bladeiai's Epic 40K table build thread!

[bladeiai]

I have played Warhammer on everything from dining room tables, ping pong tables, to the floor (as I'm sure most of you have). When I recently moved to a larger place I finally had the room to have a room that can be dedicated to nothing but the grim dark, so instead of going out and just buying a dining room table or some kind make shift "it will work well enough" kind of product I decided I wanted something that looked the part of a 40k table and gave players a sense of awe when they saw it.

So this is my project log for producing said table. I have never made anything out of wood or tried to make any kind of furniture before, so it has been quite the learning experience.

I knew I wanted a larger table as my local group tends to play larger games with super heavies regularly. The biggest the room could support was 8x4ft, so that is what I went with. I also wanted it to be counter or bar height as I feel it will be much more comfortable to play with out having to lean over all the time. I wanted LED lighting and also really wanted to have some kind of fog effect but have thus far not been able to come up with a viable solution. Fog machines get very hot and the liquid they work with can leave an oily residue, not good for painted miniatures. I also looked into ultrasonic foggers but they don't seem to work very well from what I have read. If anyone has any ideas please let me know! I would love to figure out a solution to this.

I decided to go with pine as it is the most reasonable and the budget for this project is already kind of out of control.

Now some pictures!

This is the way we used to play at my old 1bedroom apartment we just moved away from:
http://s28.postimg.org/ktpptsisd/20141205_174852.jpg

What it looks like when you and your friend get a bunch of lumber and load it into a compact car:
http://s17.postimg.org/v72nnychb/20141209_205009.jpg

First load of wood delivered and ready to go:
http://s13.postimg.org/bgz244xh3/20141209_213007.jpg

None of this would be any fun without.... power tools.
http://s13.postimg.org/8qpq6y0s7/20141210_193038.jpg

Work begins!:
http://s3.postimg.org/7p8cmfgeb/20141211_192838.jpg

Stay tuned! More to come soon!

[40kGamer]

If it's at all possible I highly recommend adding shelving underneath. I have one shelf ~1" above floor level and another that splits the difference. It is awesome to be able to store things underneath!

On a side note I used 2" pine lumber for shelves and framing and used a big sheet of 1/2" mdf for the main surface. Mdf has proven to work better than plywood but it hates moisture so it may not work for your setup.

Best of luck!

[bladeiai]

The frame together:
http://s17.postimg.org/9z37v4j3j/20141211_223832.jpg

My better half posing with the top and bottom frames for scale/height:
http://s21.postimg.org/b0w66xu4n/20141213_222543.jpg

Progressing a little more... Sides and the corner columns are starting to come together:
http://s13.postimg.org/s5wd5olmf/20141214_183613.jpg

The Servo Skulls that will go on top of each of the columns:
http://s21.postimg.org/labm9h13b/20141214_183811.jpg

Base of the play area is in and one of the columns is more together:
http://s14.postimg.org/f3s5y3x1d/20141215_221251.jpg

Stay tuned! More to come soon!

- - - Updated - - -


If it's at all possible I highly recommend adding shelving underneath. I have one shelf ~1" above floor level and another that splits the difference. It is awesome to be able to store things underneath!

On a side note I used 2" pine lumber for shelves and framing and used a big sheet of 1/2" mdf for the main surface. Mdf has proven to work better than plywood but it hates moisture so it may not work for your setup.

Best of luck!

Thanks man! I am putting shelving in the "legs" and then also running selves/boards that are open on both sides between the two feet so that I can store terrain boards under when not in use. I am using pine for the whole table with the exception of the frame which is made from regular lumber.

[40kGamer]

The recessed top looks really nice. Quite the cool project! :)

[bladeiai]

The recessed top looks really nice. Quite the cool project! :)
Thanks! I wanted it to have an "enclosed" kind of feeling and for it to feel like a substantial piece of furniture.

Now more pictures!

I placed screws every 3 inches along the hand railings, both to give it some detail and what I think will ultimately play in to the 40k theme and also to give some quick measurement assistance for shooting/moving and deployment:
http://s4.postimg.org/55windm4d/20141215_221317.jpg

A quick test fit with my Realm of battle board (good news.... it fits!):
http://s2.postimg.org/7v7sd5hyx/20141215_221527.jpg

Another quick test on the lighting effects:
http://s9.postimg.org/symqbv65r/20141215_224855.jpg
http://s29.postimg.org/hdhm15ojr/20141215_224950.jpg
http://s23.postimg.org/mxburifwr/20141215_225010.jpg

This is kind of the look that the servo skulls will have on the columns:
http://s14.postimg.org/mkfbjd1j5/20141215_232336.jpg

Pay no attention to the loose boards in various places, everything will be squared up and screwed down once it's finished.

Stay tuned! More to come later...

[Ben_S]

So I take it that this table isn't actually for Epic 40k...

[bladeiai]

So I take it that this table isn't actually for Epic 40k...

At some point it probably will be used for that lol.

[40kGamer]

So I take it that this table isn't actually for Epic 40k...

