Foldable gaming table plans (and result)

[Attackmack]

UPDATE
Finished the project some time ago but completely forgot so post some pics so ive updated the thread further down
/UPDATE

Hi guys, very long time since I was last around here, about the time I had begun building a hexmap and terrain for Battletech.
I did finish the board(s) and a fair bit of terrain, have played a few games and had a great time building it.

Without going into details, these boards are no longer in my possession. I feel a bit sad about it but then again I wasnt really satisfied with them to begin with, they did become too bulky and unpractical for me so instead of grieving for their loss I can instead look forward to finding some new project to enjoy.

What im posting here is NOT a build-journal as I dont know when ill even begin, but as usual im fond of planning extensivly before even cutting the first piece.
I also appreciate that this is a forum mainly for terrain, and so my build might be a bit out of place. But due to the great talent and nice people i remember from here, I much rather post here then anywhere else.

So on to the topic at hand.
I live rather cramped, so I dont have alot of space in excess. But I enjoy gaming of all kinds, boardgame miniatures and roleplaying.
Not a good combination right there!

But as of now, I dont have a table bigger then a small coffetable by the sofa but moving a few stuff around I can easily setup a rather big table for whatever situation it might call for. Such as a gaming night.

Aside from Battletech, me and my friends often enjoy various strategical boardgames and a few different miniature games.
While browsing around the net I stumbled upon a short article with a few pics of someone who had build a big foldable gaming table and its simple but beautiful design caught my attention. "I could build that, cheap and fairly easy" I though, and started sketching on some ideas.

The materials is mainly 34mm by 120mm (1.5 by 5 inch I guess?) wood with a 6mm plywood top.
The play area is 180cm by 120cm (6 feet by 4 feet) with a 20cm area at each end for storage, dice etc.
The legs are foldable into the table, which is then foldable in itself forming a single, narrow bulk for easy storage (though hardly portable since its gonna weight alot).

The idea is to create flexible canvas battlemats (another genious idea ive seen people do) the same size as the play area which is rolled out into place when the table is setup.
These "mats" can be made dirty cheap in variations suitable for different themes or games, and are stored as rolls.

Thoughts, ideas and suggestions are very welcome and the reason im posting this in the first place!
If you see anything that might be a problem, or just have some great additions or maybe an idea on how to keep the weight down, please let me know!

Original concept


Project Finished (more or less ;) )

[Sereglach]

Looks great all the way up until the third picture, in a personal opinion.  I'd say you need to put something in there so that it'll fold flush, and not leave that huge gap.  Otherwise it's probably not going to be very friendly to most types of hinges, unless you've got something in mind to compensate for that.

Anyway, about 4x6 (probably 4x7 with the storage ends) folding in half at the center?  You could easily slap some little Kevlar carry handle straps onto the two ends and allow it to be easily transported to just about any game night you go to, as well.  Just a thought.

[Attackmack]

Looks great all the way up until the third picture, in a personal opinion.  I'd say you need to put something in there so that it'll fold flush, and not leave that huge gap.  Otherwise it's probably not going to be very friendly to most types of hinges, unless you've got something in mind to compensate for that.

Anyway, about 4x6 (probably 4x7 with the storage ends) folding in half at the center?  You could easily slap some little Kevlar carry handle straps onto the two ends and allow it to be easily transported to just about any game night you go to, as well.  Just a thought.

Yes, you are absolutely right, a joint like that will not hold up in the long run.
Ive been doing some changes and textured the model for easier overview of the construction. Updated the OP with the redesigned model!

There are others issues i need to solve but things I think ill tackle as it comes, things like how to lock the legs in place if its even needed and the center legs, due to the design, not having a second bar to keep them rigid might prove an issue too.

[Jarron]

How about this?

http://privateerpressforums.com/showthread.php?100177-Dalth-s-Portable-Folding-Table

[DarkSpade]

What about building playing area onto a store bought folding table?

[Sereglach]

Yes, you are absolutely right, a joint like that will not hold up in the long run.
Ive been doing some changes and textured the model for easier overview of the construction. Updated the OP with the redesigned model!

There are others issues i need to solve but things I think ill tackle as it comes, things like how to lock the legs in place if its even needed and the center legs, due to the design, not having a second bar to keep them rigid might prove an issue too.

The improvements look incredible.  I'm honestly not sure you'll need the middle legs.  When you get to construction you could add the outer legs and see how it holds up . . . then add the middle legs if necessary.

