Custom Wood DM Screen for Epic Game Masters

[@CabePackard]

Beautiful craftsmanship!

[@Artistic737]

In 1976, I built the first Stand-up for my father's D&D sessions. The next year, we marketed it as the Judges Shield, a full year before TSR followed by producing their version, the DM Screen. The first was made from cutting a Beatles White Album, and taping, gluing the charts in place. It was primary used to hide his materials, and maps, NOT his rolls.

[@gianenci]

This video is awesome! Deserve more likes and comments!

[@StewartsRootBeer]

Your calculated approach and almost clinical walk-through of this is project is wonderful. I wish more people would make content like this - crunchy and to-the-point, but with simple justifications for everything. Very well presented! This is an inspiration.

[@aelorun]

Really appreciate it. I'll think of this comment next time I think I'm going overboard.

[@TheTroopersCorner]

Doooooood! That is gorgeous! Well,done!!

[@aelorun]

How common is it for DMs to want to craft their own tools? Is it a way to connect with the activity and get in the zone? A mark of pride? Something else? Share your thoughts and contribute to the hivemind! Edit: Thank you for the 10k views and comments! Follow for more creations aelorun.com

[@mattc1uk]

Really great video and I really like the end result, might do something like this in the future. After the staining you might need to do some more sanding with a real fine grit. And repeat the stain and sand again

[@the11thhour14]

I make logos for all my TTRPG games. I developed a whole website on a server with 4 dedicated instances of Foundry VTT customized to support dnd 4e, dnd 5e, Starfinder, pathfinder 1e, and pathfinder 2e (my main game)….I designed massive complex multilevel battlemaps for entire towns, with stairs, roofs, and even balconies (all interactive like a video game)….the amount of time I spend putting my technical career to use for free is a matter of pride for me. I expect my players to have intense games that I GM. I even have co-GMs to help with story, prep, and map making…..incase your wondering why I have 4 instances of foundry VTT…it’s so I can teach and encourage players to GM their own games (already have a few starting theirs up. It’s like a whole community. Thanks for the video :)

[@Keimoj]

I really liked the v3 with the hinge issues at 3:23 , could've been nice touch to just screw the hinge screws through leather to cover them and possibly make a strap for the screen (will continue to watch now) :D expecting great stuff

[@i_am_not_a_pro_but_lets_try]

looks fantastic - and I love the idea of using gold leaf. I don't have the skill (or vision/imagination) required to design such a great looking cover for my own screen - but I admire the fact that you not only had the skill, but the vision. well done, and happy gaming.

[@2dividedby3]

It looks beautiful the only drawback I saw was the plastic straps I know wyrmwood use acrylic sheets on there screens but I would just use some metal fastenings to hold the plastic strips like the ones buts with rubber strap handles.

[@mholt76]

A learning experience from my own builds. I built myself several low budget DM screens over the years. Usually with ¼” plywood. I’ve never been happy with the gap created from hinges. This last screen I made, rather than using hinges. I used 2” wide nylon strapping and hot glued that vertically down the entire edge between panels. It’s held up good for over 3 years, and that’s with being bounced around in a DM travel pack.

[@Meglin1461]

You can definitely use a varnish over it once the staining is done. A matte varnish woukd work well, but don't apply it to the gold leaf. You will need to brush the varnish on to avoid it. I would also suggest using magnets for the inside. That way you can use them to hold all your paper and notes on the inside, amd depending on the strength of them, they won't budge. Both of these tips you can use on this board without having to make a v5 😊

[@themidnightmousedollhouse]

You had quite an epic adventure through DM screens but building this one was amazing 😯 Really nice touch with the pop sickle stick to space the panels for the hinges, thank you for the tip! 🤭 I would also like to see a bit more of your assistant, Ollie tell him I have a job available for a desk buddy 🥰

[@DrChattan]

The way these hinges were placed on it didn’t need that space. That space was actually what caused the problem with the panels folding back on themselves.

[@airack1]

Amazing

[@emmaskjoedt]

I really loved this! Personally I actually liked the design of the version 3 better, but I LOVE the dedication you had. And you surely have inspired me on the journey of trying to make one myself :DD

[@Outland9000]

Wondering if a wood wax would improve the finish post-staining? I've used wax on a few projects and the finish is a lovely satin smooth feel.

[@aelorun]

I suppose it would matter on the stain and how much it gets into the wood? My immediate worry would be for the panels to be waxy and oily after, if the wax doesn't get absorbed by the wood properly because of the stain. Could be an interesting experiment regardless, thank you for the idea.

[@Outland9000]

@@aelorun I might try it myself on a little test project. Some coasters or something small.

[@sebbonxxsebbon6824]

I vote version 2.

[@Kingswaystheonlyway]

Is there some way you might feeln inclined to share the design so others could get this laser cut if they wish?

[@aelorun]

Interesting idea. I'll look into it.

[@Kill2Hard101]

Don't use the sticky strips. Imbed metal slugs at the top and use magnets

[@aelorun]

I avoided using magnets because it would've added to each panel's thickness, unless I found a way to carve slots for them. However, I found two-sided sticky tape meant for carpets that worked well in the end!

[@Kill2Hard101]

@@aelorun yeah I sunk mine in the wood.

[@jeremysweet4901]

Any chance you are selling the laser file for others?