Easy DIY Gaming Table (no woodworking)

[aco175]

From a functional point of view, I would be concerned about the metal edge. With it appearing to stick over the wooden edge of the table it appears to be something that would hurt when someone bumps it with a body part. Also the corners could scrape or tear clothing and skin. Interested to see how things turn out.

 

[Truename]

From a functional point of view, I would be concerned about the metal edge. With it appearing to stick over the wooden edge of the table it appears to be something that would hurt when someone bumps it with a body part. Also the corners could scrape or tear clothing and skin. Interested to see how things turn out.

That’s a great point. The edge is rounded, so that shouldn’t be a problem. The corners might be, though. I have them coming together in a 45 degree miter cut, which might be sharp.

I’m going to start by ordering a subset of the parts to do a test run. I’ll test that too. Thanks!

Spoiler: Test run parts

For the test run, I want to check the corners, strength of the leg vs lateral loads, and the clamping system. I’m going to order:

• The short edges of the frame (mitered)
• Two legs
• Two corner braces
• One cross beam
• 3 support plates

That’s about half the order and should let me test everything without wasting too much money if I have to make changes.

• I can test the corners with the two short edges, a leg, and two corner braces.
• I can test lateral load with one short edge, two legs, and two corner braces.
• I can test the clamping system with one short edge, the cross beam, the two legs taking the place of the long edges (attached to the cross beam but not attached to the short edge), the three support plates, and my 2’x4’ plywood scrap. The whole assembly will rest on the floor and I’ll be able to walk around/jump on it.

 

[el-remmen]

Cool project! I am interested in all kinds of D&D/gaming DIY projects.

I will follow closely.

One approach others may find useful is a hybrid. I bought a huge dining table at a thrift store for $40. It was dinged up but very sturdy. The dimensions are 44” x 66” but it has two leaves that can extend into about 80” or 94”.

Anyway, buying a thrift table and then deconstructing reconstructing a new top and accessories is one way to go and is my next step after I redo two walls in the game room for a shelf system and more power outlets.