That was my first thought when I clicked the link too! :)

[Xantio]

Epic Table not table for EPIC :)

[bladeiai]

I promise that at some point we will play a game of Epic 40k on it and a 40k Game that is Epic, just so there is no confusion lol.

Also we are having a house warming/winterpocalypse game that is going to clock in at 21,000 points that I hope will be rather epic....
http://s18.postimg.org/q2mmkmos9/APOC_house_warming_Flyer_2.jpg

[bladeiai]

Another update!

The rest of the Servo Skulls have arrived:
http://s3.postimg.org/4i4xsj5vn/20141219_085239.jpg

The trim detail is installed around the sides:
http://s23.postimg.org/vcioi8aaj/20141219_085149.jpg

Some gratuitous play area shots with LEDs on:
http://s17.postimg.org/qtnco3em7/20141219_085106.jpg
http://s2.postimg.org/f60qqu2kp/20141219_085129.jpg

and one last regular old boring table shot:
http://s13.postimg.org/sepxzwh6f/20141219_085312.jpg

That's all for now! I should be about finished up with the upper part of the tables construction soon, and then on to staining!

[bladeiai]

Merry Christmas!

And a little update, this is the prototype for the modular dice trays I will be making to attach to the sides of the table.
http://s23.postimg.org/9l3eg8crf/20141221_095313.jpg

Also we played a test game on the table last night, and I'm very happy to report that the table is the perfect height for playing. I was rather worried it would be to high just because it looks so much taller than normal furniture.

A little more progress on the dice tray:
http://s21.postimg.org/f0iqmq8lj/20141224_224635_1.jpg

Both of the light systems in and the columns starting to get capped:
http://s12.postimg.org/4lzy6cqzh/20141224_224645.jpg

The columns are capped and ready to have the holes drilled to mount the serve skulls!
http://s27.postimg.org/t88rvygjn/20141225_214505.jpg

Hopefully I will have more time to get this finished up once the holidays have passed...

Stay tuned!

[BigGrim]

It looks gorgeous mate!

[bladeiai]

It looks gorgeous mate!

Thanks!

Another brief update, though not so table related... I guess it kind of is. I had to take a break from the actual building to make some terrain for the upcoming game. SOOO this is what I have been building:
(Please excuse the mess...)
http://s1.postimg.org/t74u1yqof/20141229_232344.jpg

The family posing by the table:
http://s1.postimg.org/wf9bf0cy7/FAM2.jpg

And finally some of the new terrain on the table:
http://s1.postimg.org/m6gu96owf/20141230_082306.jpg

I still have a bunch more terrain to build and I need to craft a massive city defense wall out of plasticard... then all I have to do is finish the table, stain and seal the table, paint a secret weapon tablescapes board, some of my army & paint all the terrain... before the 11th... no problem.

- - - Updated - - -

And finally.... Some staining!

http://s13.postimg.org/47m16yux3/20150101_095458.jpg

http://s13.postimg.org/urem93vgn/20150101_123315.jpg

http://s13.postimg.org/udda9ibd3/20150101_123328.jpg

http://s13.postimg.org/jci54hj47/20150101_123356.jpg

http://s13.postimg.org/jvrtrhzwn/20150101_213103.jpg

I haven't been able to seal it or finish up the trim on the bookcase supports yet and stain them, so that should be next.

Stay tuned! More to come!

[Darren Richardson]

man that is turning out to be one sweet table, I so wish I owned my own home so I could build one for myself....

[bladeiai]

man that is turning out to be one sweet table, I so wish I owned my own home so I could build one for myself....
I actually rent our place, which is why it is designed to fit out the door lol. And thank you very kindly for the compliment!

I have managed to get the table pretty much set up for the game And I couldn't help myself... I did a little photo shoot using my Chaos Space Marines and Eldar armies:

http://s23.postimg.org/gqgrv1z5n/20150107_220540.jpg
http://s23.postimg.org/4xedd3dbv/20150107_220708.jpg
http://s23.postimg.org/sn3t1sbp7/20150107_224046.jpg
http://s23.postimg.org/tfb2eq5a3/20150107_224141.jpg
http://s23.postimg.org/e1csdjewr/20150107_224224.jpg
http://s23.postimg.org/v0lqssq4b/20150107_224420.jpg
http://s23.postimg.org/4ak21b5tn/20150107_224509.jpg
http://s23.postimg.org/z7b6lvf3v/20150107_224843.jpg
http://s23.postimg.org/vst05qjp7/20150108_082759.jpg
http://s23.postimg.org/n0c1i1ykb/20150108_082837.jpg

Sorry for the photo dump! More to come soon!

[BigGrim]

Phenomenal!

[DrLove42]

Holy crap on a cracker. That is gorgeous. Much jealousy from me.

[51badger]

You wouldn't need to adopt a 42 year old from the central U.S. would you? Awesome table good sir!!!!

[ashhaas]

I'm been planning on starting a similar project for many months now, and I have a bajillion questions.

