Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Jul 29, 2006 10:46pm | #1

   A couple of comments.

   • Most of the tables shown in the pictures have a large unsupported expanse.  MDF might give you some serious sagging under that circumstance.
   • MDF is heavy, heavy, heavy! 
   • MDF tables that I have used in rental places (churches, the Grange) have not held screws very well.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

2. 
   fredsmart | Jul 30, 2006 06:56am | #2

   how inexpensive do you want it? 

   1/4" birch ply on top of a torsion box.  paint it - cover with naughide or felt  

   1/4 hardboard on top of a torsion box. 

   do you want side rails  if you do then 1 x and cut a dado in the so you have 3/4 above the table the rest under. 

    

3. 
   ring | Jul 30, 2006 07:52am | #3

   MDF will suit your purpose here, but you need to take its characteristics into account.  It's easy to work with the usual carbide tools, but the dust is nasty stuff.  You must have efficient DC.  It paints very well, much better than ply, but you need to preseal the edges with something because they soak up finish like a sponge.  There have been old threads about this on Knots; some people like me use drywall compound for the edges.  Your 7' span will need support.  I'd make the top with torsion box technique, using 1/2" MDF.  You'll get a stiffer and lighter top than bracing 3/4" MDF from underneath.  Still, it is relatively heavy stuff.  Make sure the top and legs can separate for transport.

   DR

4. 
   bones | Jul 30, 2006 07:04pm | #4

   Never made one, but watch norm make a dandy, and did not appear to be to expensive except for the materials that showed. Here's the link you and order plans and the video.

   http://www.newyankee.com/getproduct3.cgi?0604

   Good luck and don't forget to post some pic's.

5. 
   mike4244 | Aug 01, 2006 03:39am | #5

   Buy folding table leg sets. Glue up poplar boards or use a hardwood plywood for the table.You can stain, paint etc . Anything cheaper would be something like cdx on cinder blocks.

   mike

1. 
   81treehouse | Aug 02, 2006 01:52am | #6

   <<cdx on cinder blocks>>

   Hmmmm.  Painted or unpainted?  LOL  :-)

    A bad day woodworking is better than a good day working -- yes, I'm retired!

1. 
   mike4244 | Aug 02, 2006 03:03am | #7

   Painted of course!I'm supposed to be retired, will be again when I finish my son's 1400 sq ft addition.

   mike

1. 
   Calendyr | Aug 04, 2006 03:29am | #8

   Thanks for the comments everyone.

   I guess making a torsion box would cost as much if not more than using plywood, so I don't see the point.  As for using a Dado... the edges of the table is where people will put their weight on, I doubt I can make it solid enough.   I guess I will have to use 2 types of plywood, cheap one for the base and better one for the racetrack.  I can also use the portion I will cut out (middle) for the good quality plywood to make a regular table for other type games.

   I went shopping for wood at Home Depot and I find their prices really steep... Any advice on where to buy cheaper plywood in Canada (I am in Montreal)?  My guess is that lumber yards will have better prices, I will have to see if there are any nearby.

   Now, what should I use?

   For the base of the table, pine good? It's the cheapest type right?

   For the racetrack, what would be best for wood without knots and ok appearance? I don't mind staining.  Poplar is cheap from what I understand.  Heard it was not that good looking but once stained it should do ok right?  If not what would be best?Now for protection of the racetrack, I am in a bind.  People might put drinks on it, not alcoolic drinks, would be soft drinks and that type of thing... so that leaves out water based.  Would you guys go with oil based finish or use wax?  Oil is pretty much out of the question since there is fabric on the table and people would move poker chips from the race track to the fabric all day.I will use folding legs, very unexpensive, 18$ for a set here in Montreal.  Would prefer something nicer looking but cheap is the name of the game ;)Oh one last thing, I have never used a router... if you use a router on plywood, does it work well or will the plywood break off unevenly and make holes in the surface?  If so what is the best way to remove sharp corners from plywood?

   Thanks again for the advice, and looking forward for some more ;)