Gaming Dining Table

Marc Spagnuolo

An elegant Gaming Dining Table that contains storage as well as various inserts for gaming, playing cards, puzzles, or family projects. The table will also feature some clever add-ons like cup holders and tablet supports. Even if you’re not into gaming, the table design will look good in anyone’s kitchen or dining room! The table measures 78"L x 38" W x 31" H. The play area of the table is 64"L x 30"W x 2 1/4" D. When the lid is removed the depth increases to 3 1/4".

Also included in this project is a special bonus video and plan for a scaled-down version of the table we call the Gaming Coffee Table, which measures 48 3/4”L x 26”W x 17 1/8”H.

  • 14 lessons
  • 223 min
  • $79.00

Here's what we'll cover:

  1. Gaming Dining Table Project Tour

    A quick look at the Gaming Dining Table project details.

  2. The Wood

    A look at the materials for the project as well as layout strategy and rough-cutting.

  3. The Legs

    Each leg is glued up, mortised, and tapered to final shape.

  4. The Accessory Rails

    The rails (or aprons) feature a special track system for accessories and big beefy tenons!

  5. The Top Frame

    The frame comes together with beautiful proud bridle joinery.

  6. The Sub-Frame

    The sub-frame creates a point of attachment for our table top while providing a nice rectangular recessed play area.

  7. Base Assembly

    Cutting and notching our bottom panel, finish prep, and installing the support strips.

  8. Panel Cores

    The top panels are cut to size and surrounded with a mitered frame.

  9. Panel Veneering

    Veneer is cut and glued to our top core panels using a vacuum press.

  10. Panel Fitting

    The top is trimmed to final size, rabbets are cut, and the lift mechanism is installed.

  11. Accessories

    The accessory rail accommodates all kinds of add-ons that make the Gaming Dining Table even MORE functional!

  12. Table Inserts

    The versatility of the table is increased even further with various inserts.

  13. The Finish

    My finish of choice is shellac followed by wipe-on poly and a special polishing process that produces a flawless finish!

  14. Gaming Coffee Table

    A special bonus project.

What will I receive?

  • Detailed cut list and plans including a PDF and a SketchUp file (metric and imperial).
  • A special bonus plan for a scaled-down version of the table we call the Gaming Coffee Table.
  • Hours of detailed video instruction (13 videos) showing every step of the build, from wood selection to finishing, plus one additional video showing highlights of the Gaming Coffee Table build.
  • All videos and plans are digital and will be available for download upon purchase. Closed Captioning available.

What will I learn?

  • Wood Selection
  • Mortise & Tenon Joinery
  • How to Make Large Proud Bridle Joints
  • Making a T-Slot Accessory Rail
  • Lamination for Thick Legs
  • Cutting Tapers
  • Making Shop-Made Jigs
  • Cutting Home-Sawn Veneer
  • Mitering plywood panels
  • Using a Vacuum Press For Veneering
  • Applying Speed Cloth to an Insert
  • Cutting Plexiglass Inserts
  • Making Accessories for an Accessory Rail
  • Shellac and Wiping Poly Finish
  • How to Polish a Finish

What will I need?

  • Lumber estimate: 10 BF of 4/4 stock, 46 BF 8/4 stock, 2 sheets of 3/4″ plywood, and 1 sheet of 1/4″ plywood. Bell Forest Lumber Kits available here (Guild members get 10% off with code).

  • Jointer, Planer, Table Saw, Chop Saw, Band Saw, Router w/ Edge Guide, Drill
  • Rockler T-Slot Bit
  • T-Slot Bolts (1 1/2 1/4-20)
  • Brass Knurled Nuts
  • 1/4 – 1/2 Spiral Straight Bit (for router-cut mortises)
  • 1/4 Spiral Straight Bit
  • 1/2 Router Guide Bushing
  • 1/4 Drill Bit (Brad Point preferred)
  • 1/2 Forstner Bit

Nice to Have:

Drum Sander & Vacuum Press – The table top, as shown, is made from a plywood core and shop-made veneer. You could eliminate the need for a Drum Sander by purchasing commercial veneer. You could also eliminate the need for a Vacuum Press by constructing a shop-made veneer press. Finally, you can eliminate both the Drum Sander and Vacuum Press by simply purchasing high-quality plywood with the face veneer of your choosing. Note that you’ll need to make some minor changes to the plan to account for a thinner top.

Reviews:

Has anyone had any success in modifying the plans to support a TV for a virtual table top? I can find a reasonably priced tv of depth 2.6 inches

Greg
Guild Member

So I am planning to order lumber from bell forest, but want to make it longer. Beyond just refiguring the plans with longer wood pieces do I need to be concerned with any other issues? I want to make a table about 114 inches long. I am worried about structural support issues. Thanks in advance.

ben
Guild Member

Gaming Table

Just watched all the videos! Marc has a great talent for teaching. Very very informational! I can’t wait to start this project!

David
Guild Member
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About Your Instructor:

Marc is a podcaster, video producer, woodworking enthusiast, and author of Hybrid Woodworking and Essential Joinery. He has contributed articles and video content to FineWoodworking.com, Popular Woodworking Magazine, WOOD Magazine, and Woodcraft Magazine. He is also the host of The Wood Whisperer, an instructional woodworking video series that’s been going strong since 2006. He is also one of the hosts of the Wood Talk podcast. He has taught classes at the William Ng School, Marc Adams School, Weekend with Wood, Fine Woodworking Live, as well as at various Rockler and Woodcraft stores. He also speaks periodically at woodworking events like AWFS and IWF.