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...and looking for some advice!

Here's the idea: A 8" by 5" MDF tabletop, with a 6" by 4" area about half an inch deep to fit the Realm of Battle Gameboard tiles. Only thing is, I want it to be portable.

So I'm thinking I'll transport it in halves, two 5 by 4 foot sections.

Also, detachable or collapsible legs (leaning toward detachable).

I want it to be able to support the weight of a couple dudes leaning on it in addition to the models, tiles, cup of joe, etc.

Issues:

Its going to be heavy. I'll be bracing the MDF with 2x4's to prevent warping. Are there any other cost effective materials I can use to lower the weight of this table?

How to join the two halves together. I haven't even been able to think much about this really, however I'm thinking a few sturdy bolts should do. Otherwise I'm thinking instead of halves, perhaps having them hinged to fold in half at the center. But then, once again weight becomes an issue.

What should I use as a handle? I don't think your typical cabinet fare will do, so far I'm leaning towards a good rope of some sort, ideas?

I know a lot of folks have made custom gaming tables here I and too want to join the club Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

MDF is really heavy. if you plan on making a support under it anyway, maybe use plywood?

as for joining, if you have the supports on the underside run right along the edge, you could just butt the two halves together and have quick clamps on the underside of the table. not pretty, but it would be fast to set up or take down.

My own table consists of three sections of 1200mmx600 (close enough to 4'x2') 12mm mdf (I use foldback clips to hold them together). These sit on a 1800x720mm blow-moulded trestle table that itself folds up to 900x720.
A non-slip mat on the table top stops the boards sliding around, and the overhang is not a concern unless both players are on the same side leaning on it.

Check out my thread, I'm doing something similar: http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/492593.page

MDF isn't the heavy part, since you don't need it to be really thick. The 2x4s are where all the weight is going to come from. Having it portable is going to be a bit of a challenge, especially with the size you are planning. Honestly I would probably go for something that would fit the Realm of Battle (if you're going to be using it), but there's a couple things you have to remember (as I almost ran into some problems too): Models eye view will be difficult if you have too big of a lip to contain everything thing, unless you get your face directly on the table. Storing it will be a bit of a space issue, unless you do actually have the space. I know space is limited in my house so I might have to change my idea, which makes me sad.

I suppose my biggest design change thus far was to go from 2x4s to 1x2s (of a different wood), build the whole thing with wood glue, and instead of using MDF using insulation foam. The result is actually quite pleasing. It's incredibly light, durable enough, extremely cheap, and has enough support for holding exactly what it needs to.

Hope some of this helps, or at least gets the gears turning. Any questions I'd be happy to help

If you have the legs fold down, why not attach a couple of small wheels and a collapsible handle. Make it kind of like luggage with wheels.

chromedog wrote:My own table consists of three sections of 1200mmx600 (close enough to 4'x2') 12mm mdf (I use foldback clips to hold them together). These sit on a 1800x720mm blow-moulded trestle table that itself folds up to 900x720.
A non-slip mat on the table top stops the boards sliding around, and the overhang is not a concern unless both players are on the same side leaning on it.

Do you have a link to any pictures, or perhaps could post pics here? I'm having trouble visualizing what a blowmolded trestle table looks like and I'm still scrounging for ideas.

anticitizen013 wrote:Check out my thread, I'm doing something similar: http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/492593.page

MDF isn't the heavy part, since you don't need it to be really thick. The 2x4s are where all the weight is going to come from. Having it portable is going to be a bit of a challenge, especially with the size you are planning. Honestly I would probably go for something that would fit the Realm of Battle (if you're going to be using it), but there's a couple things you have to remember (as I almost ran into some problems too): Models eye view will be difficult if you have too big of a lip to contain everything thing, unless you get your face directly on the table. Storing it will be a bit of a space issue, unless you do actually have the space. I know space is limited in my house so I might have to change my idea, which makes me sad.

I suppose my biggest design change thus far was to go from 2x4s to 1x2s (of a different wood), build the whole thing with wood glue, and instead of using MDF using insulation foam. The result is actually quite pleasing. It's incredibly light, durable enough, extremely cheap, and has enough support for holding exactly what it needs to.

Hope some of this helps, or at least gets the gears turning. Any questions I'd be happy to help

Took a look through your plog and it looks great bud! I like the idea of 1 by 2's but I'll have to stress test them as I weigh nearly 250 pounds and supporting me leaning across the table is a must As far as space, I have a garage The main issue is weight and joining. I am planning on using the Realm of Battle Board.

Perhaps if I routed the one board of MDF (Instead of stacking pieces) and then placed a sort of lip to form a 6x4 foot space to hold the tiles steady?

 NakedSeamus wrote:
Took a look through your plog and it looks great bud! I like the idea of 1 by 2's but I'll have to stress test them as I weigh nearly 250 pounds and supporting me leaning across the table is a must As far as space, I have a garage The main issue is weight and joining. I am planning on using the Realm of Battle Board.

Perhaps if I routed the one board of MDF (Instead of stacking pieces) and then placed a sort of lip to form a 6x4 foot space to hold the tiles steady?

Thanks! I finished the forest last night but put too much glue on the base for the static grass so it's taking a little longer to dry than expected... such a noob mistake *hangs head in shame*.

The 1x2s are good, and are obviously stronger vertical than horizontal (ie 2" up and 1" across), but at that point it might even be better to go with 2x2s. Honestly I find the 2x4s overkill and unnecessary weight. However if you have the space in your garage, I'm thinking maybe you could combine some of the ideas. Here's a good video that should help. I suppose the biggest thing you need to worry about/decide first is how mobile do you want it to be? Folding (or even detachable) legs but one solid tabletop piece would probably be the best bet.

Example 1: You could have you desired table size (for arguments sake this will be 4'x6') done in 1 or 2 sections (whatever fits in your car/truck!), built with an appropriate frame that would be strong enough to support everything and altogether one piece, with folding/detachable legs. This is what my table is like (minus the legs right now since I didn't get that far, haha) and would probably be the best option in my opinion.
Example 2: If you wanted a more modular table for smaller or even larger games, have a system where you can put in sections (like some dining room tables have for when you have extra guests). This would be a bit more complicated but would be pretty cool in the long run.