Table construction

[GamerDad]

Hey guys!

Currently playing Warhammer 40K but sometimes can't be bothered to go to the nearby GW shop just to game on the table. I was thinking of making my own 6x4 or 8x4 table but I am having difficulty with coming up with ideas for the table's legs. I would need a table that I can "put away" when I am not playing so the table surface and the legs need to be detachable. Also, with the need to be able to keep the table when not in use, I am debating whether to have the table cut in half lengthwise or crosswise so that it'll be easier to take it apart and keep it in the shed out back when I'm not playing.

I have some wood-working skills but only basic, so any angled-cuts (ie, sawhorse for legs) are difficult for me.

If I were to cut the table top, I wonder if lengthwise or crosswise is best? If lengthwise, then I only need two "sets" of legs as I can have them at both ends and support the table. If I cut crosswise, then I need to be a bit more creative with the leg assembly.

Any suggestions?

 

[Zab]

I hang my table on the wall when not in use and just use a couple of cheap saw horses to rest it on. Since I don't play any more it kinda just sits like art on the wall.
a look at the table on the wall...
http://almostperftec.blogspot.ca/2013/01/wip-dv-librarian-man-cave.html
and a look at what i mount it on for play...
http://almostperftec.blogspot.ca/2013/01/wip-dv-librarian-2-budding-blood-angels.html
cheers

 

[RuneBrush]

Trestle legs would be my suggestion (very similar to saw horse legs but hinged so they fold). The second link Zab posted shows some plastic saw horses that fold down. I've got a set of these for when I do wood work, my only comment would be that I wouldn't find them tall enough, especially when I'm trying to work out line of sight or such like. I actually prefer the height my dining table gives me

A single board will provide you with a lot more stability than sections, but you would need two people to set it up. Personally I'd actually go for two 4ft x 4ft boards that can be joined for a 8ft x 4ft large table. The trestle legs can be pointed in any direction, so when using both you can use 4 sets of legs running along the edges of the table (I can draw a pic if that doesn't make sense).

 

[mud duck]

How does getting a couple of folding tables, say something like this http://www.menards.com/main/home-de...ectangular-banquet-table/p-1918952-c-6984.htm

a couple of C clamps (or bungles around the legs) to 'tie' them together during play, and then build a light weight (modular) playing surface for varied terran?
Yes the tables are pricey, but they do coming handy when the family comes around for the Holidays, plus they are light weight, stable, and unaffected by humidity or spilled liquids.
Just a thought.

 

[Zab]

Good Call. I have a few of those too for when i want a more permanent/ stable playing surface or for photos of the terrain & minis

 

[GamerDad]

Thanks for the suggestions guys! I did think of saw horses or adjustable trestles. The cheapest of the two was a saw horse 2-pack from B&Q for about £29, but I saw a small 7x2-foot table that was on clearance sale for £29. Much easier to "justify" a table purchase than saw horses so I guess I'll go with that, and build a 6x4 surface that can go on top.

I will admit this may end up being too low for me, but I'm playing with my son age 10 and I also have a son age 4 so this should be a reasonable height for them.

 

[timewizard]

I built a 6' X 4' gaming table that fits nicely on the top of a folding banquet type table.

Here's a link to the thread about it on AOS.
http://www.ageofstrife.com/painting-modelling/new-game-table-top-t4523.html?hilit=gaming table

It came out very sturdy and the banquet table can be used for other things as well when the game table is put away.

If you want any other details about it, feel free to PM me.

Time Wizard