A great way to spend time with friends is to play a game like War machine or Dust warfare.They require a large area of flat, open space to stage the game.If you want to graduate to a dedicated wargaming table in time, you will need a kitchen table and floors.Pick out supplies, build a table and decorate it.
Step 1: Decide how big your table will be.
Different sized tables are called for in war games.The standard table size is 6'x4', but your game of choice may call for a different sized table.Ask others who play your game about the standard table size, and read the game's manual.
Step 2: You should get the table top.
There are sheets of 1” thickness at your local hardware store.Medium-density fiberboard, also known as MDF, is an alternative to plywood that is compressed and sealed with a glue.You may have to ask an attendant to cut your sheet.Most stores will give you a free service, so you don't have to do it yourself.The glue that holds the board together can be toxic if you don't cut it.It may be more expensive than Plywood.The amount of money you want to spend and the portable nature of the board will affect your decision.
Step 3: Purchase your baseboards.
The legs or frame of your table are formed by four pieces of wood called baseboards.Make sure to sketch out your table because buying baseboards requires a little calculation.You can choose between boards with a thickness of 1” and a width of 8” or 12” which are all standard sizes and easy to find.It will be difficult to calculate the length of the boards.To get the same size as the frame, you need to subtract 2 inches from the shorter sides.If you wanted to make a 6'x4' game board, you would have to buy 2x12's of 72" and 46" lengths.Let's try a 4'x4' board.There are two 1”x12”s of 48” in length for a 4'x4' frame.Ask an attendant to cut the wood for you.
Step 4: Decide on a piece of furniture.
The majority of gaming tables use felt and sand.Depending on the type of game you want to play, you can choose a covering.The cheap and easy to apply felt makes it a good surface.Sand helps keep your figures from sliding around on the table.There are other options, but felt and sand are the most common.You can find sand at your local hardware store.There are many types of sand that can be found at craft stores.Pick the type that best fits into your budget and one that matches the aesthetic of your game.You can buy felt at the store.All you have to do is bring the bolt you want cut to the store and they will cut it for you.If you want to stretch it around the edges, buy a piece slightly larger than your table.It's a good idea to choose the one that fits your game the best.
Step 5: There are some supplies that you should gather.
There are a few things you need after you have your wood and table.You can either have them at home or buy extra.Some white glue, a bucket, wide paintbrush, power drill, 2” wood screws, and coarse sandpaper can be found.
Step 6: The frame should be made.
The base of your table is the frame, so you want it to be strong.You will need wood screws, a drill, and long baseboards for this step.If you can't hold the boards and drill at the same time, ask a friend to help.An L shape can be made by holding a longer board and a shorter board together.Make sure that the angle is as close to 90 degrees as you can make it, with the longer board on the outside of the "L." Drive three screws through the long board and into the short board so that they can be fastened together.You need to hold the remaining board against the L to make another L.The L shape will be formed with the shorter board sandwiched between the two longer ones.The screws are the same as the first one, one in the middle and one at each end, through the long board and into the short.The remaining short board has a screw in it.At this point, you will have a U shape, with two long boards screwed into the short board.The shape will be closed by the remaining short board.Place it in the gap between the long boards to form 90 degree angles with each, then screw it into the short board.Make sure the frame is strong.There should be no gaps between the boards.If there are gaps or spots in which the boards aren't secure, tighten the screw in that area.
Step 7: It's a good idea to screw in your table.
The frame should be placed on the flat table.It should be the same size as your frame.Make sure to mark three points on each side of the table where you will screw into the frame.Attach a screw to each spot you marked.
Step 8: You can apply sand or felt.
You will have a different step at this point depending on which tabletop you chose.Both surfaces need to be Glued to the table, and both need some attention to make sure that the application is even.If your table is large, ask a friend for help.If you want to apply sand, apply the white glue first.Make sure the application is even.Apply sand with consistency over the board, then spread it around with your hands or the brush.Take some off as necessary until you achieve the right look.To apply felt, first glue the top of the table and the edges with a wide paintbrush.Use a flat object, like the edge of a book, to smooth out any raised areas in the felt.The felt should be pressed down over the edges for a neater appearance.Small nails or a stapler can be used to affix felt to the table.
Step 9: Allow the glue to dry.
The glue needs time to dry after you add sand or felt.Check to make sure the board is dry after 24 hours.Leave the glue for a few more hours if it still feels tacky.
Step 10: The edges should be sanded.
Plywood and lumber have coarse edges that can cause splinters.The edges and joints of your table can be softened by using medium grit sandpaper.Run your hands around the edges to make sure you don't miss anything.
Step 11: It's a good idea to paint the table.
You may want to paint the table if you covered it with sand.Depending on the game you play, a layer of brown or red paint may give your board a more realistic feel.Wait until the glue has dried completely, then apply paint to the dry surface.
Step 12: You can decorate the base.
You will use the board for a long time.You can personalize your board by getting creative and decorating it.Add symbols or stickers to the base after painting it.If you want to create a board that is truly your own, take your imagination as far as you can.
Step 13: Think about terrain ideas for your board.
It will need to be prepared for your game now that you have built it.Different games require different terrain and players spend a lot of time building battle arenas.You can find ideas on how to proceed further in your game manual or at war gaming shops.