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4th War, and Italian company is marketing a lightweight, portable wargaming table. From the kickstarter, they've put a lot of engineering and testing into this design and they seem to have a winner.

The basics are that it is a 2x4, modular platform made from industrial corrugated cardboard. Leg supports are integrated into the design and there are no pieces to lose. Multiple tables attach using magnetic strips to make a 4x4 or 4x6 table. A carrying bag is included in some of the funding levels.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/4thwar/4thwar-equipment-wargaming-table?ref=live

https://d2pq0u4uni88oo.cloudfront.net/projects/924820/video-371492-h264_high.mp4

Here is a Beasts of War review... in which they leave Justin hanging.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHnz6ftPDSQ

I think these are a good idea in general, but I'm a bit hesitant because it's cardboard. How many mountain dew spillages will it take to warp it? And at $89 for 1 table... it's cheaper to get a plastic folding table at Walmart.

it would be good to have something portable that packs up small for demoing at cons.. but, will cardboard be able to stand up to setting up and taking it down a lot?

 Necros wrote:
but, will cardboard be able to stand up to setting up and taking it down a lot?

This is what worries me, it would seem to be a better thing for home gaming, rather than a club. I was impressed by them, when I saw an " unveiling " on BoW, but club wear and tear would be an issue.

 Necros wrote:
it would be good to have something portable that packs up small for demoing at cons.. but, will cardboard be able to stand up to setting up and taking it down a lot?

EZ-Up popup tables:
http://www.cheapjoes.com/e-z-up-instant-table-system.html

We've got 4 2'x2', and a 2'x4' that we bring to shows, each table collapses down into an easy to carry size. (About 30" x 5" x 5")

At $143ea they aren't 'cheap', but its the best solution I've found to the whole 'demo table' thing. We've got 4 of the 2x2, and 1 2x4 currently.

Interesting video. Wouldn't mind bumping that table.

 Cyporiean wrote:

 Necros wrote:
it would be good to have something portable that packs up small for demoing at cons.. but, will cardboard be able to stand up to setting up and taking it down a lot?

EZ-Up popup tables:
http://www.cheapjoes.com/e-z-up-instant-table-system.html

We've got 4 2'x2', and a 2'x4' that we bring to shows, each table collapses down into an easy to carry size. (About 30" x 5" x 5")

At $143ea they aren't 'cheap', but its the best solution I've found to the whole 'demo table' thing. We've got 4 of the 2x2, and 1 2x4 currently.

I like your solution, but how i can see in this video update:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYwrtr4mNOs
the table is very strong and more cheaper. Anyway i pledge the limited edition reward, now i will see how is going.

So, they need 100 grand to produce a folding cardboard table that will be destroyed the first time someone leans on it? Is their booth babe THAT expensive? Do their 55 backers realize there are already folding tables that are cheaper and sturdier for sale right now? But if you act now, they'll include an old bucket you can use as either a stool OR a drum!

I'm not too concerned about the cardboard... I'd use a Frontline Gaming/TableWar mat (or one of the ones that come as addons to the kickstarter) as they are basically waterproof. Also, my experience with cardboard getting wet is that if you take care of it right away, you won't have problems. You may be right, Pedro... it would be better for at home than at a club just for the increased amount of care. In either case, I think that 3 sections for $119 is a very good deal ($129 includes the carrying bag).

My concern is shipping. I know that shipping things that are 2 feet by 4 feet by 6 inches isn't going to be cheap, but when your target is 100k, you can certainly find a better way to get it to your major markets (UK and US) than by post. If they are able find a better way of getting it to the North American Continent, then I will be a backer.

Here there is some interesting update about the stability and waterproof.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/4thwar/4thwar-equipment-wargaming-table/posts/827637

Um really guys:?

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lifetime-4-Adjustable-Table-Almond/20690051?action=product_interest&action_type=image&placement_id=irs_top&strategy=PWVAV&visitor_id=75024504800&client_guid=9b690df3-f7f9-4d3e-82fe-2173a8ac109c&config_id=2&parent_item_id=7679248&guid=0db30e90-6d96-4de3-aff0-6746014ce528&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&findingMethod=p13n

4" x 2" Plastic topped, metal legged, folding table with extendable legs up to 36" height. 50 Bucks from Wallyworld.

Why buy a more expensive cardboard table?

Cardboard? yeeeesh... Considering how you have to lean over a 4x6 to play 40k, and usually put your weight on your arm to lean over, I cannot say these tables hold any value. I am not putting 1000$ of figures on a 30$ table which is made of paper which can't sustain weight.

I can get sturdy tables which are cheap and portable.

Also, Video is terrible. Mildly bumping it and kicking it is not a 'stress test'. Having a 300lb man lean on it or sit on the edge and not having it totally collapse is a test.

