Game Table

[Gordon Stump]

My daughter asked for a custom game table that doubles as a dining room table. Being in my golden years, I never heard of a game table that is also a dining room table. After doing a cursory google search I realized that this is a cottage industry. I plan on using walnut I have in stock for the frame and legs and maple for the leaves. The leaves will be set in. I would like to use solid wood for the 4 leaves but am worried about warping. Veneered maple plywood seems ok for this application but I really like working with solid hardwood whenever possible.

Do to think 4 3' x 1' leaves of glued up 3/4" stock might be ok and not warp? Of course they would be finished on both sides. 414673

[Matt Day]

Just curious, what’s the difference between a dining table and a game table?

[Gordon Stump]

414689I should have posted this pic as well. The leaves are lifted off to reveal a pit. All kinds of accessories are hung on the sides to prevent dumping in the pit. These gamers are serous!!

[Matt Day]

Ah, interesting. I’ll have to look it up, as that would make a nice poker table.

[Tom Paulley]

The Wood Whisperer has a Guild Build for a gaming/dining table: https://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/gaming-dining-table/

[Gordon Stump]

Thanks Tom. Yea, I checked out the little video. Once I saw he hung the pit bed from the raids independent of the legs and aprons I was off to the races. I do not have a large vacuum bag so I cannot veneer like he did. Still pondering solid leaves or maple ply.

[Jamie Buxton]

Well, the leaves are removable and replaceable. You could make them with solid lumber, and if you find they warp too much, replace them with veneered sheet goods.

[Jamie Buxton]

Where do the leaves go when the table is being used for gaming? Can you somehow store them underneath the table?

[Gordon Stump]

Good advice. We make stuff so we can make more stuff. Regarding storing the leaves, if there is enough knee room I will definitely make a couple hanging shelves underneath.

Thanks

[Jon McElwain]

You'll want to look up "The Prophecy" game table by Wyrmwood. Pretty impressive table with features like a mechanical lift system, waterproof cover, magnetic accessory holders, etc.

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[Gordon Stump]

Thanks John. Yea, high end woodworkers in Europe and the US are making fantastic game tables. Mine is made from solid walnut with maple leaves. My daughter said they want poker foam and speed cloth for the pit. Huh? I googled it and jeez, gamers and their tables are everywhere. Who knew!! I don't do big stuff anymore but using traditional woodworking techniques again is a joy.

[Corey Pelton]

I built the WW gaming table, using mahogany. Fantastic design. Love the G&G bridle joints.

[Gordon Stump]

Did you veneer the leaves?

[Gordon Stump]

Corey,

The WW table is fantastic. I already cut the top frame for mitered joints when I saw his video. Congratulations on building that table.

[Corey Pelton]

Corey,

The WW table is fantastic. I already cut the top frame for mitered joints when I saw his video. Congratulations on building that table.

I learned a ton building this table. The friend I built it for decided he wanted it square. So I had to adjust a few things

Gordon, I did veneer the leaves. Used an iron on though, no vacuum clamping. Turned out great.
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[Gordon Stump]

415314I decided to use veneer for the leaves. They need to be dadoed (is that a word?) down 1/8" + room for felt tape to make them flush with the frame. My daughter likes the contrast so the leaves will be varnished to add some amber. This solid walnut game table was fun. I will add some pics when finished. Thanks for all the good advice.

Gordon

[Gordon Stump]

415643415644 Lazy photographer but the game table is done and ready to deliver to my daughter's family. Menards (I never shop there but someone gave us a gift card) had 2 kinds of 3/4" x 4' x 8' birch ply. One was cheaper and very different. Very white with little swirls of grain. It weights a ton. I counted 12 plys without the top and bottom veneer. I think it is a liquidated product originally sold as a "Baltic birch" knock off. It was cheaper than the other birch ply. It is flat and I am pleased with the product even though it weighs as much as mdf.

Thanks for viewing!

[Phil Mueller]

Wow, turned out really nice, Gordon. You do good work. Keep that up, and it won’t be the last request from family:D

[Gordon Stump]

Wow, turned out really nice, Gordon. You do good work. Keep that up, and it won’t be the last request from family:D

Thanks Phil