this post was submitted on 02 Jan 2024
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Commissioning a Board Game Table, What Should I Look Out For? (self.boardgames)
submitted 7 months ago by counselwolf to c/[email protected]
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Commissioning a Board Game Table, What Should I Look Out For?

It's my first time commissioning something like this. The guy I'll be doing this with wouldn't know what a board game table is so I'll have to design it myself. (I have some drafting/cad experience so I'm up to the task).

What stuff should I look out for when designing this table? I made a partial list of things I think I ought to keep in mind.

  1. Add a gasket for each wood topper to avoid leakage.

  2. Use multiple wood topper instead of single wood topper

  3. Look for pre-made plans in the internet

  4. Find basic table design to get leg clearance height, and table height.

  5. Which wood would be best value? (I know this would be dependent on my area, Philippines)

I plan to keep it simple and probably wouldn't need extra features like led lights, cup holders, etc. As long as I can have my board game in the table while using it as a dining table when not playing I'll be okay.

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[โ€“] lolzy_mcroflmao 2 points 7 months ago

One thing to consider is how does the topper secure to the table, if at all? Mine has a set of rubber legs at each end that sits within the well above the legs which keeps it from moving around when in place.

This also leads to my second point, but I think this is more in the carpenter: tolerancing. Wood moves and settles - our rubber lugs currently don't make into those recesses any longer because the wood has settled.

My table has a small groove cut into the top of the 'armrest' area when the topper is off. This allows you to hold cards without actually holding them! Might be worth a consideration for you.

Finally, consider if you want the table in an oil finish, or varnished. What colour stain would you like on it? Is the vaulted area going to have a felt bottom? If so, what colour would that be?

[โ€“] ace_garp 2 points 7 months ago

I don't have a table, but I've heard that the 'armrest' width needs to be of sufficient size, so as to not cut off blood flow to the hands. Around 10cm minimum.

Also consider having some sort of hidden mini-table for each player on each of the 4 sides. Something like a circular swing-out table from underneath the main table, for items out of view of other players.