I just can't see this ever being useful or ever daring to put any figures I own on top of it.

Bump. Whoops, all the minis are now on the floor.

If they wanted to reassure people about the stability of the design, adding tabs to the legs that sit flush with the floor could be a good idea. That way, you can use bricks or whatever to hold it in place.

As an aside, it's a bit foolish that they do not offer the mats separately. Sure, they might prefer to sell a table along with it, but $15-49 is better than $0.

I like our clearly unaffiliated new user. Shades of Games and Gears...

 Azazelx wrote:
I like our clearly unaffiliated new user. Shades of Games and Gears...

was thinking the same thing, also 100k to get this off the ground seems like a lot

I never really thought to look into what's available for tear down tables, but this kickstarter has made me realize just how much is already out there without having to resort to card board.

Bump*

Well if shipping was an issue for anyone they did find a warehouse in the US and we won't have to pay the large shipping cost anymore

Banquet tables at Staples are less than $70 - and are solid, lasting for years.



I have had two of them for over twenty years. (They were less than half the current price, way back when.)

Even now you can get a 6' by 29" table for $70 - and a three year warranty on the table for an extra $10 - I somehow doubt that the cardboard table will last three years, and even with the extra $10 the banquet table is cheaper....

$99 for a smaller table, made out of cardboard?

Oookaaayyyy....

I will take durable over lightweight and portable, thanks. The banquet table will hold 500 lbs, if it is evenly distributed,

The Auld Grump

What a horrible price for a somewhat mediocre product. If it was ten quid a table, I might consider it. Cardboard is not THAT expensive.

I think people are being a bit unfair to the product for the price.

It's $89 for one table, but it's also $99 for two and $119 for three, Nobody is going to play on a 2"x4" table anyways.

That being said, I'm worried about the downward-pressure stability and the general wear-and-tear of the cardboard support over time. There's a reason why tables often have the heaviest and strongest material in the legs.

They put an update out today saying that they have a US distributor for cheaper American shipping rates, but I'm still not paying $120+ for cardboard... I could make some cheaper than that

I just bought some large 18"x18"x24" cardboard boxes to move with at Walmart for $3 apeice. Maybe I should make a table out of them.

Yeah, plus there's also cats.

I don't know about the tables, but the mats look pretty amazing

There are definmtely much more durable tables already available, but they are heavier, and more difficult to transport.

I'm intrigued by the three tables and gaming matts shoved into a shoulder slung bag, but it's twice as expensive as I'm willing to pay for the novelty.

 adamsouza wrote:
There are definmtely much more durable tables already available, but they are heavier, and more difficult to transport.

I'm intrigued by the three tables and gaming matts shoved into a shoulder slung bag, but it's twice as expensive as I'm willing to pay for the novelty.

Camping tables?

I've got a few which we take when we go camping - and they pack up into tight rolls which are light and extremely durable.

The only down side is that most of them use a slat system for the top (so that you can roll it up) so when you set the table up - you will have several gaps between the slats. They are less than an eighth of an inch though - so if you are using a game matt to play on - it should be able to bridge those gaps with minimal telegraphing.

Definitely not a cheaper option (though to be honest...not really a lot more expensive once you consider shipping and all that on these).

http://www.rei.com/product/876272/woods-aluminum-double-roll-up-table-2012-closeout

Two of those will give you a 4x4 - three a 4x6 table. They maybe weigh 10 lbs each.

These fold in half tables take up about the same amount of space are much more durable and not very heavy.

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/lifetime-6-fold-in-half-table-white/prod2300068.ip

I think this is a product searching for a problem that doesn't exist.

Seem to be a bit pricey plus I wouldnt trust a large apoc game on a cardboard table.

I picked up two of these. Made of wood and fold in half so only 3' by 2'.

http://www.homebase.co.uk/en/homebaseuk/decorating/wallpaper-tools-and-wallpaper-strippers/folding-pasting-table---56-x-185-x-74cm-693708

I find intriguing that most linked tables are not the expected 4x6 tables.

Cheaper, but not the size one wants.

This project is an interesting proposition, but I am not sure of the target audience, I guess clubs and conventions/ tournaments would benefit most from a lightweight easily stored table system that can be various sizes and I guess home users that do not have a dedicated wargame room could find it interesting.

Cardboard is an intriguing choice for me, it has pros and cons as everything else, but has a history in peoples mind that it should be cheap and flimsy, while it is not necessarily true depending on the type of cardboard selected.

Just to be clear...these are not 4x6 either. They are 2x4 each.

Indeed, but the main course is 3 of them with a bag to store them (at least I think people compare them with that option).

It is interesting because you can split them and adds versatility on the set.