Hiding a Gaming Table in Plain Sight (with build plans!)

[@detectivedevito]

My classmates and I did something really similar to this for DnD, except we put the projector underneath the table with an acrylic sheet on the top. the acrylic sheet allowed us to put a camera underneath the table that would be used to pick up qr codes we placed on the bottom of figurines. the qr codes were used to trigger animations on the board, show stats, show aura, etc

[@JadeG5522]

Whoa that’s cool

[@mirisoji8406]

Dude! That sounds awesome!!! You should totally make a tutorial video or just show off your build

[@graphicsgod]

That's exactly what I was thinking!! I thought ok, on top is fine. But firing a projector from underneath would hide it, and keep things from getting in the way of the projector! Love to see your table!!

[@jamestaylor3805]

The QR code system would make it easy to broadcast a 3d table top view for streamed gaming as well. Even maps viewers could move around and explore from other angles as the actual streamers play thier game.

[@vertigo042]

Gonna need a video showing this stat.

[@geem8795]

I just finished my exams, watching this is my favourite way to relax

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Awesome, how'd you do?

[@geem8795]

@@Iliketomakestuff alright thanks!

[@Jey187]

Nice! The best feeling ever... Finishing your exams and be able to relax (at least without remorse)

[@scottshoe842]

Awesome, you’ll be a project manager in no time.

[@Thouxanbann]

This comment alone is why anyone should have a channel. KZbin will replace modern tv

[@newmancl0]

2 improvements I'd want for ttrpg 1. Make the LEDs recessed and down firing so they don't beam people in the eyes and it's harder to see the led density. 2. 1ft border on the table. You don't have enough room for your GM screen, or the players for character sheets

[@mortalitydoesstuff8965]

3. Add cupholder slots. everyone loves cupholder slots

[@DJROCKSTAZ]

4. Capability to integrate D&D Beyond for virtual character sheets

[@SoberAddiction]

Somebody needs to write this down.

[@robertmore703]

@@DJROCKSTAZ usb ports to allow for mobile devices charging so players can use their phones or tablets.

[@Reg_von_Wer]

5. The DM's side should be able to flip up perpendicular to the top edge. The lower area would be accessible as a work surface and the top layer of the table becomes a DM screen.

[@starkid97]

I built this table for my house. I had to make a few modifications because of the material I chose. The legs are solid wood with flat L bracing. The table sections are made of white melamine particle board. Gluing is not possible on the melamine so I screwed the walls down from the underside and bolted the top table down using 8M 1.25 x 100mm through the 8 dividing walls from underneath to not have any bolts sticking out the topside. For the top panels. I am currently custom making 2 handles that drop flush to the panel surface when not in use. I added feet on the bottom side to add height to the table. And finally, retractable wheels so it can be rolled out of the way when needed.

[@DobraEspacial]

Just watched Simone's video about her mechanical puzzle table and now I watched this one! Both solutions are absolutely fantastic. I'm definitely trying one of them in the future!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

When you're ready, we've got some digital build plans that are easy to follow. You can build one for yourself!

[@Craftlngo]

Simone’s solution is really elaborated but so is this one either, when you can afford the projector. But I’m my case, I don’t have the space for one of the tables

[@ejemsworkshopofeverything]

@@Craftlngo I would suggest making a coffee table sized gaming table, finding a decent tv you can inlay shouldn't be too expensive. I want to make one eventually.

[@travishall6488]

Link or page name to Simone

[@Craftlngo]

@@travishall6488 Look up Simone Giertz here on youtube. I'm sure you'll like her

[@jerseybabe412]

My husband and I were literally just talking about how we wanted a game table for our new house. Like two days ago, lol. I absolutely love the timing of this and I can’t wait to make this!!!!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

We have some easy to follow digital plans linked in the description! Give it a shot, you can do it

[@TimoRutanen]

Google heard you and here you are.

[@Lord_zeel]

You would be well served to modify the plans to make the borders much wider though.

[@jessicaalvis7063]

@@Lord_zeelwhy? I am going to make a modified version of this table as well

[@austinpendley118]

I’m trying to finish up a variation of the arcade cabinet build and now I know what I can build next! Great job guys!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Check out the digital plans linked in the description!

[@review_u1587]

Been around for about 5yrs watching your videos, these by far are the absolute best type of build. Your truly gifted sir!

