Hi,
I would like to share my experiences with building a wargames table.
After starting epic I obviously needed something to play on, and the kitchen table is not big enough.
I couldn't find a folding table of 120X180 cm which I figured is the standard size for this type of things, so my options were to buy a commercial wargames table, or make one myself.
The commercial stuff is very nice, but also very expensive, and I wanted a flat table instead of textured table as it provides a base for adding terrain and more flexible IMHO.
So making one was the way I've picked. Looking at various tutorials, it soon was apparent that I can't get those materials here (Israel).
There are no insulation foam boards available and wood is heavy. So after some visits to arts stores I figured I'll try my way with foamcore boards.
I started planning the table, and after some failed attempts to draw an easy but strong plans, I settled on the following drawing:
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So after some calculations I bought 10 sheets of 100X70X1 cm foamcore boards.
actually the width turned out to be 9 mm which caused some trouble later on.
My plan was to make 6 cubes of 60X60X3 cm, which can be connected together to create the large size table. The plates will be placed on top of a folding table which I bought for cheap at the supermarket.
Using a hobby knife with a new blade (it is very important to use the sharpest blades when cutting foamcore, otherwise the foam inside may break),
I cut the following plates (all in cm):
10 plates of 60X60
2 plates of 60X40 and 20X60 (this will create the 2 remaining 60X60 plates needed)
10 plates of 60X3 (for the sides)
14 plates of 60X3 (but the middle 20X1 stripes were removed).
6 plates of 20X20 that will be placed in the middle of the boxes to stop the connector plates).
7 connector plates of 20X40 (will secure the boxes together)
Also used are lots of white glue, and some 1 mm cardboard plates.
The next step is to cut stipes off of the cut plates. It is hard to me to explain but I think the pictures show it well enough.
To glue two plates together, I removed 9mm stripe near the edge of the plate, and then glued them at that stripe. Pins were used to fasten the plates until the white glue has cured.
Here you can see some of the compononets used:
When I had six open top boxes, I placed the 20x20 rectangle in the middle. To highten them a bit (they are 9 mm and I needed 11) I glued a couple of cardboard rectangles as well.
Now the only thing remaining to finish the boxes, is to glue the top plate in place. Note that I've only had 10 sheets, so the last two plates were made of the 20X60 and 40X60 plates combined.
There is still work to do on it, so I hope to update soon (I still need to finish the boxes...).
I'll be happy to hear your advice and suggestions,
Eyal.
, I do hope it will not warp. I guess only time will tell...
