I built a 37 1/2' x 37 1/2' gaming table top, this is to be used for Miniature Games, Board Games, and anything that might require having to move it out of the way to use the table for meals.

One piece of furniture that I would love to get / make is a gaming table that can double as a dinning room table or coffee table. So in the mean time I built a Table Top Gaming Table Top, this a portable table top that games can be set up on and carefully moved out of the way and set a side. I figured that I could do this using the tools that I have and make it look rather nice if I took my time. I think it turned out alright, and I can't wait to use it to play some Games!

Step 1: So You Want to Build a Table Top Gaming Table Top

What was used for this project was:

Tools:

Miter Box w/ Saw
Cordless Drill
Screw Driver Attachment
3/8 Wood Paddle Bit
3/32 Drill Bit
Carpenters Square
2X 3inch Clamps
Tape Measure
Pencil
Hammer

Materials:

2X 1"x2"x8' Poppler
1X 1"x2"x8' Pine
1X 1"x4"x6' Pine
1X 1/4"x4"x8' Sheet (I had it cut at the Hardware Store 2X 37'x37' pieces plus the end cuts)
Box of wood Screws
Box of oak 3/8 plugs
Sand paper 100, 150. 220 Grit
Wood Glue
Wood Stain in Sealer
Tack Cloth
M77 Spray adhesive
Felt 38'x60' (should have enough to make two)

Step 2: M77 Spray Adhesive (the Good Stuff)

The first big part of the project was adhering the felt to the 1/4" sheet, I did this first so that I could then take my measurements from that to make the framing. The big thing was first rolling the felt and then spraying in little sections at a time. I first sprayed one edge and placed the rolled felt down pulled it tight and then smoothed it out with my hand. I waited about 30 seconds after I sprayed the adhesive for it to get tacky, that seemed to work best.

Step 3: Gluing Down the Corners of the Felt

When gluing down the corners of the felt I cut the end to square it off, and then folded one side over, then the other side over the first. This left a tail on the corner ends. I later went back after the glue had dried and cut the end off flush.

The trick was to again spray the glue down and wait till it started to get tacky. Once tacky it held the felt in place when rolling the felt over the edges keep it pulled tight this will help to keep it smooth.

Step 4: Measure Twice Cut Once.

At this point the glue on the felt is drying, and the ends will be cut flush soon.

Measured the Board with the pieces of on each end to get a close proximity of the length. 39 1/2 " That measurement was consistent throughout the piece.

1. Double Check Measurements
2. Cut four pieces 40"

I cut them long for the next step.

Step 5: Cut the Pieces to the Correct Size

Once I had the four pieces cut:

1. Clapped all the pieces together (making one end flush)
2. Measuring 39 1/2"
3. Using the Carpenters Square to make a line
4. Placing in the Miter box to cut all the pieces together

Step 6: Cut Out the Notches for the Ends

When cutting the notches out for the ends of the frame.

1. measure the area that would be cut out, it ended up being a 3/4 inch section
2. marked the area that needed to be removed with an X (I did this on all the pieces before I made any cuts)
3. use the miter box to make the first cut on the horizontal (I also kept all the pieces before clamped together)
4. Then cut the vertical sections out

After both ends are cut out it is time to sand them a little.

Step 7: Build the Frame

To Build the Frame:

1. us the carpenters square to get a 90 degree angle on the corner
2. clamp the pieces in place
3. with a sharpie mark on the drill bit the depth to be drilled
4. drill holes
5. repeat for each corner and support pieces

Step 8: Glue in Plugs

For the end plugs:

1. put a drop of wood glue in each hole
2. us a quetip to spread the glue around the hole
3. place plug in hole and tap into place with a hammer
4. with a wet paper towel wipe off any glue that may come out of the hole after the plug has been tapped into place
5. continue 1-4 till all holes are plugged
6. once glue drys (I waited 2 days) sand smooth

I used the Oak plugs to give it a contrasting look to the finished look. If you don't want to us wood plugs, you could easily just counter sink the screws or us wood filler to cover up the holes.

Step 9: Dry Fit, Then Attach Board to Frame

Dry fit the board to the frame:

1. place the board in the frame
2. so long as it fits then you can finish the frame however you feel fit
3. once you have finished the frame place the board back in it and screw it to the frame

I stained the frame with a stain and seal product.

Step 10: Enjoy!!!

I have used the board a couple of times now, mostly for Games of X-wing. But it will see more use for board games in the future.

I think with the next one I build I'll use black felt instead of grey.