How about this?

http://privateerpressforums.com/showthread.php?100177-Dalth-s-Portable-Folding-Table

That is an incredibly impressive gaming table.  With the "5foot 8inch wife for scale" it looks like the table is about a 4'x4', which is a lot smaller then what the OP is talking about building.  However, for something that's probably going to be used for WarmaHordes (it is Privateer Press forums, after all) that's a perfect size . . . they use a lot less space then something like Alpha Strike.  On the other hand, if you're building the table exclusively for CBT, that might be a really nice size, too.

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Now, funny enough . . . a thought that crossed my mind . . . it's crazy, but would work wonderfully.  If you wanted something collapsible that provided easy storage, was easy to move around, and a HUGE play area . . . find a cheap ping-pong/table-tennis table.  Tournament size is 5'x9' . . . that'd make for one hell of an Alpha Strike game area (I don't even know how many hex boards it'd take to cover that for CBT).  It'd still fold up and lay flat in the back of most smaller SUV's or larger car trunks, on top of it.

Makes me wish I had the space for one . . . I'd start searching for a used one to snag, if I could afford it (probably one going for cheap because the net is destroyed . . . I don't need no stinking net).

[Attackmack]

How about this?

http://privateerpressforums.com/showthread.php?100177-Dalth-s-Portable-Folding-Table

That is a very nice build and good inspiration!
Those legs, i see them at various builds and they seem great but the only in country shop where I live who sells similar are pretty expensive.

What about building playing area onto a store bought folding table?

I thought about this but a few things made me decide against it. Mainly it would mean I wouldnt get to build it entirely myself ;)
But also, to avoid extensive shipping costs, the only such tables available relatively close to where I live are either too flimsy or sturdy and robust but pretty expensive.

The improvements look incredible.  I'm honestly not sure you'll need the middle legs.  When you get to construction you could add the outer legs and see how it holds up . . . then add the middle legs if necessary.
That is an incredibly impressive gaming table.  With the "5foot 8inch wife for scale" it looks like the table is about a 4'x4', which is a lot smaller then what the OP is talking about building.  However, for something that's probably going to be used for WarmaHordes (it is Privateer Press forums, after all) that's a perfect size . . . they use a lot less space then something like Alpha Strike.  On the other hand, if you're building the table exclusively for CBT, that might be a really nice size, too.

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Now, funny enough . . . a thought that crossed my mind . . . it's crazy, but would work wonderfully.  If you wanted something collapsible that provided easy storage, was easy to move around, and a HUGE play area . . . find a cheap ping-pong/table-tennis table.  Tournament size is 5'x9' . . . that'd make for one hell of an Alpha Strike game area (I don't even know how many hex boards it'd take to cover that for CBT).  It'd still fold up and lay flat in the back of most smaller SUV's or larger car trunks, on top of it.

Makes me wish I had the space for one . . . I'd start searching for a used one to snag, if I could afford it (probably one going for cheap because the net is destroyed . . . I don't need no stinking net).

The sheer size of the table, and my wish for it to be usable as a regular table for RPG and boardgame sessions (where I guess there is more weight and abuse put on it from elbows and what not) have me wondering how it will hold up.
So I made sure that it is possible to fit legs to the center if required, but only if its needed.

A ping pong sized table would be too much for my apartment, even when folded up and stored it would take too much space :)
But i remember when I was young, me and my mates played alot of warhammer fantasy on a pingpong table! Of course none of us could afford an army big enough, but when we got a bunch of us together and formed a few unholy alliances, it ended in grand scale games!

[NeonKnight]

A ping pong sized table would be too much for my apartment, even when folded up and stored it would take too much space :)
But i remember when I was young, me and my mates played alot of warhammer fantasy on a pingpong table! Of course none of us could afford an army big enough, but when we got a bunch of us together and formed a few unholy alliances, it ended in grand scale games!

Having lived in my youth in an apartment, and needing somewhere to keep a gaming table, I merely bought a 4x8 sheet of MDF board, screwed some folding table legs on it, and kept it behind my couch when not in use.

[Jarron]

Or this:

http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2013/04/portable-workbench-woodworking-workshop-worktable.html

If you can't locate folding legs on the cheap, can you get twistable window latch/lock?  You can attach those to the wooden legs as a means to prevent the legs from collapsing at an inappropriate time.

[Sereglach]

A ping pong sized table would be too much for my apartment, even when folded up and stored it would take too much space :)
But i remember when I was young, me and my mates played alot of warhammer fantasy on a pingpong table! Of course none of us could afford an army big enough, but when we got a bunch of us together and formed a few unholy alliances, it ended in grand scale games!

