I built a pool table...

This looks awesome! Very interesting idea, and seemingly well implemented (just started watching but I'll provide better feedback once I'm finished).
 
I've watched episode one. The timelapses could have been sped up (found myself skipping through them), but other than that the episode is very good.

As for the construction, any reason why you didn't use parallams for the structural elements? Then just veneer them? I'd imagine it would be far easier to build, far stronger, and more dimensionally stable than using laminated lumber. You can also get parallams in any dimension, so you could technically build an entire leg in one piece, or get thinner prallams for the structural elements of the main frame.

If you want to avoid a lot of veneers, an alternate option is glulams, which is basically natural lumber pre-laminated into an engineered beam. It has natural grain, is more dimensionally stable than standard lumber since it's engineered, but is probably pretty costly.

PS. You have a nice shop and are likely well versed in these products, so I'm more or less just throwing out ideas to see what you feel are the pros and cons of each.

Parallams_1.JPG
 
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Looks great. How much time do you have invested and how much money is the lumber worth if you dont mind my asking Im just trying to figure out if its a good option over buying a new table. Your workmanship is very good your very skilled, I am enjoying your videos keep up the good work.
 
since I'm dreaming of building a table too someday and gathering info on the subject for three years already, I would like to thank you for making the videos and for sharing your experience!
 
nathandumoulin said:
As for the construction, any reason why you didn't use parallams for the structural elements? Then just veneer them?
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This is a VERY good idea, worth considering on the next one.

Also, the timelapses get better in later episodes. This is my first experience in videography.

Appreciate the comments.
 
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PETROBOY said:
Looks great. How much time do you have invested and how much money is the lumber worth if you dont mind my asking Im just trying to figure out if its a good option over buying a new table. Your workmanship is very good your very skilled, I am enjoying your videos keep up the good work.
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The lumber was only about $200. More than half of that was in poplar. The framing lumber and plywood were cheap, which was partly the point. Total cost was less than a grand.
If I were to do it again, I would forgo the poplar subframe and make the frame itself taller, then attach some poplar to the sides of the frame and inner rails for mounting points. That would cut down on the cost and complexity without sacrificing strength.
Thanks.
 
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Wow...this was/is a fun project to watch. I sat through all 3 episodes so far...I forgot not all the episodes were edited yet, so I looked around for a few minutes for episode 4, until I remembered it probably wasn't up yet! I can't wait to see the rest of the project!!!

Thanks for doing the videos on this one...FUN TO WATCH!!!

Jason
 
Very nice work. I'm a woodworking also, and I can completely relate to how proud you were when the entire frame assembly came out perfectly square. That is definelty not easy to do on something as large and with as many components as the frame had.

I'm curious why you said to mill the 2X stock as soon as you got it home, or it would warp badly and you wouldn't be able to use it? I've always let my stock acclimate to my shop for a couple weeks, and then surface it to size. Of course, I was rarely using 2X construction stock, and rather mostly 4/4 hardwoods.

I thought screwing into the legs with a lag screw could have been done differently. Even with the oak plugs you put in, I'd be worrying about the legs loosening up over time with all the racking forces the table will experience. I think another way to have approached it would be to use 3/8 or 1/2 carriage bolts with a washer, lock washer, and nut. You could couterbore the head of the carriage bolt, and then plug the exposed recess on the exterior of the legs with a plug turned on a lathe, or purchased if an available one suits you. This plug could be removable, and slightly domed and proud of the leg surface. It could even be a contrasting wood color. You can probably still do something like this if the current design ends up giving you problems. You can also do the same thing but use a socket head cap screw instead of a carriage bolt. This will allow you to get an allen key on the head, ensuring that the bolt would never spin as you are tighteing it.

Good work so far. Very few people can do this (or would want to, lol), even those of us who are avid woodworkers and pool players.
 
iusedtoberich said:
I'm curious why you said to mill the 2X stock as soon as you got it home, or it would warp badly and you wouldn't be able to use it? I've always let my stock acclimate to my shop for a couple weeks, and then surface it to size. Of course, I was rarely using 2X construction stock, and rather mostly 4/4 hardwoods.

I thought screwing into the legs with a lag screw could have been done differently. Even with the oak plugs you put in, I'd be worrying about the legs loosening up over time with all the racking forces the table will experience. I think another way to have approached it would be to use 3/8 or 1/2 carriage bolts with a washer, lock washer, and nut. You could couterbore the head of the carriage bolt, and then plug the exposed recess on the exterior of the legs with a plug turned on a lathe, or purchased if an available one suits you. This plug could be removable, and slightly domed and proud of the leg surface. It could even be a contrasting wood color. You can probably still do something like this if the current design ends up giving you problems. You can also do the same thing but use a socket head cap screw instead of a carriage bolt. This will allow you to get an allen key on the head, ensuring that the bolt would never spin as you are tighteing it.
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Framing lumber is notorious for warpage. Hardwoods that us woodworkers normally use isn't nearly as susceptible to the amount of warpage that I was worried about.

You are right on the leg attachment issue. It still worries me a bit. But if I have to, I can always add the carriage bolts later. They would be up high enough that the rail blinds would hide them. Hopefully the oak dowels will hold over time.

Thanks for the comments!
 
My DYI Pool Table the Jon bilt

Powdertrack said:
I am releasing the videos as I get them edited.
Please check them out and share them if you like.
Thanks.
http://www.effortsinfrugality.com
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I to like to build things and wanted to build a pool table as just a hobby project.
After looking at some diy books could not find what I wanted. I set out to designed my own plans. There was some trial and error but after a lot of hard work My DIY table came out better than I thought it would. If I can down load here is some pic. take care, john
 

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PETROBOY said:
Looks great. How much time do you have invested and how much money is the lumber worth if you dont mind my asking Im just trying to figure out if its a good option over buying a new table. Your workmanship is very good your very skilled, I am enjoying your videos keep up the good work.
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You don't really save a whole lot of money building a table, and it is very time consuming. It has to be something you WANT to do. You can save more money if you are cretive about how you get your supplies. For example, I see free pool tables that aren't in the greatest shape on places like the classifieds or craig's list. I plan on taking the slate and hardware from one of those to build my next table to help keep cost down.
 
Powdertrack

Powdertrack-

Thanks for sharing. The manly man thing to do...build your own if you don't like what's on the market.

A few comments and one liners I enjoyed while watching:


  • Oops…forgot that screw!

  • Oops…out of clamps

  • My patience will be rewarded…so I will take my time.
and my all time favorite

  • “Don’t take a dump without a plan…son”

By the way-My condolence on the death of your beloved brush.

Jay P. out
 
ratnip said:
Powdertrack-

Thanks for sharing. The manly man thing to do...build your own if you don't like what's on the market.

A few comments and one liners I enjoyed while watching:

and my all time favorite

  • “Don’t take a dump without a plan…son”

By the way-My condolence on the death of your beloved brush.

Jay P. out
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That is a line out of one of my favorite movies.

Thanks on the brush. I did replace it with something else. Didn't like it. So I went to Lowe's and found the exact same brush. Guess what? It was cheaper than it was 10 years ago. Couldn't believe it.
 
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