Need a gaming table

[Thrawn86 121]

My dining room table works for X-Wing, but won't fit 2 mats for Armada. Where can I buy a table that's less than $100, at least 6'x3' and preferably foldable and plastic? All the tables I'm seeing at Wal-Mart and Costco look like they're 30" wide. Thanks!

[Flengin 581]

Hi Thrawn.

 

I know this isn't what you're looking for but it might spark something off for you that will work.

 

For my first 'gaming table' I bought a 6'x4' board of plywood (I think it was ply, can't remember).  When I wanted to game, I'd get it out and just put it on top of my other table.

 

It's a bit heavy, but can be stored when not in use. 

 

Maybe something similar might work for you?  Does anyone know if a plastic board of comparable size and strength would be lighter/cost efficient/easily acquirable? 

[Ginkapo 9,320]

3mm foamboard

[Mad Cat 2,250]

I use a 6x3 5mm thick piece of MDF on top of the kitchen table. It just slots down the side of a wardrobe when not in use.

Edited December 20, 2016 by Mad Cat

[Thrawn86 121]

Genius! What is MDF, and where do I buy it?

[Tekwych 270]

Medium Density Fiberboard found at any DIY store that sells lumber. Something like Lowes or Home Depot would even cut it for you.

[Thrawn86 121]

Medium Density Fiberboard found at any DIY store that sells lumber. Something like Lowes or Home Depot would even cut it for you.

 

Good call. HD has it for $21 (4x8 1/2" thick). Much cheaper than buying a gaming table! Now I'll spend that money I saved on more expansions! 

[Mad Cat 2,250]

Beware the half inch thickness. You don't really need it that size and it can be rather heavy. Quarter inch should be fine.

[Thrawn86 121]

Beware the half inch thickness. You don't really need it that size and it can be rather heavy. Quarter inch should be fine.

 

Noted! Thanks!

[Sygnetix 140]

I'm currently in the planning phase (building a replica in Unity) for a whiteboard to hang on the wall that folds out into the room to become a 5'x9' table for drinks, dice rolling, etc. If it goes to production I'll take pictures of the assembly process and the materials needed. It probably won't see further physical development until after the new year, though.

[Stasy 2,501]

I would also recommend looking at pine sheets. It's smoother than MDF and its more firm than MDF in thinner cuts. I made mine with it and felt glued to it.

[Thrawn86 121]

I would also recommend looking at pine sheets. It's smoother than MDF and its more firm than MDF in thinner cuts. I made mine with it and felt glued to it.

 

I saw that on Home Depot's website. Pine sheets don't have any splinter issues?

[Stasy 2,501]

If you cut it, you could have some rough edges, it is wood after all. But between some light sanding and either covering it with felt or even a bedsheet, you won't notice it.

The main advantage of the pine is the weight. MDF works great, but it's pretty hefty if you're making a mobile table top.

[Thrawn86 121]

I would also recommend looking at pine sheets. It's smoother than MDF and its more firm than MDF in thinner cuts. I made mine with it and felt glued to it.

 

To clarify, you are referring to pine plywood sheets correct? Is 1/4" thickness sufficient?

[Mad Cat 2,250]

 

I would also recommend looking at pine sheets. It's smoother than MDF and its more firm than MDF in thinner cuts. I made mine with it and felt glued to it.

 

To clarify, you are referring to pine plywood sheets correct? Is 1/4" thickness sufficient?

 

 

It depends on the size of your kitchen or dining table that you have underneath.

 

If it is a good sized 5x3' for example you can get away with a thinner top layer as there is less overhang to support. If using 2 small 18" square tables (one at each end) then you may want to get a thicker piece of Plywood, chipboard or MDF.

 

Have a look at the DIY store and see if it can support the weight you expect to put at the most unsupported area. Factor in the table you have and the weight of your unexpecting opponent leaning on a corner to reach a Tie fighter near your deployment zone.

[Stasy 2,501]

 

I would also recommend looking at pine sheets. It's smoother than MDF and its more firm than MDF in thinner cuts. I made mine with it and felt glued to it.

 

To clarify, you are referring to pine plywood sheets correct? Is 1/4" thickness sufficient?

 

 

Correct. The pine sheets are lighter for the size. But I'd also heed MadCat's statement.

[Thrawn86 121]

Good call. The 4' edges won't overhang much, and the 6' edges will overhang by 1' on either side of my table. 

[Tekwych 270]

I have 1"x 2" stringers scared to the bottom of mine to help iy lock to the table an not slide around as easily.

[Thrawn86 121]

Went to Home Depot. The MDF looked great, was priced great, but was way too heavy. I wouldn't be surprised if a 4'x8'x1/2" sheet of MDF weighed almost 100lbs. They had birch plywood, which looked great, felt great, but was too expensive. Gonna check out Lowe's and see what they have. 

[Sygnetix 140]

Went to Home Depot. The MDF looked great, was priced great, but was way too heavy. I wouldn't be surprised if a 4'x8'x1/2" sheet of MDF weighed almost 100lbs. They had birch plywood, which looked great, felt great, but was too expensive. Gonna check out Lowe's and see what they have. 

 

You could do a flimsy sheet and just build a frame for it out of cheap 1x2's. Add some stripes of felt to the frame and you dont have to worry about scuffing anything. All together would weight like 20lbs, tops. You can also ask them to cut the lumber for you if you go in with measurements.

For my fold out table, I'm leaving 9" on each player side for cards plus another 9" on both short ends. 1 side to put the dice catcher, the other side for cup holders.

[Ginkapo 9,320]

Foam board....

Seriously, google it

[Thrawn86 121]

I ended up going to Lowes and getting a $22 piece of Pine Plywood that was 15/32" thick. Cut it to 6.5'x4'. I think it's going to work great after some minor sanding   Probably weighs 1/3 of the MDF I was looking at. 

[Adun42 162]

I went to home depot and bought a 5/8" 11 ply hardwood plywood (11 ply to hold straight).

I wanted 4x8 so I had room for spare parts, drinks and all that.

I had home depot cut it lengthwise.

I bought leaf brackets to hold it together and leg brackets and pre-made legs.

then did the sand/clear gloss coat (5 coats) for a great finish.

 

used veneer edge tape to finish the edges.

 

I say all that and am exceedingly "wood shop challenged".

If I can do that, anyone can.

 

now I have a Gaming Table! (and if I get the picture to attach, you will see I also have...a cat).

 

edit: because it is in 2 pieces, and the leg screws into metal leg brackets, the whole thing comes apart and stores with legs and 2 2x8 pieces of plywood.

Edited December 30, 2016 by Adun42

[Wired4War 187]

Wal-Mart, or any other department store sells light, cheap 2x4 folding tables, that I use three of. I believe they may sell 2x6, so you'd only need two. I didn't get them for this specific purpose, but they are very mobile and work well if you don't have a dedicated gaming space.