Finally! And in depth look at how I constructed my cheap home made gaming table. What I like, what I don't like, and what I am going to do differently when I build the next one. Hope this helps any of you that have been wanting to build something similar.
I use a full sheet of MDF for my table. I found sitting at the ens of it as the DM makes players not focus on the game. Sitting long side works way better.
Hey, here’s an idea. Make a Hexagon Table. Seats 5 players + 1 DM Maintains that “close intimate” space you like Allows each player to have their own space And add cup holders for each player.
Felt like I sat down and had a conversation with you about your gaming space. I'm already in the process of starting my own table and you have answered the exact questions I wanted to ask someone who's "been there, done that". Cheers to you and this amazing show. Best part of my day.
There's an instinct to put the DM at the head of the table. That does maximize how many people you can seat, but it puts the DM way over on one end of the map. When you build your new one, consider having the DM occupy one entire long side, with players across from him. If you build a standard 6' table, three people can sit across from the DM, with two more at the ends. Then the DM has worlds of space for other cool stuff, and he can reach everything. Those two guys on the end are a little isolated from the battle map, but I've played that way and it's not hard to adapt. You could also build a big square with one side for the DM and three sides that would seat two players each, but it starts to get uncomfortably wide, which makes it hard to fit in a room and makes it hard to reach the middle of the table.
I like this idea. Someone else mentioned a blackjack table. Those do the same thing by sticking the dealer right in the middle of everything instead of on the end.
The other option is go for either a round/pentagonal/octagonal table. More people can get around without increasing the table size massively. Gets harder for the actual build as more precise cuts are required, but looks good when done!
I like these ideas, I'll add another, you could make the table a bit larger and keep it square, lob off a corner and turn that into the DM zone and have 4 across from you.
My friends mother runs a daycare center, and for lunch for the very little kids she has a U shaped horseshoe table that is roughly a rounded square, and her side is actually pushed in about 10 inches so she can reach each kid. She can be arms width from any kid and feed them, wipe dirty faces... etc. Every time I see that table I think it would make an awesome D&D or gaming table. It would kinda wrap the players round the DM, putting him closer to everyone and the game board. I wonder if that could actually work or not, now that I'm seeing this small table. Idk... I think it could be cool!
Some suggestions : - Make the table an irregular hexagon, with one side being twice as long as the others. The long side for the DM obviously. - I don't personnally like the "add-on" for the DM screen problem. I'd rather have a piece of wood on a piano hinge that flips up. That way it's even quicker to set it up or discard it. - I'd add some USB outlets for the players and for the DM. Having the possibility to charge up your phone, or plug in a tablet to keep track of your character while gaming could be pretty handy. - Having one solid piece of steel would add a lot of weight to the table, and it's also much colder to the touch, and not as nice as felt when you place terrain on. I'd go for a thin piece of steel (like 1/16th of an inch thick), covered in felt. That way you still have a nice felt texture, it's not too heavy, and with rare earth magnets, it will still grab to the steel. With direct contact, the magnets may stick to the steel a bit too much, which could lead to them being ripped off of the terrain base. - For the LED lights, I'd go with one of these strips you can get on amazon, that have a remote control on them, or go with a raspberry pi zero to control it from a little control panel on the DM side. - I would add small 2 Ohms speakers at each of the player stations to play some ambiant music/sounds. - A piece of white fabric and a projector above the playing surface could be nice to display a map if you don't have the necessary terrain pieces, although it would be quite expensive. - Making a skirt between the legs out of wood would be a good way to stabilize the table, and it could be a way to mount the aforementionned USB ports/speakers/control panel for the DM. - If need be, some sliding trays could be added, with some cup holders for the beer/chips your players might munch on while you game, or a dice tray. - Speaking of dice, I've never seen a gaming table with built-in dice towers, but it sure would be cool.
Flameless candles! That's a perfect solution for my dark basement that should light up the table. I love these videos for small details like that. Keep at it!
USB charging ports, speakers, cup holders.....I must have them. Also, a top to go in that recess so I can also use it as a regular table. Houses in the UK agent big enough to have dedicated gaming rooms
A couple of years ago I was getting back into gaming after 20 years and read a comment about so special gaming table so I googled gaming tables. I found the video where you were remodeling your room and showing off your new table and that's how I first found your site and the whole crafting community. I have to say that this has been a long awaited video.
You talked about using hardwood on your next table, even though it costs more. If you are able to get hold of beech, it is as hard and durable as oak (and nicer looking imo) and costs about the same as poplar (at least in the midwestern United States). I used it as a tabletop for a steel desk that I made a couple years ago and it has stayed nearly perfect even with heavy daily use and two moves.
Everyone got a to start somewhere and this is a pretty good start. My 1st game table was a ping pong table with 3 different felts I laid over it as terrain (green (Forrest), tan (deserts) and grey (caves and dungeons)). A small table is a good starting point for anyone who plays or wants to play DnD. I love the table, nice simple design and good for small games. Right on my guy.
@@BlackMagicCraftOfficial (That just reminded me, when my order with Geek Chic was pending, they were going to charge me $300 to ship it. I only lived 3 miles away from their workshop...)
Maybe donate it to a local comic store or community center or wherever tabletop RPG meetups are hosted? That seems like it'd be a really nice gesture. Definitely beats a cheap folding table.
Experimental idea for the playing surface: using a roll-up window shade laid flat, with a crank or an electric motor that you can use to change to surface from black, to cobblestones, to woodlands, etc. Essentially having a swappable battle map integrated in the table. An alternate design would be to store the battlemap rolls in a side panel of the table, and just pull on the desired one to unroll it over the playing surface, until it clips onto a magnetized strip on the other side. also, I think a black rubber board instead of felt is much more practical for cleaning, but also for noise reduction.
When this quarantine is all over I think you should rethink this table and do an updated build. Maybe a two part video. One just planning and one with the actual build.
Have you considered a hexagon shaped table? My friend has one. Works really good. If you are four it feels like a smaller table than a rectangular one.
I haven't read the comments to see if this has already been suggested, but if you do decide to use steel in the playing area, there's nothing that should stop you from covering the steel with felt. It'll still retain the magnetic qualities, they'll just be slightly reduced.
I love this table! I’m excited to see the new table you build and document. The lowered playing surface is definitely my favorite feature. DM’s area comes in close second.
Rare earth magnets are pretty strong, I would suggest gluing the felt over the metal table, also keep the playing surface easily changeable in case the worst happens with a coke or any other sugar drink. The felt will also slow down the spread to help keep it from getting to places it should not go..