Not saying it fits your needs, but I thought it was an anecdote worthy of mention as a random thought passing through my mind, while thinking of gaming tables.  I don't much have the space for it, either (let alone the money), but the thought of having a 5'x9' playing area that neatly folds in half and rolls into a corner and/or along a wall was a nifty concept.  Also, for people who do not have the skills to put together such a table as you're designing, it's a great concept.  Glad to hear it's not an original idea (otherwise I'd be more psychologically pressured into making it happen); but I'm also glad to hear that it does, in fact, work well in practice.

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Now, if I had the money to go hog-wild, I'd be going for something like a Sultan Gaming Table (not posting a link because it leads to a business . . . don't want to break the rules) . . . but, here's a picture of one of their tables:



When folded up the things are the quality of heirloom dining tables, coffee tables, and other pieces of top end furniture.  However, the top end tables have the price point to match that high quality heirloom furniture.

[Attackmack]

Not saying it fits your needs, but I thought it was an anecdote worthy of mention as a random thought passing through my mind, while thinking of gaming tables.  I don't much have the space for it, either (let alone the money), but the thought of having a 5'x9' playing area that neatly folds in half and rolls into a corner and/or along a wall was a nifty concept.  Also, for people who do not have the skills to put together such a table as you're designing, it's a great concept.  Glad to hear it's not an original idea (otherwise I'd be more psychologically pressured into making it happen); but I'm also glad to hear that it does, in fact, work well in practice.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now, if I had the money to go hog-wild, I'd be going for something like a Sultan Gaming Table (not posting a link because it leads to a business . . . don't want to break the rules) . . . but, here's a picture of one of their tables:



When folded up the things are the quality of heirloom dining tables, coffee tables, and other pieces of top end furniture.  However, the top end tables have the price point to match that high quality heirloom furniture.

So beautiful! Looks heavy too!
I like weight, its a sure sign of reliability!

[Cazaril]

Your table design looks nice... Question: Have you ever thought of including storage on the underside of the table?

The one thing I noticed on your design, and even on the other tables people linked to, is that there is a lot of wasted room in the cavity where the legs fold up into. I'm not sure how hard it would be, but a box that uses the under side of the table as a lid, might be a great place to store maps and stuff. You could either make it so it drops down, or have it accessible through the top of the table... Or maybe build a chest that drops completely out with it's own lid. Even if it is just sized appropriately, it doesn't have to actually attach underneath... Or maybe just design the legs so a store bought container would fit in that space (like one of those large plastic scrapbooking boxes you see at the hobby store. The thin plastic would lighter and give you more interior room than if you tried to build it from wood).

Granted, adding storage (and therefore stored items), would increase the total carry weight of the table and depending on how you build it, it will probably be heavy enough. But it would also be one less bag/box/container/whatever of stuff you wouldn't have to carry separately.

Anyway, just a thought..

Caz

[Attackmack]

Your table design looks nice... Question: Have you ever thought of including storage on the underside of the table?

The one thing I noticed on your design, and even on the other tables people linked to, is that there is a lot of wasted room in the cavity where the legs fold up into. I'm not sure how hard it would be, but a box that uses the under side of the table as a lid, might be a great place to store maps and stuff. You could either make it so it drops down, or have it accessible through the top of the table... Or maybe build a chest that drops completely out with it's own lid. Even if it is just sized appropriately, it doesn't have to actually attach underneath... Or maybe just design the legs so a store bought container would fit in that space (like one of those large plastic scrapbooking boxes you see at the hobby store. The thin plastic would lighter and give you more interior room than if you tried to build it from wood).

Granted, adding storage (and therefore stored items), would increase the total carry weight of the table and depending on how you build it, it will probably be heavy enough. But it would also be one less bag/box/container/whatever of stuff you wouldn't have to carry separately.

Anyway, just a thought..

Caz

Hmm…I had not planned on any form of table storage, aside from the two "dice pits" at each short end.
But your ideas got me thinking. If nothing else, doing something with the legs would definitly be doable.

I must think about this!

[RABIDFOX50]

Through the years, our gaming group had several tables of various design, however one in which our good friend and member here (TheMaster1955) built was the best. Using heavy plywood and stout 4"x4" solid oak legs was a 4'x8' Sand Table. Yes, play sand approx 6" deep which could be sculpted to make hills, lakes, rivers, Etc.. We used buildings and other terrain as we do now but the sand added that pop a flat table can't deliver. One day, we will rebuild his table to include some of Sultan's ideas.  :D

[Attackmack]

Through the years, our gaming group had several tables of various design, however one in which our good friend and member here (TheMaster1955) built was the best. Using heavy plywood and stout 4"x4" solid oak legs was a 4'x8' Sand Table. Yes, play sand approx 6" deep which could be sculpted to make hills, lakes, rivers, Etc.. We used buildings and other terrain as we do now but the sand added that pop a flat table can't deliver. One day, we will rebuild his table to include some of Sultan's ideas.  :D

Reading your post i faintly recall reading about something similar years ago, someone who used sand to sculpt his landscape then put a cloth over it to ease moving models and terrain on it.
Its a cool idea, would love to see some pictures of such a table if you have any?!

