Taking inspiration from this thread that GJK posted (http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=13182.0) on how he created his table, I decided to finally build my own. If found this table on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ERJGNF0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) for $87.00. Not the highest quality but not too bad either. I didn't want to refinish anything and my wife wanted a nice desk to use for work that matched the existing decor. Luckily, the top was not glued on and I only had to remove some screws to detach it. I bought a 1/2" 2'x4' oak plywood board to make the bottom out of for $14.00. I also bought a bag of alignment pins for the top (about $8.00) so I could line it up easier when putting it back on. The alignment pins also keep the top in place when the table is used as a regular desk. I cut the bottom to fit and applied some iron on black laminate to the edges to make it look a little more finished. So, for a little less than $120, I have a nice (but small) gaming table! The usable playing area is about 42"x21.5" and it's about 2.75" deep. I won't be playing anything big on it but at least it fits in my small, 100 year old row house. I might look at reprinting some of the larger game boards to see if I can make them fit.
I plan to finish the bottom of the table soon. I have an extra Pro Matz galactic map that I was going to line the bottom with but I'm not sure that I want to cut it down. I do have some extra green felt and foam board that I can use instead so I might do that.
Here are some pictures:
Taking off the table top.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarcentral.com%2F%2Ftpics%2Fgt1.jpg&hash=f6df9859761af10c09143312da5bf6d9112deb28)
The assembled, brand new game table! (kind of hard to see but the top is leaning against the hutch)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarcentral.com%2F%2Ftpics%2Fgt2.jpg&hash=986b5a5af4effd2f01dcc410794a68587c2679e3)
The table with the top on.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarcentral.com%2F%2Ftpics%2Fgt4.jpg&hash=1145b694a18ce991d4e4b976341543a5b218cb62)
I can't wait to finally set up a game and play! Those poor cats will have no way to destroy my board and counters. 8)
Outf'ing standing! That came out really good! I like the way the bottom (light color) looks in that dark wood so I don't know that I'd put anything permanent down to be honest. If you need something to lay down so that a map won't slide around, we use these for ASL maps (with plexi on top of it all): https://www.walmart.com/ip/38055921
You could cut a few pieces to fit and use them when needed.
Great job! Pretty easy to do, huh?
Looks awesome!
Quote from: bbmike on January 26, 2017, 03:39:39 PM
I didn't want to refinish anything and my wife wanted a nice desk to use for work that matched the existing decor.
Uh...so how is this a gaming desk again? :P
Great job! O0
Did you stain or clear coat the inside playing surface?
Thanks, everyone!
Quote from: Barthheart on January 26, 2017, 07:06:59 PM
Great job! O0
Did you stain or clear coat the inside playing surface?
No, but that's not a bad idea.
Quote from: bbmike on January 26, 2017, 07:16:17 PM
Thanks, everyone!
Quote from: Barthheart on January 26, 2017, 07:06:59 PM
Great job! O0
Did you stain or clear coat the inside playing surface?
No, but that's not a bad idea.
Clear coat or Varathane will help keep the dice dents outta the surface.
Very nice! :dreamer:
Nice work!
:bd:
Soon we can start a thread entitled "What's inside your table?". :)
Quote from: GJK on January 26, 2017, 10:48:38 PM
Soon we can start a thread entitled "What's inside your table?". :)
Kinky.
Fabulous stuff! :clap:
Quote from: bbmike on January 26, 2017, 03:39:39 PM
I can't wait to finally set up a game and play! Those poor cats will have no way to destroy my board and counters. 8)
So you'd think. Where there is a cat there is a way ;D