[@TonyDemetriou]

I've got a suggestion if the border isn't large enough for character sheets... Trial some clipboards. You can keep the character sheet on top, inventory, spells or specific rules under it, and notes below that. Easier to write on a thinner ledge like this table has, and keeps everything together when flicking through. But still easy if you want to pull out papers and spread them around. Also doubles as a dice surface in a pinch. It seems silly, but I noticed players were a lot more comfortable during the game. It's easy not to notice how often you're leaning over or bending your neck when reading notes. Players are more likely to lift the clipboard instead of leaning over the table. Also makes it easier to play from the couch.

[@fuzzyshovel1000]

I love how y’all had a clip of y’all watching Hot Rod on the table. Great movie on a really freaking cool table

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks!

[@GuitarSamurai17]

Absolutely love the creativeness of this! Only thing that could make it better is maybe a cup holder

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Yeah, we had another version that had built-in cupholders and they went away when we chose this design. We have plans to add some.

[@PWN_Nation]

Camelbacks...lol

[@Artificial.Unintelligence]

That and my big concern when used as a regular table, if someone spilled everything under it is at risk of getting destroyed.. none of the inner edges or slits between the insert boards appeared to have a gasket or any drip seal?? Really would have liked to see what they would have attempted.. nothing is perfect but that's a huge gripe for many people considering these tables.

[@berendstolp9399]

Check out the Wyrmwood Prophecy Gaming Table or the Modular Game Table

[@sergeleon1163]

Or use an external cupholder that you either make yourself or buy pre-made like the Ikea LÅNESPELARE Cup holder that mounts to a desk/table

[@AaronAlso]

I like the projector because it still allows the use of physical terrain models. With basic 3d projection mapping you can make simple primed terrain appear with any pattern or color.

[@NIP1337]

Top tier project, great work Bob and team! This is the one I've been waiting for!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Glad you like it!

[@elishmuel1976]

Out of all the D&D tables I've seen so far, this looks like the best one. Also, no glare which is a problem on most of them. Awesome work.

[@FishersShop]

Pretty darn amazing! Awesome work, guys! C-c-c-c-cool beans!

[@JustinWatson23]

I built a similar gaming table last year. The design kind of evolved as I went, but LED lighting, removable top and for me cup holders all make it an awesome table. Held together by dowel joints and tenons its incredibly strong and without the help of you tune channels like yours I doubt I'd have ever built it. So glad I did! I also did the dowel trick between the removable panel in advance mostly as my top sits over the top of the entire table to hide the cup holders also. the dowels plus some other pieces of timber and felt ensure the top goes on the same spot every time.

[@cesarazevedo768]

Awesome!! Great job bob and the team! Best of luck on y’all’s new shop

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks 👍

[@ashmeetsingh8616]

i remember watching your videos growing up 4 years ago, best time of my life

[@Phoenix_440]

It's a shame the build plans didn't include wiring schematics for the arduino for complete newbies like me, but a very impressive and motivating project overall!

[@VinnieALS]

I love it, one thing that could improve it and make it more convenient would be adding fiducial marks around the table disguised as cup holders and some sensor near the projector. That way you could adjust the image to correct for movements on the table position when moving it around for cleaning or playing.

[@OwlDragonAdventures]

About to start my build for a custom design I have - my biggest design challenge was inlaying a TV....I'll let you know how that goes in a few weeks, haha. Thanks for that Arduino code - I absolutely love the idea of player selection! As a lighting designer, the simplicity and effectiveness really shines in my books!

[@ryanamey5024]

This is really cool and inspiring. Around a year ago I had a similar idea to build a hexagonal table with inserts that match the outer shape. I primarily intend to build it for settlers of Catan but the inserts will be large enough to place some other popular square games as well as a felt poker style insert. I was also planning to use the base as storage for the pieces. What I’m going to do differently though is design the base and inserts so that the inserts are stored upright allowing me to leave a game mid play under the table but still play other games. Great job!!

[@danielrisueno8003]

I absolutely LOVED this project. Having (making) one of these gaming tables has been kind of a wet dream I've had for quite some time, and the idea of mirroring the projector down on the table?! IT LITERALLY BLEW MY MIND!! You guys are so creative, that's one of the reasons why I love this channel so much ^_^

[@Windex451]

Best looking one I've seen. I think laying a TV flat is limited to smaller screens. Fantastic job!

[@TheBeardedWoodworker]

Alright...that's pretty badass! You could also use it for puzzles or Lego too! Nice job. I love the addition of the projector. Brilliant!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Absolutely!

[@rosascreativeworks5403]

LEGOS! Now there's a great idea!

[@erikjpendleton]

I have to say, out of all the crazy stuff I've seen people build I'm super impressed with this! It takes gaming to another lever!