As I am in an apartment, I do not have much room. Those ledges you made to hide the LEDs could support an insert to turn into a dining room table. If you don't like the idea of tearing down the terrain to convert. Design a system to lower and raise the playing surface. Sure it's a lot of work and requires a level of engineering skill, but what a space saver.
One thing you could do if you ever build a new table is after you build it but before you stain it etc. Take an electric drill and chuck a wire brush disk in it and run it over the wood. It will roughen the surface up by basically wearing down the softer aspect of the wood more than the grain part of the wood. Pay special attention to the end grain also. It makes it look worn and old. Just tossing that out there.
I'd also add a lip between the players and the play surface... it would reduce how often pencils, pens, and dice roll onto the play surface, and offer some protection from spilled drinks. Even a quarter inch would be enough.
Have you considered altering the shape instead of the length? Meaning that you could cut two of the corners at 45 degrees. So the DM would have the full width and then you would have basically 5 player stations. Also if you made a full "lid" for the DM section it would be able to be hinged to make the screen and could be let down to use the table for board gaming. The lip you have inside could support a cover so that the top would be flat and even.
I have an idea for your next table. Perhaps a horseshoe shaped table would give you the room you need and the intimate feeling you are looking for. You can still, as the DM, have close access to the play surface, while the players are seated around you, sorta like a blackjack table with more depth. What do you think?
Interesting idea about the steel base for magnets. Instead of paint (which will eventually scratch) get a thin sheet of steel (from any metal supply store) and pre-drill screw holes into it. Then glue it to the wood base (provides structural support) then glue the felt over the steel. Finally screw the whole assembly in place. This gives you a solid base, a metal surface for magnets, and the clean felt top for protection and looks. Make the table long enough for 3 on each side, 1 on each end. This gives you enough for a DM and 7 players (maximum for an Adventure League campaign if your so inclined). Set the DM in the middle of one side. Its less private, but you can easily reach every part of your play area to facilitate setups and movements of NPCs and monsters. Assuming your play dungeon has the room for a table that large (maybe 6-7'x5'). I also noticed your design leaves a lip around the edge of the "pit." You could cut out a piece of MDF/ply to fit that area so you can lay it in to create a flat table playing surface for other games.
We used a fog machine for ambiance once (campaign took place in a swamp) but apparently we used the wrong fog liquid because everything ended covered with a very thin oily residue that took forever to clean. Since that fiasco our DM has taking up vaping so now we just use her as our fog machine.
Sugestion; for the lighting, in addition to your continuous surround soft light I recommend a few key spot lights you can turn on or off to add dramatic lighting/shadow effects on the models when the mood calls for it. I think that would be awesome.
first thing i thought of when i saw this table was to put a small raised lip around the edge of the sunken play area that will stop the inevitable drink spillage flowing into your play area and onto the felt/terrain
What about adding "Boxes" under the player edges, so extra books or papers can be placed there as well. and or cup holders to avoid a big spill into the terrain.
Love the idea of the sunken DM space. Whenever I can I play without the DM screen because it’s so hard to see/reach over, but sometimes my notes would easily spoil solutions to puzzles (etc). And it’s generally less fun when players have more information than characters
I dont know if anyone else has suggested this but you could find an old dining room table on something like offerup that has sliders so you can make the intimate small table but not limit your playing ability by sliding it open and dropping in a leaf you can also have a insert that covers the lowered playing area so it can be used as a table I love building things but I live in a very small space so I'm always looking at how to multi purpose things I build or own haveing a background in carpentry makes it so you don't want to woodwork as much but the next table you make you should time and energy into it because it's going to be in your home where you will spend a lot of time around it and when your done have the pride in the fact that you did that and it's better then one you could buy. Great channel love your vids and you do amazing work keep it up and keep enjoying it
Great ideas, thanks for sharing! The lower mid section + lights + magnets seems great! I have no experience with carpentry whatsoever, but if I would ever build something like this, I would think of a "cover" for the mid section so that we could also play card games; and I would also think of a structure that could be easily disassembled and transported.
I love it, Jeremy! As I commented on one of your recent videos, I was fortunate enough to buy one of the last gaming tables Geek Chic ever made before going out of business, and I had numerous debates with people who thought the expense was unreasonable. Your table is a great example of someone using their own skill to achieve the same goal at a fraction of the price. However, if I tried to make a gaming table myself it would probably end up looking more like Homer Simpson's spice rack... I particularly like your innovation with the DM pseudo-screen, and the frosted glass cover on your future table sounds like a great idea. Would you ever consider making an expandable table that you could enlarge/shrink to suit the number of guests you have?
That’s the thing, I made a cheap table and even with skill it looks like and performs like a cheap table. Just like a pine box from the dollar store looks like a pine box from the dollar store. Even with my skill set I may actually have a real cabinet maker with proper facilities build my next design.
The other cool thing with a recess for the terrain/play area, is if you put a lip around it (like it looks like you did) you could then have a drop-in piece, to make it a flat surface for playing board games, or cards or whatever. I would even make the drop in have a grid on one side, so it can just be a battle mat or whatever I need it to be. I would also make some kind of station, similar to your DM one, for players, so they have space for their sheets, books, whatever. Maybe even laptops (my group uses them sometimes, depending on what we are playing, or if we have someone playing with us remotely, etc).
Thanks for sharing. I serendipitously found a PVC trim board that has wood-grain texture to can make a great construction material. I bought some for a bookshelf project and found it easy for construction and painting. It is available in 3/4" planks of various widths at home improvement stores and {currently} US$7.70 / sq ft. While it is more expensive than lumber, some advantages might be worth considering. One such brand name is Royal Building Products (this is not intended to be any endorsement of this supplier).
If you decide to construct a new table soon you should put up a video Series on the building process, cost and whatnot. That would be very interesting to see and could inspire many people to follow in your footsteps to build their own tables
Good thoughts. I'm planning on starting a similar project in a month or two and doing a gaming table with a removable top cover so it doubles as a dining table when needed. I do plan to add a screen to the bottom for digital battlemaps though.
That slope is so damn smart. Also what about when you make your next table why not put yourself in the middle of the length of the rectangle? That way you could still have access to the whole table and you can fit more people.
You might also include recessed cup holders for the players, and also a dedicated recessed area for dice rolling, ideas I have seen on another video and intend to implement myself when I build a table! I really like your lights and the angled screen you made to go with your DM space!
