Round table with adjustable, swing-out cup holders (1 Viewer)

[Thorn]

First off, thanks to all that have posted their table builds and links. I'm not going to post my full build since there are so many other threads that explain the process better than I can. I do want to share an approach I came up with for adjustable, swing-out cup holders though. I was inspired by @Jake14mw post but I didn't have magnets or metal on hand and wanted to see if I could come up with something with what I had laying around the garage. I wouldn't be surprised if someone has done this already, but I couldn't find any examples.

I have an old octagon that I wanted to replace with a round since I never have exactly 8 players. I also didn't want fixed position cup holders and I'm not a fan of the slide under holders.

I followed the basic process of using a router and circle jig to cut two circles. One for the top rail and another for the sub-rail and playing surface. The wrinkle I added is that after making the cut to separate the sub-rail from the playing surface base, I switched to a 3/4" bit and cut a 1/4" deep groove in the underside of the top rail piece (keeping the circle jig set at the same radius). This effectively creates a T-slot when you assemble the rail and attach to the playing surface.

The cup holder pieces are then attached to the table using a 1/4" carriage bolt inserted into the T-slot and secured with a wing nut allowing them to be positioned anywhere and also to swing in or out.

Underside of rail assembly showing groove for carriage bolt head.

Underside of table showing access hole to insert bolts.

 

[Jake14mw]

Very cool! I love it. Simple, well thought out design. Allows each person to put cupholders where they want, or hide them away. Meets all my requirements, well done!

 

[DontKnowWhen]

Really well done. Great design.

 

[Hot Nuts]

 

[Nymor]

Nice.

I'm looking to do something similar as I don't like cup holders built into the table or standalone trolleys. I thinking of going a little bigger so as well as a cup holder I'll have a bit of space for phones/keys/snacks etc.

 

[Dezmond]

Great idea! Easy and simple. Niiiiiiioce.

 

[Jake14mw]

@Thorn how has this system been working out In practice?

 

[upNdown]

@Thorn how has this system been working out In practice?

Yeah I’m curious too. They look a bit shallow to be effective with all containers, though it’s hard to tell for sure.

 

[Thorn]

Very happy with it. I'm actually using deeper cup holders than the original pictures. I'll get some current pics and post when I get a chance.

 

[Thorn]

As I said, I'm extremely happy with how these function. @upNdown you're right the original cup holders were way too shallow. Here are some more pics showing the deeper cup holders in various positions and a shot of the underside of the table. The last two games I've hosted we had 6 and then 7 players and everyone was able to spread out and take advantage of the extra space and the extra holders just swung out of the way.

 

[Thorn]

I'm actually thinking about retro-fitting my oval for these as well. I've started some new wooden holders that are sized for jumbo cup holders, and also 3D printed a support ring that will let me switch out to a medium sized cup holder if I want.

 

[upNdown]

As I said, I'm extremely happy with how these function. @upNdown you're right the original cup holders were way too shallow. Here are some more pics showing the deeper cup holders in various positions and a shot of the underside of the table. The last two games I've hosted we had 6 and then 7 players and everyone was able to spread out and take advantage of the extra space and the extra holders just swung out of the way.View attachment 1072214View attachment 1072215View attachment 1072216

Deep cupholders are magical. I should knock wood and I probably shouldn’t speak this at all, but I have spilled drinks in every room of the house except for the poker room. And it’s not for lack of trying. But with deep cupholders you can bang a drink in just about any kind of container and it’s like your guardian angel catches it.

 

[Thorn]

Added diagram to original post to help illustrate the cuts and assembly a little better. Hoping to start work on another table soon. Have been very happy with this approach so far.