-What height is your playing surface? What is the length width of your playing area? …and the whole table?
-What is the height from your playing surface to the perimeter edge? …and did that height work out for you pros/cons?
-How'd you do the LEDs? A/C power? Is the multi-color just a function of the string you bought?

Sorry to inundate you with these questions. I'm only asking because you're doing an amazing job. The biggest obstacle holding me back was finding heavy, wooden legs with decorative moulding that didn't cost me a ton of money. Your leg construction has inspired me to make my own.

Really…a great job!

[Ice8822]

OMG. I rarely post, but logged in specially, just to say wow!

[bladeiai]

I'm been planning on starting a similar project for many months now, and I have a bajillion questions.

-What height is your playing surface? What is the length width of your playing area? …and the whole table?
-What is the height from your playing surface to the perimeter edge? …and did that height work out for you pros/cons?
-How'd you do the LEDs? A/C power? Is the multi-color just a function of the string you bought?

Sorry to inundate you with these questions. I'm only asking because you're doing an amazing job. The biggest obstacle holding me back was finding heavy, wooden legs with decorative moulding that didn't cost me a ton of money. Your leg construction has inspired me to make my own.

Really…a great job!

The playing height of the table it 40" and it is 4ft x 8ft of actual playing area. the actual dimensions of the table I am not 100% sure of be without counting the pillars it's probably about 8' 6" x 4' 4", with the pillars it's probably more like 8' 10" x 4' 8". From the playing surface to the perimeter edge is about 6", but that is without the gaming board in, the realm of battle board is between .5" to 4" depending on the hills etc, and the secret weapon board it about .5" tall as a well. As far as the height goes, I personally love it. It is much closer to eye level than any board I have played on before and thus makes you feel more immersed in the game, as you are much closer to the view that a model would have. As far as pros and cons I think it's one of those things that some people will like and other will not. The only real pros I can think of is that it seems much easier to draw line of sight than low tables and the only con I can think of is that because of the lip for the LEDs it makes it somewhat cumbersome to use the 1" on each of the long sides as its kind of under the ledge, but at the same time it's still easier than dealing with moving infantry around in ruins I have played with and as such is nothing I would try to change as it is necessary for the LED strips.
The LEDs are these: http://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-72344-Mosaic-Flexible-Light/dp/B008COVFUA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420899591&sr=8-1&keywords=sylvania+mosaic
And consist of a starter kit and extension on each side which can be controlled independently. The hardware is inside the "pillars" and they are controlled by wireless remote. All of the functions come stock with the kits.

Let me know if you have any more questions and thank you for the compliments and best of luck on your own build! And make sure you do a build thread as I'm sure like many others here, I would love to see what you come up with!

[bladeiai]

Thanks to everyone that came out for the game, I hope you had as much fun as I did. It was really a blast!

And now some pictures!

http://s18.postimg.org/bbw4lvjl5/20150111_090753.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/tytmel533/20150111_090802.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/glqhbz08v/20150111_110424.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/pw76t90cf/20150111_110429.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/eig24b0fz/20150111_110440.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/54a4kik8v/20150111_110521.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/583y0rpq7/20150111_111649.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/feh4xhzi7/20150111_111657.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/btl9e9uyn/20150111_114118.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/ah3kcdxj3/20150111_114404.jpg

I have some more pictures I will post after someone replies as I can only post 10 pictures at a time = )

[BigGrim]

That's just awesome!

[bladeiai]

That's just awesome!
Thanks! These are the rest of the pictures:
http://s9.postimg.org/hpf71oa9r/20150111_124547.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/u085lqwan/20150111_131254.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/4wr31qynz/20150111_143533.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/86a3lyc5b/20150111_143543.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/v90ml4dmn/20150111_143546.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/m2ibxu8e7/20150111_163628.jpg

[bladeiai]

I never got around to updating the thread because I keep thinking I'm going to find the time for the final push to get it finished... I did get some work done on the feet:

Finishing work and molding on base:
http://s7.postimg.org/4y0pggciz/20150224_115237.jpg

Runner LED lights installed:
http://s7.postimg.org/7016upai3/20150228_190833.jpg

Closer shot of the base with the LEDs on:
http://s7.postimg.org/hycgcvz3f/20150228_192034.jpg

Back/inside of the bases:
http://s7.postimg.org/v51wceusr/20150305_112457.jpg

Stained base (stained not sealed, had the red LEDs on again for some reason)
http://s7.postimg.org/y82mfs9rf/20150305_112559.jpg

That is where it sits now...
I'll try not to take so long with the next update...

Until next time!

[Khastarax]

Thats amazing! Will be coming back here to steal some of your idea's!

[energongoodie]

Well played bladeiai....well played.

[bladeiai]

Thanks guys!

[Warren Greenwood]

Thanks guys!

Been a year almost.. Ever get this finished? :) Just curious..

[Shibboleth]

That's a fantastic table. Just lovely.

Slightly offtopic, but who makes the space corridors featured in that previous picture? They look interesting to play Spacehulk style fights