A suggestion as someone who has built both desks, workbenches and is working on the idea of a gaming table Try getting two sheets of 3/4 inch thick plywood and mechanically fasten the two sheets together to make a thick tabletop, from there you can recess the steel by cutting pockets into the plywood and it stains and seals surprisingly well, For a base at the DM's area possibly some drawer banks for storage of constantly used items such as minis, dungeon/terrain tiles and other little things like dice and pens and pencils, For each player area I'd recess them a bit into the table, give them a little U shaped cut in to allow them to really get into the game, I noted also you use what looks to be folding chairs, actual comfortable chairs may also better your experience. Your lighting you made some great points on and if you don't use plywood my suggestion for hardwoods is actually poplar or cedar rather than the preferred oak which is often expensive and hard to purchase in large quantities for decent prices. Also as for your legs and things, don't stress about those being expensive hard woods, etc. that I'd use a similar method to what you did BUT I'd invest in a KREG pocket hole jig, this recesses screws and lets you more securely fasten items together without showing the holes as much, also pairing screws with wood glue helps as well.
My father had that skill-he'd just take a tape measure and a pad and pencil, write down numbers, go buy some lumber and hardware, and come home and build, even complex and intricate things. Me, I need plans. I could make them from this video if I were trying to clone your results. I could modify them the way you discussed easily enough, sure. But I'd have to make them or I couldn't build it.
When making a rectangular table consider making it wide, not long, with three people across from you. that way you can make a much bigger playing area that you can completely cover with your arms without standing up. You also have a longer GM area.
Building round stuff, especially the size of a table with all these components, is a PITA to say the least. No doubt it would look cool, but gives me shivers thinking about building it.
I know it's a bit late, but I would think about doing a grid of magnets or steel posts sunk into the playing surface on a grid, then covering it with felt. The steel pins could be oversized so the magnetic pieces have a bit of wiggle room for minor size differences. If you want to add a bit of a challenge you could have some dice trays set into the players areas that can be covered with a piece of wood when not needed.
Not sure if anyone else has made this suggestion but for the magnetic surface getting a car magnet printed up with the grid lines and the black magic craft logo in the middle would look great and quick
You should not use the word cheap but instead inexpensive. There’s nothing cheap about the work you do, it’s world class. Thanks for the great help you’re providing to all of us.
I'm no D&D player, I'm tabletop wargamer and I think it should be nice also for skirmish tabletop wargaming! I was thinking also that may be having the gaming area be able to rotate somehow to show to everybodys around the table the possibility to have the same view could also be nice? Also it could be praticle to have a « top cover» to put over the gaming area when not playing that could be flush with the rest of the table and using this extra space when needed? :)
With the little lip you have on the inside of your table, you could always have a drop-in panel, to make it into a regular table. I have limited space, so multi-use furniture is important for life/gaming balance. Maybe something to think about for your next one, I guess.
That’s why I made that lip lower and not flush with top. But I never made inserts because I realized I don’t need them. A good feature if the table is used for other things, but unnecessary for a dedicated game table.
Consider a casino like table with squared off sides.. 5 or 6 should be relatively doable.. also, maybe a tv in the depression for an easily changeable landscape instead of battle mats.. would look amazing with your 3d terrains.. could easily add a clear polycarbonate/plexiglass grid over the top of the tv for laying out your tiles/miniatures.. magnaclear paint for you magnetic needs.. love your design ideas...
I've been wanting to make a gaming table for a long time. I've especially wanted a recessed playing area like the one you have here. The biggest problem is that there isn't an available space in my house to put one, so we game at the dining room table. It would seriously suck for our dining room table to have a recession in the middle. The pieces you did for the lights, though, look like they would make great supports for an insert that could be removed for "gaming mode." Kind of like a leaf, but only to reveal the recessed gaming surface (maybe there's a name for something like this, but I don't know what it is). I know my biggest problem is going to be the legs. I've made one table and the legs are also wobbly. Luckily, this is just a work table and only one side needs to be accessible, so I've been working on adding some support slats in between the legs. I wouldn't be able to do that with what would also be acting as our dining room table, though. Still, I love the look of this table and definitely want to take inspiration from your design in what I eventually make. Also, have you updated this table yet? I'd love to see a video on it, even in the same format as this video.
An ideal table would have hinged sides for players & DM when open with lower terrain area, and then flip & close all the hinged sides so it forms a solid table for general use.
I have been thinking about creating a table in an Octagon shape but with two sides being used as the DM station giving 6 players their own space but still close enough together to hear everything.
Great design philosophy and implementation. I do like the transfer of the strengths to the next table. If I could add a suggestion, you could add a shallow drawers to each side of you or cubbies to store more stuff. The angled DM screen ideas add the right amount of privacy and interaction to the game and is brilliant as I would of only have a 6" board running across.
Quick question. First of all, thanks for the motivation to start building my own terrain! Second, I'm having a bit of a creative block. Other than dungeon tiles, what are some other useful builds to get the collection started?
Hey great video, but is there any chance you could make a video on how you take dm notes and etc. I just sore a glimpse of your notebook and was intrigued by how you take notes.
Another option to add in. You made the frame all the way round. if you include not a drop in space but a shelf for the players they can have thier manuals and spare dice on the shelf rather on the upper surface.
Your photos and description are enough information to construct it, and other than not having a table saw to cut channels for lights totally doable with cheep tools... so thanks for that. I wish I had a place to put a dedicated table.. right now we set up a folding table in our living room, use the couch for 2 or 3 of the players and roll over a couple office chairs for the other side. If I could make a table like this that would have a similar footprint and fold up that would work, I'll have to have a long think about it. Or like someone else mentioned in these comments about a piece to fit on top of a folding table. Ours hinges in the middle so the topper would have to be two pieces also to realistically store happily against the wall when not in use.
Eh.. on second thought, the folding table is already almost too tall for the players on the couch, if I added a piece on top with a lowered center they wouldn't be able to see their dice on the higher area, much less the game mat. What I really need is a gaming coffee table that can stay there all the time.
What about an octagon instead of a rectangle. If you get a cheep drop saw you can cut all the wood at 135c angles and have the table that way. Same close together feel but up to 7 player instead of 3.
Awesome video!! Nice to get an in depth look from you. As a guy that rushed a gamer's table I enjoyed the evaluation of the needs the table must accomplish. Looking forward to the next build!
A thin layer of galvanized steel, like 22 gauge sheet, is easy enough to find. You could adhere it to an MDF substrate for structure and cover it with felt. Best of both worlds, through it is more work.
Have you ever thought about making a table wider instead of longer? Like black jack style so every player still has a direct line of sight with you and so that the rectangular play field doesn't have a "far" side from the DM?
I like the idea. I think I will go with an asymmetric hexagon so I can fit 5 players and me, and no one can see my lower platform. Which they would with a symmetric hexagon. The angles ledge is a good idea and I think I will put in some sort of drinks holder in each space so there is less spilling, and maybe a felt area for dice throwing.