[@hoguemr]

This is extremely cool. I've been wanting to build a gaming table/dining room table but have been wanting to figure out a good way to make it so if liquid is spilled on the top surface it doesn't spill down onto a game underneath (my 6 yr old spills everything. I was thinking about interlocking channels between the on the top sections that led to a side channel that would just drain to the floor but it sounds too complicated

[@Iliketomakestuff]

You could add some small track underneath the two outer panels. If they were closed at the ends, the liquid would stay in the track

[@TheAfroman]

Also, I was thinking about that. Any way to add maybe a rubber seal on the panels. Would make them sit tighter. But would waterproof the inside.

[@jameswest6232]

I know some people use rubber seals to make the tables more spill resistant (it's really hard to spill _proof_ when you need to be able to remove the panels). However, I've only seen that on tables where the false top sits on top of the playing box instead of set into it like this one. - You might be able to seal the perimeter by placing a gasket on the ledge the panels sit on and the sides where the panels touch each other and use magnets as a way to keep pressure on the seal.

[@allthegearuk]

Check out the freebird gaming table. Google it. They have a spill proof system that they recording in their videos too. No plans but inspiration.

[@muurrarium9460]

Just get a white table? Wipes/dries off easily. No fancy leds, but it will work perfectly... Oh and train your 6 year old, that is way past the age of clumsiness, by the time they are 8 they have the best motor skills of their lives!

[@That-Fungi]

I have been drawing up basically this exact thing for a few weeks, nice to see some other ideas on the concept

[@Jetwow135]

Love the idea! My issue with these setups is the light coming from bellow gives me a headache because it’s really difficult to look in a direction without the light hitting you. If only there were bigger colour e-ink displays then I would love to build something like this!

[@WiredWorkshop]

At the beginning I was thinking LG had a kit to make the projection shoot downward but then you showed the 3d printed parts to hold the mirror, what a great Idea!

[@knightofren101]

I really enjoy this new editing style

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@greymatter33]

I was like, oh I've seen this before-then the projector with the mirror came out and blew my mind. Great work!

[@roarsy]

This is incredible! Such a cool looking and fun double use of a projector.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

We agree!

[@ltsmith7032]

Dear Bob and ILTMS, This video and this build are absolutely, unbelievably outstanding. 10/10. Thank you for doing what you do. Unreal. Please keep it up.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thank you so much!

[@scottjacoby2594]

Suggestion: put felt on the opposite sides of the removable panels. That way all you have to do is place the panels upside down and still have a nice playing surface for when you have an ongoing game or a puzzle on the inside table.

[@jamestaylor3805]

Yeah, a flippable insert seems like an easier option. Or even replaceable inserts, one for projector based maps, one for miniature terrain pieces that always shed flocking, one a prehexed or plain dry erase for game testing or organizing nongame projects, seasonal decorative art panels for the holidays...

[@RhumRunner41]

Love the concept. Most ppl won’t have the room to take advantage of the dual use with the projector but your design is easy enough to convert it for a tv insert. But IMHO, using the tee-moulding edging just cheapens the look & feel of the table.

[@Vancey_Pants]

This video was amazing. I love everything that you do, Bob, and the editing was top tier

[@chrism7067]

This is an absolute unite of a combo. If you have the proper open floor plan of dining room and living room this would be amazing for game nights and to project onto your living room wall over the couch.

[@scottboyle7547]

That projector with d&d and xwing is mind blowing. You're living the dream!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

We found some moving maps on KZbin that worked and it takes the gameplay to another level.

[@TheAfroman]

Holy smokes Bob. You guys did it. You made the plans for a table I have been wanting to build for a while. And it looks SIMPLE! Ok. This is being built. Perfect dining room/game room table. Also the storage is CLUTCH. ♥️♥️♥️

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Share it on social media when you do, we'd love to see it!

[@diywithry]

Wow, awesome table guys! Really love the projected game surface idea too, adds a new dimension to table top games! One thing I thought of that would be a cool add on later would be to mount a couple servos to the mirror on the projector and maybe set them up to be Bluetooth controlled. So when it's game time, you remove the table inserts, press a button, and the servos rotate the projection into the table space!

[@1QKGLH]

I used those same tracks and diffusers in a project, ran them around the perimeter of a room. Love those

[@xnadave]

"SSHHH!!! Guys! Hang on! " (answers phone) "Oh yeah, honey - just trying to wrap this up here at the office. I'll be heading home soon."

[@heyitsthatdude17]

The LED strips around the inside rim are such a nice touch for doing things like turn order or effects. The diffusor is very neat.

[@tjgrembowski]

Absolutely amazing as always. Thanks for anther video. And of course, thank you for the constant inspiration for new projects!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

My pleasure!