[Attackmack]

 little update.
I got to do a bit of work the past weekend so got all of the easy stuff out of the way.
The general build is complete, though a bit of grinding and smoothing out some rough edges is left.

The coming weekend ill do this and sand the entire thing and get some color to it.
I dont know if ill be done with the finish but at least it will be well underway.

Sadly, while I made most of the joints with plugs and no visible screws, the final joining I felt I couldnt do it properly. So on the sides there are a few screws that will be visible but Im thinking I might change them into something more "industrial" looking during the finishing touches..

Ive decided to not join the two halves together with hinges after all.
Standing in front of this as assembled, and imagining legs and top cover in place, moving it around will be nothing short of exhausting.
Having it divided will make it way easier, and ill be putting some form of lock so that it can be locked together when in use.

Well heres some pics of the base build done.

[Attackmack]

Just a quick update.
The base construction is finished with stain and protective coating.
For the short end "storage" area i cut MDF into the right size, covered them with synthetic leather and screwed them in place from beneath.
Next step will be the top covers, smoothing out the joining side of each piece, and then move on to the legs.

Overview


The finish, im not completely happy with it but its good enough and it does have that old rugged look I was aiming for.


The "storage" areas at the short ends.



As a sidenote, ive gone and ordered myself one of these!
They are made and sold by "Deep Cut Studios" and comes in a vide variety of sized and textures and they can all be customized after your own wishes (for appropriate cost). I took the steppe themes cloth mat with 1.5 inch hexes!

[nc_tracker]

looking impressive so far

[Attackmack]

I have completely forgot to update with the semi-finished project  :))

I say "semi" finished because while the table itself is done, its currently laying flat on a foldable lightweight garden table. Since this works so well and still allows for rather quick setup/stowaway ill let it be finished until I either move to a bigger home where the table can be setup permanent, or until I find a really good solution to fit foldable legs to each of the halves.

Overall im satisfied with the result, I think the table looks good and the areas at the shortsides gives more then enough room to store rulers, dice and miniatures.
The vinyl clothing mutes the dierolls just enough to give a really nice sound while still not being annoying.
It came out heavy though, much MUCH heavier then I expected and ive completely waived off permanently joining the two halves together as I dont think I would even be able to set it up by myself that way, now I set each half up individually and its fairly quick and easy enough.
In retrospect I should have aimed for something much simpler to make it even easier to setup/stow.


Here is the table setup in my livingroom with the cloth hexagon mat rolled out on it.



The side storage area, currently during a testrun of the new Warhammer fantasy ruleset.



And another overview with some (old broken) terrain and a battle taking place.

[Darkside99x]

That is simply awesome stuff. Good job  O0.

Heads up for anyone else ordering from Deep Cuts Studios tho, I ordered a map 6x3 a few months back with hexes on it ( I think I was the first to ever request the option) and it came with the hexes printed the wrong way so make sure you are specific as to which way you want them. quality and finish were top notch otherwise.

[Attackmack]

That is simply awesome stuff. Good job  O0.

Heads up for anyone else ordering from Deep Cuts Studios tho, I ordered a map 6x3 a few months back with hexes on it ( I think I was the first to ever request the option) and it came with the hexes printed the wrong way so make sure you are specific as to which way you want them. quality and finish were top notch otherwise.

Thank you!

Yes, I actually did mention in my order how I wanted the hexes orientated just to "make sure" :)
Looks like it was a good idea hehe, I absolutely love the mat though, looks really good and the hexes are clear as day but still very subtle.

I will soon begin fabricating my own mats for various non-hexed themes but if I cant get a result good enough ill be ordering a few more from DeepCut! Much recommended!

[Luriael]

wow those mats are amazing and from what you guys say they have good service as well... excuse my stupidity but what do mean oriented the proper way? Isn't an hex equal on all sides... or do you mean did they print it on the back of the mat?

[NeonKnight]

wow those mats are amazing and from what you guys say they have good service as well... excuse my stupidity but what do mean oriented the proper way? Isn't an hex equal on all sides... or do you mean did they print it on the back of the mat?

Easiest way to explain is either the hexes run straight lengthwise or widthwise.