If you did a sheet of steel, you could still use felt above it without compromising on the magnetic terrain assuming you used slightly stronger magnets (neodymium balls should still work maybe?)
I'm just waiting to use my new table(s) when the world returns to sanity. I bought three 4' x 2' x 25mm mdf sheets and some adjustable height kitchen table legs. I can use them all and get a 6' x 4' full size wargaming table. or just use two for a 4' x '4 table for smaller roleplaying or board gaming or skirmish wargame gatherings. I also got eighteen 12" x 6" boxes that I can line around the table to give that lowered play area effect. and I'm thinking about adding either keyboard pull out trays underneath or having a mounting system that can have a surface mounted for the players.
Awsoem! I will start designing my new table right after our session today. Stay tuned, I will share my design when I finish designing. It will be properly built table for 3-6 players and 1-2 masters with lowered action zone, lights, drawers and stuff and also I will design it as proper table. My goal is to make a blueprint for you to order cut wood and source some cams and screws and then feel like you're LEGOing your IKEAs.
For a second there I thought those were my DM notes :D I tend to make them extremely simiar to what you had there. Great job with the table, love the channel!
If I might suggest something to consider? Use a steel sheet, but glue a layer of rubber on top of it, rather than paint it black. You can get rubber extremely thin, but it's still works great. It would allow you to magnetize the pieces, still, but also make it so every time something heavy drops on it, it doesn't sound like a sheet of metal. It'd also protect the whole thing from dings and such. :) Just my two cents, and what I plan to do if I ever build my own table!
I’d probably powder coat the steel rather than paint it to avoid damage and give it a softer finish. To deal with the sound you could also add rubber underneath as well.
Always a good option, as well. It'd definitely prevent damage, but...anything not magnetized would be super slick. Powder coating isn't known for it's...grippiness. ;)
Maintain the intimacy of the table and increase the available players by making a hexagonal table. You could still have your sunken DM area and also allow each of the players to be equidistant to the map.
Very nice table. I'm thinking of building a coffee-table that can double as a casual gaming table, so having the playing area recessed will allow me to cover it when not in use.
I've been thinking about doing a seven sided table, basically an octagon with two sides flattened to one. That way I get more room, but can seat six players. It would be like this picnic table ...www.amazon.com/White-Cedar-Octagon-Walk-Picnic/dp/B007Y87KIG
Flattening two sides into one is an option I hadn't considered. Good idea. Still not sure the footprint would work in my space. I have room to add length, but not so much width.
I've built a rather large rectangular table, and hindsight has taught me the DM should take one of the long sides. I use it for games besides dnd too so I gave myself the short end to have my own little section when not dm'ing, but this also means I can't reach 1/2 of the gaming space I sectioned out. I didn't think that far ahead, and while I love my table it's the one thing I wish I could change about it.
It's a good table. Doubt I could do better. But a few ideas would be to place a sturdy leg directly opposite where you sit, and round the table's corner edges. That would allow a players to occupy each corner. You might need to add another leg on each side to avoid tipping, or wobbling, unless the center leg is thick, heavy, and has (what are they called?) "Toes" on all four sides for added stability. Beyond that, the only thing I'd do differently is lower the player areas a little, similar to the dm area. Just in case a drink spills, it won't go into the lowered central area, with the nice terrain. 🍺💨
i would recommend adding USB/AC outlets charging ports around your next table. if your players are like mine we use laptops and tablets and easy charging is crucial. (ps. LED lighting and poorly placed Bluetooth speakers tend to be very gimmicky and not worth it)
I think a wider rectangular table works better to keep the Gm closer to their players than a long rectangular table with the GM at the "head". Also making a wide rectangular table gives the GM more space for books/laptops/mini storage off to the sides.
I’m thinking about making the top out of hardwood, and a lot of the skeleton work out of softer wood. I’m also thinking about a modified half circle, like a casino table, with the dm at the dealer seat.
You could make a gaming table where the lowered area you use for playing games can be covered up by another piece. This could make a larger flat tabletop for any other purpose you want.
Finally! And in depth look at how I constructed my cheap home made gaming table. What I like, what I don't like, and what I am going to do differently when I build the next one. Hope this helps any of you that have been wanting to build something similar.
It's actually already sold to someone when I eventually make a new one.
I use a full sheet of MDF for my table. I found sitting at the ens of it as the DM makes players not focus on the game. Sitting long side works way better.
Hey, here’s an idea. Make a Hexagon Table.
Seats 5 players + 1 DM
Maintains that “close intimate” space you like
Allows each player to have their own space
And add cup holders for each player.
You should put a fog machine in the table
I'm really curious as to the shape you'd make it to fit 4 players. I love the cut-out DM area.
Place steel as the table surface, and then cover that with felt. Then you can still use magnets and still have the nice feel of the felt top.
"It's affordable, it's readily available..."
*Cries in 2021*
😄
Didn't get much betting in 2022.
let's stop keeping track it's all downhill from then@@ThePsycoScout
Felt like I sat down and had a conversation with you about your gaming space. I'm already in the process of starting my own table and you have answered the exact questions I wanted to ask someone who's "been there, done that". Cheers to you and this amazing show. Best part of my day.
There's an instinct to put the DM at the head of the table. That does maximize how many people you can seat, but it puts the DM way over on one end of the map.
When you build your new one, consider having the DM occupy one entire long side, with players across from him. If you build a standard 6' table, three people can sit across from the DM, with two more at the ends. Then the DM has worlds of space for other cool stuff, and he can reach everything. Those two guys on the end are a little isolated from the battle map, but I've played that way and it's not hard to adapt.
You could also build a big square with one side for the DM and three sides that would seat two players each, but it starts to get uncomfortably wide, which makes it hard to fit in a room and makes it hard to reach the middle of the table.
I like this idea. Someone else mentioned a blackjack table. Those do the same thing by sticking the dealer right in the middle of everything instead of on the end.
I actually finished a 5'×6' table going off this as an example and it turned out pretty nice
The other option is go for either a round/pentagonal/octagonal table. More people can get around without increasing the table size massively. Gets harder for the actual build as more precise cuts are required, but looks good when done!
I like these ideas, I'll add another, you could make the table a bit larger and keep it square, lob off a corner and turn that into the DM zone and have 4 across from you.
My friends mother runs a daycare center, and for lunch for the very little kids she has a U shaped horseshoe table that is roughly a rounded square, and her side is actually pushed in about 10 inches so she can reach each kid. She can be arms width from any kid and feed them, wipe dirty faces... etc.
