Table Input Please

[wingsfan]

Well, the bug's just about biting me again to build a table. I built one last summer and it's worked just fine. But "fine" about covers it, and I'd like to shoot for something in the "nice" range this time around. I want something that will comfortably seat 8 and can squeeze 10 or 11 if we need to.

What I keep fighting with myself about, and need input from anyone on is the shape. I currently have a full 8' oval. I'm not doing this again. The people on the ends can't deal and it's generally just sort of a pain. So right now, I keep arguing with myself about a 4' x 6' oval or a round... not quite sure what size. If anyone has any other shape suggestion (although I'm not big on the octagon look), please throw it out there. So please, if you own, have played on or have any experience with a table that's not a full 8' oval, let me know the upsides, downsides, and your general impression of whether you like it or not. Thanks in advance, it will be a huge help.

[kodonnell]

I have a 6' round table which I built. It has spots for ten and holds 10 pretty comfortably. 11 is a bit squished but doable and 12 is really squished and ok in a pinch. Our usual crew is between 8-10 and is quite comfy.

I built a round table for the same reason, an 8 ft stretch across a table is too far (end to end on an oval). This is 6' and is much more manageable (still a little stretch, but a really good compromise).

Here is a pic:

[chaas4747]

I that a silk screen image in the middle?

[kodonnell]

No, it was drawn on using paint pens.

[chaas4747]

Thanks, it looks cool. I think I saw this pic on another forum. Significance? I sent my felt out to get embroidered. I hope to have pics on my table in a couple of weeks. I went with a six foot oval table(this will be my second, first was the full eight)for the same reasons.

[ddollevoet]

I'm looking forward to seeing the embroidering. Do you mind me asking what you are having done, how much it is going to cost and where you are getting it done?

Embroidering is a cool idea that I never even considered.

[SlyGuy]

You wouldn't to have the plans for your round table online anywhere would ya? I just built a 7' oval and am thinking a round might be nice as well.

[kodonnell]

No. Just in my head. Most of it was gathered from PCPotato's site (just Google PCPotato).

However, if you want a 6' round table you are gonna need to join 2 4'x8' pieces together to make one big 8'x8' piece.

The reasoning you dont see tables bigger than 4' on the short side is because lumber typically only comes in 4' x 8' pieces.

Once you have that, cut it round, slap on a racetrack, a playing surface (removable for sure...dont glue your felt cause you will replace it), a nice rail and some legs and your done! That's all there is to it. Oh yea, then cut some holes for drink holders....that's it!

[smoore]

You can get plywood in 6ft x 6ft sheets, don't bother asking the highschool kid at the Home Depot "contractor services" desk about it, they will likely inform you that plywood only comes in 4x8 sheets. Go to a real lumber yard and ask the old dude you find there. Prepare to pay a lot more per sq.ft. than you would for the same quality in 4x8.

You can also buy a 6ft round table for about $200, I believe. You could go to a party rental supply house and try to buy a used one since you just need a solid structure, you don't really care what condition the surface is in.

[IPSC]

I've been thinking about how I am going to construct a table this summer too. A ellipse with minor axis of 48 inches and a major axis of 90 inches will give a total permiter of 226.58 inches. A full 8 foot oval is 246 inches.