Elevated table

[Argonor]

Rich posted a thead (at least in The Speakeasy, and I cannot find the correspponding thread in here) about making an elevated table for skirmish gaming.

I set out to make my own version, and here it is:



The elevated table is 80 cm x 80 cm (I want it to support as well 60x60 as 90x90 cm game boards)

The legs are 30 cm long, attached by hinges for easy storage/transport, and I used 10 mm dowel for the 'leg-pinnings'.

I used felt blocks at the red marking - but I'm pondering about using some large rare earth magnets instead....

Here's the finished table with the 'base table':



The base-table is 90x90 cm to facilitate using it for rules, dice, beverages, etc.

I drilled four holes for the 'leg-pinnings' to fit into.


Some thoughts on this:

I think the construction is a little too wobbly as is, and I think I'll have to add some bolts to stabilize the legs when unfolded. Theyll have to go on some blocks next to the unfolded legs to avoid the bolt-hole to be too close to the upper end of the legs - and to overall strengthen the hold on the legs.

As an option, the base-table can be used for the hidden tomb/temple/cave, where some part of the adventure has to take place... 

[Sendak]

Nice construction.

Transportable too.

Great job!

Simple et sage.

[earthdog]

You might want to try installing a few diagonal reinforcements instead of more-and-more bolts. It should stiffen the legs pretty well and they don't need to run across the entire length of the table so you'll still be able to use lower area as well.


And yes, subterran warfare is essential, there's nothing quite like crawling through spider and snake infested caves in search of untold cursed riches, or like following the 'trail' to the enemy HQ through the sewers. 

[Argonor]

You might want to try installing a few diagonal reinforcements instead of more-and-more bolts. It should stiffen the legs pretty well and they don't need to run across the entire length of the table so you'll still be able to use lower area as well.

I've considered that, but I'm not really much of a DIY-guy, and I prefer to keep the construction as simple as possible. With the bolts I'll just glue a block beside each leg, attach the bolt and drill a hole for the bolt to fit in. I think it'll do the trick, but I'll keep you posted 

[Operator5]

If you wanted to keep it easy to take down and set up without having to put a bolt in each time, you could also rig a "draw bolt", those simple pieces of hardware that you can put on doors and such to keep them from opening.

It looks sort of like this: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/detail/80/67/22256780.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.jupiterimages.com/itemDetail.aspx%3FitemID%3D22256780&h=250&w=250&sz=8&hl=en&start=23&sig2=ZEDCH-ScRHKJ-wKcIh52xQ&tbnid=Gf6x_i2cDOWIaM:&tbnh=111&tbnw=111&ei=j31fSNaLHIueeYCkocoO&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddead%2Bbolt%26start%3D21%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

But it's the much simpler construction. Attache the bolt part to the table and the receiving end to the leg.

[Argonor]

A 'draw bolt' is actually what I have in mind, just did not know it is called that 

But I intend to use the version with a round bolt, so that it will fit into a hole in the leg - well, you'll see when I'm done, it's a little difficult to explain without a drawing... 

[Operator5]

I know exactly what you are talking about and it's exactly what I was trying to convey, I just could not find the picture of it. 

[Argonor]

Going to pick up the draw bolts today - may not get on with the project 'til tomorrow, though - Ive already placed my new old west toy train on the elevated table 

[earthdog]

I hope it works out for you but if it’s still to wobbly I’ve found some easy to use options for you.
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&search-alias=tools&field-keywords=folding%20table%20hardware&page=1

The long folding table support (nr 2) was what I had in mind at first but the shorter ones (nr. 1 and 3) are interesting as well. I didn’t even know the short ones existed but they look sturdy enough provided the top of the legs is truly flat.

Still, for maximum stability I think you’ll be better off with solid diagonals. It’s not as difficult to make as it sounds, just place an additional block under the table and connect them with wing-nuts, it’ll last a lifetime.


Well, good luck with the build, count your fingers before you begin and make sure you have them all before you throw the garbage out.

[Argonor]

I think, #1 is what I would go for, if I was just starting out (next time, maybe  ).. I cannot fathom what the other piece (#3. also shown with #1) is for..?

Got the draw bolts Tuesday, but I got home late, and yesterday and today EFC ins on...

[earthdog]

#1 and #3 are two variants of the same principle, #2 can usually be found on (or rather underneath) camping tables.

#1 folds over the hinge and can be used with any thickness of leg.
#3 folds inside the hinge and therefore limits the thickness of the leg, but it’s not as thick thick as #1 when folded


ps. what's stopping you from making a second table?
"Look honey, what I made for our picknick trips, it's a foldable table. Am I getting good at DIY or not"

[Argonor]

ps. what's stopping you from making a second table?
"Look honey, what I made for our picknick trips, it's a foldable table. Am I getting good at DIY or not"

I'll post a pic of our office/hobby room/gaming room, and everything will make sense too you.... Btw, my wife prefers sitting on a blanket on the ground - I already bought a small camping table and some foldable chairs a couple of years ago, but they never have been used... 

[Argonor]

Going to post pics of the final construction tomorrow.

I finally added the draw-bolts and drilled the holes for them. Gave me just the stability I wanted. Will post the promised pic of the 'gaming room' as well 

Now, off to bed so I can be productive again tomorrow!!

[Argonor]

Don't know why I never got to post this pic of the finished construction, but here it is:

[Christian]

That's a nice idea actually.

Do you guys find it easier to play standing up? I guess it might achieve a few things:

You can move around a bit and don't get a sore bum;

You get more of the "model's eye view" happening which can really help you enjoy your little soldiers a lot more.

These are just things I think it would be good for from my experience. I might try one out