Every time I see that table I think it would make an awesome D&D or gaming table. It would kinda wrap the players round the DM, putting him closer to everyone and the game board.
I wonder if that could actually work or not, now that I'm seeing this small table.
Idk... I think it could be cool!
This is by far the best design I've seen for a cheap, simple table. Great for someone with limited access to tools.
Some suggestions :
- Make the table an irregular hexagon, with one side being twice as long as the others. The long side for the DM obviously.
- I don't personnally like the "add-on" for the DM screen problem. I'd rather have a piece of wood on a piano hinge that flips up. That way it's even quicker to set it up or discard it.
- I'd add some USB outlets for the players and for the DM. Having the possibility to charge up your phone, or plug in a tablet to keep track of your character while gaming could be pretty handy.
- Having one solid piece of steel would add a lot of weight to the table, and it's also much colder to the touch, and not as nice as felt when you place terrain on. I'd go for a thin piece of steel (like 1/16th of an inch thick), covered in felt. That way you still have a nice felt texture, it's not too heavy, and with rare earth magnets, it will still grab to the steel. With direct contact, the magnets may stick to the steel a bit too much, which could lead to them being ripped off of the terrain base.
- For the LED lights, I'd go with one of these strips you can get on amazon, that have a remote control on them, or go with a raspberry pi zero to control it from a little control panel on the DM side.
- I would add small 2 Ohms speakers at each of the player stations to play some ambiant music/sounds.
- A piece of white fabric and a projector above the playing surface could be nice to display a map if you don't have the necessary terrain pieces, although it would be quite expensive.
- Making a skirt between the legs out of wood would be a good way to stabilize the table, and it could be a way to mount the aforementionned USB ports/speakers/control panel for the DM.
- If need be, some sliding trays could be added, with some cup holders for the beer/chips your players might munch on while you game, or a dice tray.
- Speaking of dice, I've never seen a gaming table with built-in dice towers, but it sure would be cool.
Flameless candles! That's a perfect solution for my dark basement that should light up the table. I love these videos for small details like that. Keep at it!
USB charging ports, speakers, cup holders.....I must have them.
Also, a top to go in that recess so I can also use it as a regular table. Houses in the UK agent big enough to have dedicated gaming rooms
"It's a boat time"
But that's a table, friend
A couple of years ago I was getting back into gaming after 20 years and read a comment about so special gaming table so I googled gaming tables. I found the video where you were remodeling your room and showing off your new table and that's how I first found your site and the whole crafting community.
I have to say that this has been a long awaited video.
You talked about using hardwood on your next table, even though it costs more. If you are able to get hold of beech, it is as hard and durable as oak (and nicer looking imo) and costs about the same as poplar (at least in the midwestern United States). I used it as a tabletop for a steel desk that I made a couple years ago and it has stayed nearly perfect even with heavy daily use and two moves.
i used 2x3 sheets of galvanized sheet metal, for duct work from Lowes, contact cemented down ply wood to make magnetic play surface
that's a great idea
I’m making a wargaming table! But I’m hoping to add a top to it so I can get a group of nerds together for DnD! I’m so excited about it.
OMG we have the same last name
Tracy Waters I married into my last name. I don’t understand why I get asked “how is that spelled” all the time. 😂😂😂
I assume y'all know of Pink Floyd? If I had the last name of Waters I'm sure I'd get asked about Roger all the time
@@magnoliawaters4983 who did you marry
@@d36williams ya I'm ralated to him
Would definitely like to see a build video of a new table. Thanks for the review!
I’ve been going through other videos and looking at other peoples tables. This is one of my favorites.
Im going to steal all the good ideas in the comments for my table, gonna be sweet
Everyone got a to start somewhere and this is a pretty good start. My 1st game table was a ping pong table with 3 different felts I laid over it as terrain (green (Forrest), tan (deserts) and grey (caves and dungeons)).
A small table is a good starting point for anyone who plays or wants to play DnD. I love the table, nice simple design and good for small games. Right on my guy.
Awesome, as usual. When you make the new table, you should raffle off the old one to a lucky fan or Patreon supporter.
Shipping it from Canada would be crazy expensive. It’s going to one of my friends to run D&D for his son and his friends.
@@BlackMagicCraftOfficial (That just reminded me, when my order with Geek Chic was pending, they were going to charge me $300 to ship it. I only lived 3 miles away from their workshop...)
Maybe donate it to a local comic store or community center or wherever tabletop RPG meetups are hosted? That seems like it'd be a really nice gesture. Definitely beats a cheap folding table.
@@hypersapien Were they planning on shipping it fully assembled? O.o
Experimental idea for the playing surface: using a roll-up window shade laid flat, with a crank or an electric motor that you can use to change to surface from black, to cobblestones, to woodlands, etc. Essentially having a swappable battle map integrated in the table. An alternate design would be to store the battlemap rolls in a side panel of the table, and just pull on the desired one to unroll it over the playing surface, until it clips onto a magnetized strip on the other side.
also, I think a black rubber board instead of felt is much more practical for cleaning, but also for noise reduction.
When this quarantine is all over I think you should rethink this table and do an updated build. Maybe a two part video. One just planning and one with the actual build.
Have you considered a hexagon shaped table? My friend has one. Works really good. If you are four it feels like a smaller table than a rectangular one.
Oooh. I really like that Idea. Especially if you prefer using hex grids (which I personally do).
I haven't read the comments to see if this has already been suggested, but if you do decide to use steel in the playing area, there's nothing that should stop you from covering the steel with felt. It'll still retain the magnetic qualities, they'll just be slightly reduced.
I love this table! I’m excited to see the new table you build and document. The lowered playing surface is definitely my favorite feature. DM’s area comes in close second.
Rare earth magnets are pretty strong, I would suggest gluing the felt over the metal table, also keep the playing surface easily changeable in case the worst happens with a coke or any other sugar drink. The felt will also slow down the spread to help keep it from getting to places it should not go..
I'm planning on making my own table of similar design, this helped me see ways to make it look nicer than I probably would have done it. Thank you
As I am in an apartment, I do not have much room. Those ledges you made to hide the LEDs could support an insert to turn into a dining room table. If you don't like the idea of tearing down the terrain to convert. Design a system to lower and raise the playing surface. Sure it's a lot of work and requires a level of engineering skill, but what a space saver.
One thing you could do if you ever build a new table is after you build it but before you stain it etc. Take an electric drill and chuck a wire brush disk in it and run it over the wood. It will roughen the surface up by basically wearing down the softer aspect of the wood more than the grain part of the wood. Pay special attention to the end grain also. It makes it look worn and old. Just tossing that out there.
