Change a GC4 into a T-day serving table?

fd_colorado

fd_colorado

Go Pack Go!!!
Silver Member
My question is: Has anyone tried something lightweight like foam core board or something similar with good results?

If so, what material did you use, what was your design and how much did it cost?

Thanks
 
fd_colorado said:
My question is: Has anyone tried something lightweight like foam core board or something similar with good results?

If so, what material did you use, what was your design and how much did it cost?

Thanks
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I hadn't done this, but I'd think a 4' x 8' piece of plywood, covered by a waterproof barrier and topped with a nice table cloth will do ya just dandy.

What time shall we show up? ;)
 
yult ! and maybe uncle jed can put a few notches and sharpen up the potpassers so granny don't have to get up !!:rolleyes:
 
I've seen somewhere .... someone who makes a vinyl covered foam insert that fits INSIDE the rails and brings the table up to the same level as the rails. Benefit of this system is that it doesn't raise the overall height of the table and makes it easier to eat upon.
 
??

Aren't they all a little too high and dont the sides kinda get in the way of sliding in towards the table?
 
fd_colorado said:
My question is: Has anyone tried something lightweight like foam core board or something similar with good results?

If so, what material did you use, what was your design and how much did it cost?

Thanks
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It comes with a nice green tablecloth and 6 iced tea glass holders. Where's the problem?
 
I made mine as follows:

I bought 3 pieces of ¾” 4’ X 8’ cabinet grade maple plywood from Home Depot. They usually cost about $25.00 per sheet at this time of year if they have a special for cabinet makers.

I don’t remember the exact dimensions for my Gold Crown III but each of three sheets is about 54” X 38” or so. They were made to go from edge to edge (no over hang) and the length of the table.

Cut three 2” X 4” X 48” pine pieces. Rip one of these to about 3/4" thick and tack to the spacer so it is the height of your table from the bed to the top of the rails. The 2 1/4" X 4 length is about 1” short of the width of the inside of the pool table between the rails. Lay a piece of plywood on the table. Place the ripped 2 1/4" X 4 half way under the edge of the plywood. The next piece of plywood butts to the first piece and lays on the other half of the 2 1/4 X 4 spacer board. The second 2 1/4" X 4" is placed at the next intersection and then the last piece of plywood.

I did try a couple of types of fastener systems but quickly learned that nothing is needed (even when we use it as a ping pong table). Seems the plywood sheets are heavy enough to stay in place and the table cloths hold whatever is needed for the children.

We have used this table top for about five years now and have had no problem with it. My wife places a flannel sheet on the plywood and then two overlapping pieces of plastic picnic table cloths on that and then her fine lace table cloth.

I made six benches from the same plywood and used veneer tape to finish the edges. This required maybe two ¾” 4 X 8 sheets (can’t remember exactly) of maple plywood plus the "scraps" from the table top. I finished the benches with red Mahogany stain and polyurethane to match the pool table and have one or two benches in the room during the year. The rest are stored in the garage on a set of hooks made for storage. The table seats 16 (we have several grandchildren and they don’t take much room). Seats 10 - 12 adults with plenty of room.

The table top is stored under the table the rest of the year.

If you are seriously interested in making this type of table top post a note here and I will set it up and take some pictures.

Seems the whole thing might have cost $200.00 or so for the table top and benches including padding and upholstry for the benches.

While knees can knock the pool table skirting no one has complained and everyone seems to like the big table that we can all use at the same time. Good times are had by all for the hour or so we spend at the table. Later the kids play ping pong and after that the pool players get their table back.

BTW 1/2" plywood is too flimsy and the prices for commercial grade tops was too expensive plus I would have needed to by chairs or benches. Placing two benches on each long rail allows plenty of leg room and makes it easy to get into and out of the easily moved benches. Of course we have a few kids who sit on telephone books but that is a temporary problem.

Oh and for the smart asses, we live about 250' above the "crick" on our 40 acres of ridges and hollows. I tell my buddies that we are hillbillies by choice -- some are not. Gotta love living in the woods with a big ole family. Over the hill and through the woods to Grandma's house is very real for our family.:grin-square:
 
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When I had my table built, I also had the manufacturer build a 3-piece table-top out of the same wood of which the table was constructed (I use my dining room for a pool room, so I occasionally need a buffet table when people are over).

While it's a bit on the heavy side (it's best to have two people place the sections to avoid damage to the table- these sections are solid wood), the edges that contact the table are lined in felt, there are pegs that lock the pieces together, and it looks really nice and fits perfectly (though I always put a plastic tarp over it in case any liquids are spilled).

I paid just under $300- I would imagine it would cost quite a bit more in the States.
 
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Kinda like making a Church into a Brothel. Actually backwards but you get the idea. Food, Water, Beer, Vodka & GC don't mix.
 
mnShooter said:
You're really not that into pool are you?
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Where do you get that from?

In my personal experience, I use the table-top three or four times per year (when it really comes in handy)- the top goes on in the afternoon, and it comes off in the evening (and it keeps any kids/dimwits from using the table to bang balls and screw something up)- the other 360+ days it's ready to be used for its intended purpose.:wink:
 
mnShooter said:
You're really not that into pool are you?
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The hardcores are freaking out right now! You want to put a turkey on your GC4! Here's my advice....tell the wife NO. lol
People lean on my table weird and I turn into RAINMAN.
 
Thank you for all of the ideas. The poolanddarts vinyl clad foam looks like the closest thing to what I had in mind.

I am having ~30 people over for my wife's b-day party and simply want to be able to put something on the table to even it out, lay down some plasitc (just in case), put my heavy duty cover back on, put a big table cloth over the whole deal and put some food out there on platters.

I am not going to be using it as a dining table. My wife was nice enough to let me put the pool table in my main room upstairs so the least I can do is give her a great party for one of the milestone b-days!

gc4_048.jpg
 
Nice Pool room and view.

I have done this before. I bought a 4x8 piece of plywood, and set it on top of the table. I placed some old sheet underneath to protect the table. I also bought a black plastic liner. I think I spent under 40 bucks. Only reason is, I got the plywood from my job. the most expensive thing is going to be the table cover. You need one big enough to cover all the top and hang down enough to cover the edges.
One thing for sure, you won't run out of space. We were able to put everything on the table and everyone had a access to everything. Only disadvantage, you can't play pool. :frown:
 
For what you have in mind you could buy 2" rigid insulation in 4' X 8' slabs from Lowe's or Home Depot. There is one type of slab that is covered in vinyl. Cut to fit and put your heavy table cover on top. That would keep the rails from getting damaged. I might put a 1/4" sheet of plywood on the foam.
 
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