First Table Build - Tools Needed? (2 Viewers)

justsomedude said:
I'm starting my first table build over the holidays, and can snag one or two new tools to assist in the project... if I really need to.

I have a good setup of tools, including a jigsaw, drills, drivers, sawhorses, straight edges, angles, etc.

I guess what I'm getting at is... do I really need a router? Anything else critical/necessary?

PS: I'm already planning to buy an electric staple gun. So that one is on the list!
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I dont think you need to got all out. I built my first table for 275$ including the cost of a jigsaw and mouse sander. A string anchored on a nail with a pencil in it will give you 95% perfect curves or better, and you probably have or have access to a drill. Thats really all you need for a basic table like the one pictured. I'm not a wood worker and this was the first thing I have built out of wood not counting a "world's greatest dad" trophy I made in shop class in 1993. A good plan is worth more than a bunch fancy tools, based on my admitted limited experience. Although with the knowhow I'm sure you could do more with more.

Country ham pic included for the general increase in global happiness I always strive for.
 

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justsomedude said:
Wasn't some one selling cup holder rings at one point? Are they still around?
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I've always felt like cup holders can not possibly be placed in such a way they are not in the way half the time. Much prefer a racetrack with some poly on it where you can set your adult beverage. Not helpful to the question though :(
 
bsdunbar1 said:
For anyone else wanting these legs, I just found this site that has them even cheaper!
Don't know why I did not find them prior, but we'll see if they show up as planned.

View attachment 400654
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Already gathering materials for my next build... order placed!

And I love that they use Amazon checkout.

THANK YOU!
 
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markleteenie said:
That's a good idea, I've been thinking of getting one. I just have a piece of scrap felt draped over it, but that's much classier. :tup:
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So... valuable lesson learned on this (and the reason I bought the cover)...

I was using a cheap-o Walmart fleece blanket to cover it since I finished the build. I took the table out the other day to make a card-pitching video for another member who was curious about TheLayoutCompany felts, and found the entire felt was coated in fleece bits. Static electricity I guess?

Anyway, I didn't want to have to lint-roll the felt before every game, so I figured a proper cover was in order.
 
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My husband and I just finished a small 2 person/sometimes 4 person card table topper and this thread was really, really helpful. We still made mistakes, but at least we know where we went wrong when it comes to redoing the rail later down the line! It has only been done maybe 10 days and we are now in the process of seeing if an idea we have for a custom cloth will work. Thanks for sharing your table building process!
 
Inaugural game on this table was last night. I am super stoked with how it turned out, and I can’t thank the kind people on this forum enough for all of their help and input during the build.

I am already gearing up to build another. I was planning on doing cupholders in the rail, but I think I’m completely sold on no cup holders, and using slide unders or side trays. It’s just so damn comfy not having them in the rail!

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Portable drill guide/press.


If you use threaded inserts this is a must, at least for me. If your drill bit walks or goes in a little crooked it makes ya hate life for a little while...lol
 

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Not the best table, but my first.
200 trips to HD. Dewalt tools mostly. Circular saw, jig saw, sander, drill/bits, impact driver.
Dewalt stapler. Wood glue, 3M adhesive spray, led lights, light defuser, table products purchased at buildyourownpokertable.com
I used a hand stapler and didn't struggle nearly as much as other builders say they did.
 

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