I'd also add a lip between the players and the play surface... it would reduce how often pencils, pens, and dice roll onto the play surface, and offer some protection from spilled drinks. Even a quarter inch would be enough.
Have you considered altering the shape instead of the length? Meaning that you could cut two of the corners at 45 degrees. So the DM would have the full width and then you would have basically 5 player stations.
Also if you made a full "lid" for the DM section it would be able to be hinged to make the screen and could be let down to use the table for board gaming. The lip you have inside could support a cover so that the top would be flat and even.
Cool game table! Should add some cup holders on the next build and a little padded strip along the edges for comfort.
I have an idea for your next table. Perhaps a horseshoe shaped table would give you the room you need and the intimate feeling you are looking for. You can still, as the DM, have close access to the play surface, while the players are seated around you, sorta like a blackjack table with more depth. What do you think?
Interesting idea about the steel base for magnets. Instead of paint (which will eventually scratch) get a thin sheet of steel (from any metal supply store) and pre-drill screw holes into it. Then glue it to the wood base (provides structural support) then glue the felt over the steel. Finally screw the whole assembly in place. This gives you a solid base, a metal surface for magnets, and the clean felt top for protection and looks. Make the table long enough for 3 on each side, 1 on each end. This gives you enough for a DM and 7 players (maximum for an Adventure League campaign if your so inclined). Set the DM in the middle of one side. Its less private, but you can easily reach every part of your play area to facilitate setups and movements of NPCs and monsters. Assuming your play dungeon has the room for a table that large (maybe 6-7'x5'). I also noticed your design leaves a lip around the edge of the "pit." You could cut out a piece of MDF/ply to fit that area so you can lay it in to create a flat table playing surface for other games.
I would powder coat the steel. It would never scratch.
We used a fog machine for ambiance once (campaign took place in a swamp) but apparently we used the wrong fog liquid because everything ended covered with a very thin oily residue that took forever to clean. Since that fiasco our DM has taking up vaping so now we just use her as our fog machine.
I actually like this little table. It should be twice the length but it looks really good.
Sugestion; for the lighting, in addition to your continuous surround soft light I recommend a few key spot lights you can turn on or off to add dramatic lighting/shadow effects on the models when the mood calls for it. I think that would be awesome.
Dude I just a bought my first house here in Canada, I'm so happy to try to make a nice table as yours! Thanks for all great and inspiriting work!
first thing i thought of when i saw this table was to put a small raised lip around the edge of the sunken play area that will stop the inevitable drink spillage flowing into your play area and onto the felt/terrain
What about adding "Boxes" under the player edges, so extra books or papers can be placed there as well. and or cup holders to avoid a big spill into the terrain.
Love the idea of the sunken DM space. Whenever I can I play without the DM screen because it’s so hard to see/reach over, but sometimes my notes would easily spoil solutions to puzzles (etc). And it’s generally less fun when players have more information than characters
I would love to see you remake your table. Please do it soon!
I dont know if anyone else has suggested this but you could find an old dining room table on something like offerup that has sliders so you can make the intimate small table but not limit your playing ability by sliding it open and dropping in a leaf you can also have a insert that covers the lowered playing area so it can be used as a table I love building things but I live in a very small space so I'm always looking at how to multi purpose things I build or own haveing a background in carpentry makes it so you don't want to woodwork as much but the next table you make you should time and energy into it because it's going to be in your home where you will spend a lot of time around it and when your done have the pride in the fact that you did that and it's better then one you could buy. Great channel love your vids and you do amazing work keep it up and keep enjoying it
Great ideas, thanks for sharing! The lower mid section + lights + magnets seems great!
I have no experience with carpentry whatsoever, but if I would ever build something like this, I would think of a "cover" for the mid section so that we could also play card games; and I would also think of a structure that could be easily disassembled and transported.
I'm just amazed that you made this table in 3 hours, designed out of your head...
It wasn’t that complicated of a build really.
I love it, Jeremy! As I commented on one of your recent videos, I was fortunate enough to buy one of the last gaming tables Geek Chic ever made before going out of business, and I had numerous debates with people who thought the expense was unreasonable. Your table is a great example of someone using their own skill to achieve the same goal at a fraction of the price. However, if I tried to make a gaming table myself it would probably end up looking more like Homer Simpson's spice rack...
I particularly like your innovation with the DM pseudo-screen, and the frosted glass cover on your future table sounds like a great idea. Would you ever consider making an expandable table that you could enlarge/shrink to suit the number of guests you have?
That’s the thing, I made a cheap table and even with skill it looks like and performs like a cheap table. Just like a pine box from the dollar store looks like a pine box from the dollar store.
Even with my skill set I may actually have a real cabinet maker with proper facilities build my next design.
I hear you there lmaoo everytime I try a project of this size I end up with a homer spice rack 😂 #doh!nttrythisathome
I just started doing research on tabletops and this provided me with a lot of ideas!
The other cool thing with a recess for the terrain/play area, is if you put a lip around it (like it looks like you did) you could then have a drop-in piece, to make it a flat surface for playing board games, or cards or whatever. I would even make the drop in have a grid on one side, so it can just be a battle mat or whatever I need it to be.
I would also make some kind of station, similar to your DM one, for players, so they have space for their sheets, books, whatever. Maybe even laptops (my group uses them sometimes, depending on what we are playing, or if we have someone playing with us remotely, etc).
Thanks for sharing. I serendipitously found a PVC trim board that has wood-grain texture to can make a great construction material. I bought some for a bookshelf project and found it easy for construction and painting. It is available in 3/4" planks of various widths at home improvement stores and {currently} US$7.70 / sq ft. While it is more expensive than lumber, some advantages might be worth considering. One such brand name is Royal Building Products (this is not intended to be any endorsement of this supplier).
Идея опустить ниже игровую поверхность с миниатюрами и террейном просто замечательная. Обязательно так сделаю.
Your attitude here was outstanding. Humble and very explanatory on how to make it better.
If you decide to construct a new table soon you should put up a video Series on the building process, cost and whatnot. That would be very interesting to see and could inspire many people to follow in your footsteps to build their own tables
Good thoughts. I'm planning on starting a similar project in a month or two and doing a gaming table with a removable top cover so it doubles as a dining table when needed. I do plan to add a screen to the bottom for digital battlemaps though.
That slope is so damn smart.
Also what about when you make your next table why not put yourself in the middle of the length of the rectangle?
That way you could still have access to the whole table and you can fit more people.
You might also include recessed cup holders for the players, and also a dedicated recessed area for dice rolling, ideas I have seen on another video and intend to implement myself when I build a table! I really like your lights and the angled screen you made to go with your DM space!
