesting idea with the cup holders on the table. Chips can't fall in with your design so you may be onto something.

 

[JoeBiz]

routered and stained.

 

[JuniorVarsity]

I want more from this, any updates yet? I have a crappy $200 folding 8 player table, and want to build my own minus a CNC..

 

[JoeBiz]

Bing bing boom....

Ask me about the process if it's unclear.

completed to the point that a game is possible some sanding and finishing could be done. Guys loved it though. I loved it too... maybe because I took the W.

there's a hole!!

 

[OfficerLovejoy]

That cup holder rail is an interesting concept!
I thought I would hate it but I think it works nicely.
I still would recommend going for a padded rail. It's just so much more comfortable. The process is not that different from installing the suited speed cloth and that seemed to have gone down well.


Looking forward to more pictures of your games!

 

[RedRockets]

In New Zealand we don’t have access to any quality table builders. We had to build our own!

 

[svn12345]

In New Zealand we don’t have access to any quality table builders. We had to build our own!

Hi, would you be interested in building some to sell?

 

[RedRockets]

Hi, would you be interested in building some to sell?

Hey mate, yep it is something we have considered since many of our club members have suggested it. Where are you based in NZ?

 

[svn12345]

Cheers for the reply I’m in whakatane bay of plenty

 

[RedRockets]

Hi, would you be interested in building some to sell?

As you can see, can easily fit 10 people around. 2400mm long and 1250mm wide

 

[svn12345]

View attachment 886791View attachment 886792View attachment 886793


As you can see, can easily fit 10 people around. 2400mm long and 1250mm wide

They look amazing!!