Help me please--building my own table

[ClosingTime]

Hi all. I am new to 2+2 and was reviewing some posts in this forum regarding building your own hold 'em table. I am ready to build myself a table but need some guidance. I saw some great pictures of tables that a few of you have built (exactly what I had in mind for my own home). What I couldn't find in all the messages and replies were detailed step-by-step instructions of how to do it and a list of everything that I would need (tools, supplies, etc). If any of you have posted this already and do not wish to type it all out again, please just direct me to the correct post. You can email me at thomas.brown4@wpafb.af.mil or PM me here, or just reply to this message.

In addition, any tips or suggestions as to what type of material to use or avoid would also be appreciated as well as any other information you think I would find useful.

Thanks in advance to any of you that can help me out. Unfortunately, I can't just look at a picture and go from there, I need everything spelled out for me like a 3rd grader!! :-)

Looking forward to a home game on something other than an old pool table!!

Thanks!

[slamdunkpro]

Here's a good link:

http://www.pcpotato.com/pokertable1.htm

[dandy_don]

[ QUOTE ]
What I couldn't find in all the messages and replies were detailed step-by-step instructions of how to do it and a list of everything that I would need (tools, supplies, etc). If any of you have posted this already and do not wish to type it all out again, please just direct me to the correct post.

[/ QUOTE ]

Try this: Building a Home Table under the section of "Tools used".

Here is my table I built this weekend (I believe it looks better than the photos reflect; the only problem is my wife was so impressed, she wants a new kitchen table, cabinets, ...


and here is Chris' table:


Some of the differences in the two are:
I used a leather (vinyl actually) surface, while Chris used felt.
I used an automobile headliner material for padding under the playing surface, where Chris did not use any padding
I used the "prefect rail" from Casino supply, Chris used pipe insulation for his rail.

I don't believe the "perfect rail" is worth the $3.35 per foot. There has to be a way to find a 20' length of pipe insulation that will work. That's what the "perfect rail" is, is a glorified pipe insulation.

Chris' web page that was a big help. I believe Chris used the pcpatato site for his original idea as well.
Chris' web page

His e-mail address can be found at his website.

[bigslicks]

dude!! the pipe insulation thing, SUX, trust me. Even if it came in 20' lengths!!!
You cant really staple it that good underneath. and the Sticky tape on it doesn't work very good and it is not big enough to go around the first layer that you should use. Check out Chris' cross section on the "building tables" thread.
If you are making one for personell use. and don't really care that much for looks, then Try pipe insul.
If you are trying to sell them. DON't USE pipe insul. Get the rail. it is only 20 or 30 bucks nore, and LESS aggravating!!
Trust me. I will be using it on my next table. And will get MORE than 400 for it. Mine isn't as good as Don's railing.
and the felt I get is top quality. pool table felt.
pat@bigslickspokertables.com. maybe I can get a lot more and sell you some. red, green (drk and lght), blue, purple, grey, black, wine.
I need the $$$
But shop around.
Some people have "velveteen" tha is cheap and works well, and won't ball up on you!!!.
There are lots of people getting on board with table making,/buying.
As for the foam, I am getting 1/8" closed cell for my next table, and will let you know how That works. No foam leaves a-not-as-bouncy-surface as I would have liked. And vinyl top is not what I want. (no offense Don)

SPend a little Make alot!!
I spent Half as much for mine as most, but with connections for some things (Felt, Legs) thats cool.
The foam from casinosupply.com, looks good too. like 8 bucks for a piece that would fit OUR THREE styles (with insert) and is 1/8" high density. I may even try that instead of the other site I found.

Back t the railing.
You can of course make your own, it is a bit harder than stapling the "perfect padding" But may look much nicer.
I am currently working on my own sort of design, that will make it easier to construct, but requires a router, hair dryer and some caining spine. for cained chair making.
If I do this I will post pics and details (not sure if I spelled that right)

but thats all for now, hope you have fun. Good luck
P

[dandy_don]

[ QUOTE ]
dude!! the pipe insulation thing, SUX, trust me. Even if it came in 20' lengths!!!
You cant really staple it that good underneath. and the Sticky tape on it doesn't work very good and it is not big enough to go around the first layer that you should use. Check out Chris' cross section on the "building tables" thread.

[/ QUOTE ]

You are assuming that the pipe insulation only comes in one size. The perfect rail is an extruded insulation type material just as the pipe insulation is; the only difference is the diameter of the material.

I'm assuming that somewhere, there are sizes of that stuff saimlar to the size that the "perfect rail" comes in.

Refrigeration lines are installed on a variety of items such as walk-in coolers in restaurants, schools and such that have larger diameter refrigeration lines than a residential a/c unit. I'm guessing that somewhere there is something similar that will work. I'd be real surprised if this stuff was manufactured only for this one purpose, since it is so much identical to the pipe insulation in hardware stores, only a larger diameter.

[jmark]

What is the ID/OD of the perfect padded rail stuff? If someone who has it could post the specs I'm sure we could find it. Try www.mcmaster.com. They have just about everything and usually ship in 1 day.

[dandy_don]

Thanks for the site, but the only thing I could find that seemed to be close only came in 6' sticks.

I measure my sample of the "perfect rail" to be:
2 3/8" outside diameter
1 1/8" inside diameter
and 5/8" thick walls

[beerbandit]

Damn, nice work on the table--it looks great. Just looking at all those frosted mugs makes me thirsty; I can't wait to get out of work.

[beerbandit]

ok

[hoterdoc]

We built one last month, and followed pcpotato's instructions nearly to the letter. The one significant departure is that our rail was made from a SINGLE piece of 3/4" plywood, rather than the four "j" shaped pieces which had to be connected by four more pieces underneath. This increased cost/waste, but simplified steps, and improved the fit.

For the "bumper", which attaches underneath the padded rail, and abutts to the table edge (to keep the rail from slipping on the table top). we made the bumper from a 1" oval remnant that came from the 4'x8' plywood we cut the table top oval from. Since this remnant was the 'molther piece' to the table top, we were insured of a PERFECT fit between the bumper and the table top, and we didn't have to be exactly precise on the table top outline (b/c it is covered by the rail.)

PADDING : we used 1/4" closed cell foam padding for the table top. I plan on making the next table with two layers of this.

We used two layers of this on the rail, underneath the marine vinyl. I think I am going to use the 3/4" stuff ont the next rail.

I highly recommend this pail to the insulation, or the casinosupply stuff. I do not have a website to let me post pictures here, but e mail if you'd like a pic. It's top flight!!
Good luck,
doc

upstateholdem@yahoo.com