Cup holders are awful for most glasses and all drinking mugs. Everyone always thinks they are a great idea but they are really just a novelty.
Black Magic Craft duly noted, that makes sense. Maybe just built in coasters then when I make mine. Thanks!
A suggestion as someone who has built both desks, workbenches and is working on the idea of a gaming table Try getting two sheets of 3/4 inch thick plywood and mechanically fasten the two sheets together to make a thick tabletop, from there you can recess the steel by cutting pockets into the plywood and it stains and seals surprisingly well, For a base at the DM's area possibly some drawer banks for storage of constantly used items such as minis, dungeon/terrain tiles and other little things like dice and pens and pencils, For each player area I'd recess them a bit into the table, give them a little U shaped cut in to allow them to really get into the game, I noted also you use what looks to be folding chairs, actual comfortable chairs may also better your experience. Your lighting you made some great points on and if you don't use plywood my suggestion for hardwoods is actually poplar or cedar rather than the preferred oak which is often expensive and hard to purchase in large quantities for decent prices. Also as for your legs and things, don't stress about those being expensive hard woods, etc. that I'd use a similar method to what you did BUT I'd invest in a KREG pocket hole jig, this recesses screws and lets you more securely fasten items together without showing the holes as much, also pairing screws with wood glue helps as well.
My father had that skill-he'd just take a tape measure and a pad and pencil, write down numbers, go buy some lumber and hardware, and come home and build, even complex and intricate things. Me, I need plans. I could make them from this video if I were trying to clone your results. I could modify them the way you discussed easily enough, sure. But I'd have to make them or I couldn't build it.
When making a rectangular table consider making it wide, not long, with three people across from you. that way you can make a much bigger playing area that you can completely cover with your arms without standing up. You also have a longer GM area.
All of the Aboot's in the beginning secure my knowledge of the fact that you are Canadian
Thanks, your review just changed what we'll do for our upcoming table rebuild.
What about a round table with a straight side for the DM a bit like a casino gaming table. Gives you intimacy
Building round stuff, especially the size of a table with all these components, is a PITA to say the least. No doubt it would look cool, but gives me shivers thinking about building it.
@@dirigoallagash3464 Mr Black Magic craft is not a shonky tradesperson like me tho!
I am in no way set up at home to steam and bend wood.....Anything I make has to be made with a few tools in a driveway.
@@BlackMagicCraftOfficial You are in Canada can't you wet the wood and put it outside and freeze it into shape?
@@BlackMagicCraftOfficial Option is to glum lam thin sheets together but yes pretty time consuming
I know it's a bit late, but I would think about doing a grid of magnets or steel posts sunk into the playing surface on a grid, then covering it with felt. The steel pins could be oversized so the magnetic pieces have a bit of wiggle room for minor size differences. If you want to add a bit of a challenge you could have some dice trays set into the players areas that can be covered with a piece of wood when not needed.
Not sure if anyone else has made this suggestion but for the magnetic surface getting a car magnet printed up with the grid lines and the black magic craft logo in the middle would look great and quick
You should not use the word cheap but instead inexpensive. There’s nothing cheap about the work you do, it’s world class. Thanks for the great help you’re providing to all of us.
I'm no D&D player, I'm tabletop wargamer and I think it should be nice also for skirmish tabletop wargaming! I was thinking also that may be having the gaming area be able to rotate somehow to show to everybodys around the table the possibility to have the same view could also be nice? Also it could be praticle to have a « top cover» to put over the gaming area when not playing that could be flush with the rest of the table and using this extra space when needed? :)
With the little lip you have on the inside of your table, you could always have a drop-in panel, to make it into a regular table. I have limited space, so multi-use furniture is important for life/gaming balance. Maybe something to think about for your next one, I guess.
That’s why I made that lip lower and not flush with top. But I never made inserts because I realized I don’t need them. A good feature if the table is used for other things, but unnecessary for a dedicated game table.
Consider a casino like table with squared off sides.. 5 or 6 should be relatively doable.. also, maybe a tv in the depression for an easily changeable landscape instead of battle mats.. would look amazing with your 3d terrains.. could easily add a clear polycarbonate/plexiglass grid over the top of the tv for laying out your tiles/miniatures.. magnaclear paint for you magnetic needs.. love your design ideas...
I've been wanting to make a gaming table for a long time. I've especially wanted a recessed playing area like the one you have here. The biggest problem is that there isn't an available space in my house to put one, so we game at the dining room table. It would seriously suck for our dining room table to have a recession in the middle. The pieces you did for the lights, though, look like they would make great supports for an insert that could be removed for "gaming mode." Kind of like a leaf, but only to reveal the recessed gaming surface (maybe there's a name for something like this, but I don't know what it is). I know my biggest problem is going to be the legs. I've made one table and the legs are also wobbly. Luckily, this is just a work table and only one side needs to be accessible, so I've been working on adding some support slats in between the legs. I wouldn't be able to do that with what would also be acting as our dining room table, though. Still, I love the look of this table and definitely want to take inspiration from your design in what I eventually make.
Also, have you updated this table yet? I'd love to see a video on it, even in the same format as this video.
An ideal table would have hinged sides for players & DM when open with lower terrain area, and then flip & close all the hinged sides so it forms a solid table for general use.
I have been thinking about creating a table in an Octagon shape but with two sides being used as the DM station giving 6 players their own space but still close enough together to hear everything.
Great design philosophy and implementation. I do like the transfer of the strengths to the next table. If I could add a suggestion, you could add a shallow drawers to each side of you or cubbies to store more stuff. The angled DM screen ideas add the right amount of privacy and interaction to the game and is brilliant as I would of only have a 6" board running across.
Quick question. First of all, thanks for the motivation to start building my own terrain! Second, I'm having a bit of a creative block. Other than dungeon tiles, what are some other useful builds to get the collection started?
Hey great video, but is there any chance you could make a video on how you take dm notes and etc. I just sore a glimpse of your notebook and was intrigued by how you take notes.
I love the this build. Thanks for sharing the good and the changes you would implement to improve it. Thanks again.
Another option to add in. You made the frame all the way round. if you include not a drop in space but a shelf for the players they can have thier manuals and spare dice on the shelf rather on the upper surface.
I have been waiting for this for so very long! Thank you! I am finally going to build my table!!
Your photos and description are enough information to construct it, and other than not having a table saw to cut channels for lights totally doable with cheep tools... so thanks for that. I wish I had a place to put a dedicated table.. right now we set up a folding table in our living room, use the couch for 2 or 3 of the players and roll over a couple office chairs for the other side. If I could make a table like this that would have a similar footprint and fold up that would work, I'll have to have a long think about it. Or like someone else mentioned in these comments about a piece to fit on top of a folding table. Ours hinges in the middle so the topper would have to be two pieces also to realistically store happily against the wall when not in use.
