Easy DIY Gaming Table (no woodworking)

A suggestion for the exposed cut edges: stick-tape (for hockey sticks) - very good adhesion, abrasion resistant, inexpensive.

aramis erak said:

A suggestion for the exposed cut edges: stick-tape (for hockey sticks) - very good adhesion, abrasion resistant, inexpensive.

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That’s an interesting idea. I ordered 80/20’s plastic end caps, which should do the job, but I’ll keep that in mind for where the corners join.

I spent the last few days experimenting with my test order. I found some problems, but they were easily fixed.

My biggest concern was the end support system. I'm using three 6-inch plates on the short edge, and my concern was that they would lever down under the weight. This picture shows the test table from below. (I'm using a 2'x4' piece of plywood for the test.) You can see the plates on the left. They're installed in the wrong rail in this picture, but you can see how the plywood will be supported by two cross beams in the center and by three plates on each end:



Unfortunately, the supports did tilt down like I feared. But some stainless steel spacers solved the problem:



This picture only shows four spacers, but the final table will have two per support. You can see from this shot that it's up on blocks. I walked around on the table and even jumped up and down a bit. It's rock solid... and very heavy. I probably could have gotten away with 1/2" plywood rather than 3/4", and 3/4" cross beams rather than 1.5". A lesson for the next table!

I was concerned about the sharpness of those edge supports. The cross beam is rounded and will have an end cap, which feels a lot less hazardous:



So I put the edge of the table up on its legs to see what it felt like to sit at and if there were any concerns about knees hitting things. This also let me check the height of the table:



It felt great! The end supports weren't an issue once the surface was raised. I was also able to confirm that the cross beam wouldn't be in the way either.

Next I tried accessories. I realized that I had ordered the wrong hardware for attaching things to the rails after the fact, but I was able to add a cup holder. Here's what it looks like closed:



And the final action shot!


I'm glad I made the test order. I have a much better understanding of how everything fits together, and more confidence to make the big (and expensive) final order. I found a few minor mistakes, but for the most part everything worked and it's very solid.

Next week, I'll place the final order!