Eh.. on second thought, the folding table is already almost too tall for the players on the couch, if I added a piece on top with a lowered center they wouldn't be able to see their dice on the higher area, much less the game mat. What I really need is a gaming coffee table that can stay there all the time.
What about an octagon instead of a rectangle. If you get a cheep drop saw you can cut all the wood at 135c angles and have the table that way. Same close together feel but up to 7 player instead of 3.
Awesome video!! Nice to get an in depth look from you. As a guy that rushed a gamer's table I enjoyed the evaluation of the needs the table must accomplish.
Looking forward to the next build!
If you think an iron plate would be to heavy, you could also paint a wooden
board with iron paint that you use to make magnetic pinboards!
A thin layer of galvanized steel, like 22 gauge sheet, is easy enough to find. You could adhere it to an MDF substrate for structure and cover it with felt. Best of both worlds, through it is more work.
Black Magic Craft vid? I'll just hit the like button before I watch it since it's that good ;)
Have you ever thought about making a table wider instead of longer? Like black jack style so every player still has a direct line of sight with you and so that the rectangular play field doesn't have a "far" side from the DM?
I like the idea. I think I will go with an asymmetric hexagon so I can fit 5 players and me, and no one can see my lower platform. Which they would with a symmetric hexagon. The angles ledge is a good idea and I think I will put in some sort of drinks holder in each space so there is less spilling, and maybe a felt area for dice throwing.
If you did a sheet of steel, you could still use felt above it without compromising on the magnetic terrain assuming you used slightly stronger magnets (neodymium balls should still work maybe?)
Id love to see you rebuild your game table. It would be awesome to see an improved design, maybe even a set of plans?
I'm just waiting to use my new table(s) when the world returns to sanity. I bought three 4' x 2' x 25mm mdf sheets and some adjustable height kitchen table legs.
I can use them all and get a 6' x 4' full size wargaming table. or just use two for a 4' x '4 table for smaller roleplaying or board gaming or skirmish wargame gatherings. I also got eighteen 12" x 6" boxes that I can line around the table to give that lowered play area effect. and I'm thinking about adding either keyboard pull out trays underneath or having a mounting system that can have a surface mounted for the players.
Awsoem!
I will start designing my new table right after our session today.
Stay tuned, I will share my design when I finish designing.
It will be properly built table for 3-6 players and 1-2 masters with lowered action zone, lights, drawers and stuff and also I will design it as proper table.
My goal is to make a blueprint for you to order cut wood and source some cams and screws and then feel like you're LEGOing your IKEAs.
For a second there I thought those were my DM notes :D I tend to make them extremely simiar to what you had there. Great job with the table, love the channel!
If I might suggest something to consider? Use a steel sheet, but glue a layer of rubber on top of it, rather than paint it black. You can get rubber extremely thin, but it's still works great. It would allow you to magnetize the pieces, still, but also make it so every time something heavy drops on it, it doesn't sound like a sheet of metal. It'd also protect the whole thing from dings and such. :) Just my two cents, and what I plan to do if I ever build my own table!
I’d probably powder coat the steel rather than paint it to avoid damage and give it a softer finish. To deal with the sound you could also add rubber underneath as well.
Always a good option, as well. It'd definitely prevent damage, but...anything not magnetized would be super slick. Powder coating isn't known for it's...grippiness. ;)
Maintain the intimacy of the table and increase the available players by making a hexagonal table. You could still have your sunken DM area and also allow each of the players to be equidistant to the map.
Very nice table. I'm thinking of building a coffee-table that can double as a casual gaming table, so having the playing area recessed will allow me to cover it when not in use.
If you have the space, why not a hexagonal table? DM and five players.
I’ve considered it quite a bit but it means the DM area is smaller than I want. I want to have twice as much space as a player.
But a hexagon table is the best way to seat more people and keep the distances "intimate" if that's the main priority. It's a strong option.
I've been thinking about doing a seven sided table, basically an octagon with two sides flattened to one. That way I get more room, but can seat six players. It would be like this picnic table ...www.amazon.com/White-Cedar-Octagon-Walk-Picnic/dp/B007Y87KIG
Flattening two sides into one is an option I hadn't considered. Good idea. Still not sure the footprint would work in my space. I have room to add length, but not so much width.
I've built a rather large rectangular table, and hindsight has taught me the DM should take one of the long sides. I use it for games besides dnd too so I gave myself the short end to have my own little section when not dm'ing, but this also means I can't reach 1/2 of the gaming space I sectioned out. I didn't think that far ahead, and while I love my table it's the one thing I wish I could change about it.
It's a good table. Doubt I could do better. But a few ideas would be to place a sturdy leg directly opposite where you sit, and round the table's corner edges. That would allow a players to occupy each corner. You might need to add another leg on each side to avoid tipping, or wobbling, unless the center leg is thick, heavy, and has (what are they called?) "Toes" on all four sides for added stability.
Beyond that, the only thing I'd do differently is lower the player areas a little, similar to the dm area. Just in case a drink spills, it won't go into the lowered central area, with the nice terrain. 🍺💨
i would recommend adding USB/AC outlets charging ports around your next table. if your players are like mine we use laptops and tablets and easy charging is crucial. (ps. LED lighting and poorly placed Bluetooth speakers tend to be very gimmicky and not worth it)
I think a wider rectangular table works better to keep the Gm closer to their players than a long rectangular table with the GM at the "head". Also making a wide rectangular table gives the GM more space for books/laptops/mini storage off to the sides.
I’m thinking about making the top out of hardwood, and a lot of the skeleton work out of softer wood. I’m also thinking about a modified half circle, like a casino table, with the dm at the dealer seat.
We have waited so long for this video, I cannot wait to see what you come up with.
Something like a half circle table could be cool. Keep the intimate feel and allow more people at the table
You could make a gaming table where the lowered area you use for playing games can be covered up by another piece. This could make a larger flat tabletop for any other purpose you want.
That’s what the rails I put on it are for.
I didn't know if you had thought about it because you never mentioned it in the video.
@@jscrafting9247 pretty sure it was mentioned in the vid. It’s been a while though.
@@BlackMagicCraftOfficial Either way love the videos keep it up!
What if you made the play area with different interchangeable sheets/'drawers'? Annealed steel for magnetism; grid board for quick/large scenes; etc?
I'm sure we'd all enjoy a video on you building this new table : 3