[@zata1197]

I don't even play tabletop games but I want to now just so I can have one of these tables. You know I think this would also work as a diorama, you could get a big sheet of glass to put in place of the removable panels and build something really cool on the inside

[@MichaelAlm]

But what if you want seating for 9 😜 (Great build fellas, nice seeing you last weekend, and thanks for all the Fusion 360 tips!!!)

[@pedrosalomao402]

Nothing to complain about. Perfect project! The only thing that I would change is the LED ribbon for a Neon LED ribbon.

[@frankfurtdynamics2783]

Probably one of my favorite projects

[@anthonygee3901]

Awesome guys! A cool addition might be some felt on the flip side of those panels for an instant card table!

[@ljskizzle]

This is awesome! It's my dream to one day have a gaming table like this and room to put it. Also FYI the lower playing surface is often referred to as a vault.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

you can totally make one using the digital plans linked in the description! good to know about the vault. Arena sounded cool in the moment.

[@Deter3DnD]

I think the only thing I would do differently would be to double the thickness of the top with the lower half inset so that the LED strips could be mounted at the top and hidden underneath the lip shining down instead of up with that lip providing the place to rest the panels. I think I'd also trim the outside of that top in a nice wood (walnut I assume?) like you did the panels as I think the plastic t-molding makes the table look cheaper where the wood would class it up a bit more in line with the rest of the design. This would also allow for the edges to be routered with any number of roundover or tiered styles if desired.

[@verdugoadriann]

This is SO INSPIRING, my friend and I are planning to make something of our own thanks to you guys! ALSO PLEASE, ANYONE, WHAT APP IS THAT FOR THE MAP!?

[@winterstarlight3418]

HOLY CRAP SO MUCH HAS CHANGED Ngl I used to watch you so much a couple years ago and as SOON as I saw this pop up on my recommended I have never clicked on anything faster in my life Lowkey missed these videos Absolutely LOVE the project and this makes me excited and hopeful to do a project like this in the future!

[@connorbrown8156]

The editing of this and all the little pop ups and jokes were very very funny. Please keep editing your videos like this it's very entertaining .Also the table is SICK!

[@alexi9361]

Nice Job, but painting the oak black nearly made me cry 😢

[@PatrickHoodDaniel]

Rear projection with touch ability would be cool as well.

[@andydudas2376]

The swiveling periscope bracket for the mirrors feels like a million dollar idea. Cool build guys.

[@brentonf8178]

1:15 in, and I'm already appreciating the editing. Thank you

[@xcruckx]

Love this project i totally want to building my own! I don't know if anyone said this already in the comments or not but, the mirror's grey back coating can be removed pretty easily. Below that coating is a mirrored surface as well! if you use that mirrored surface to reflect your projection onto the table (instead of the front surface) you get a clearer image because the image is not reflecting through the glass substrate on the front. Again love this project and love the video, it demonstrates how someone can build a pretty awesome gaming table.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Interesting.

[@superduperbeans1234]

A couple summers ago, I DIYed a gaming table really similar to this because we always needed a spot to store books and such so it didn'tclutter up the game surface. The little cubbies are so much more useful than you'd expect! Now I need to look into getting a projector lol

[@thenextlayer]

I don't like games, but holy crap, this table is SO COOL.

[@omgbbqwtf2]

I just got back into Warhammer 40K and painting my orks and my 7 year old son wants to get into it too, this table looks to be amazing! Great job!

[@a-b4172]

Excellent job. You did it in under 30 minutes. Wish I could work that hard.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Haha, this table took a week to design and build. The edit make it looks easier/faster than it was. If you build it with the digital plans linked in the description, it'll go much faster for you.

[@a-b4172]

@@Iliketomakestuff thanks for sharing this.

[@TrashBa7]

This is the first video I’m catching in a while and I’m remembering why i fell in love with your channel in the first place

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Aww, thanks. Welcome back.

[@lupirite6373]

Wow, the workmanship on this is actually REALLY good.

[@brentfowler2317]

That is absolutely the coolest think. Man it's been like 18+ years since played D&D. But man that table, and projector. I dig it for sure.. thanks for another great one Bob, and crew.. Take care.

[@jackalope30]

First off...amazing build and video. Super cool. While I personally have zero desire to own something like this, I really enjoyed seeing you guys make this thing come to life. I have been a bit burned out lately after having finished a HUGE project about 9 months ago. I have barely spent any time in my shop since, but watching this video got me excited to get back in the shop again. Thanks!

[@phillipmorin7770]

Long live the dungeon masters of our world. Great idea, awesome results. Looks fantastic, may your days of adventuring be long and work days finish quickly 🧙🏻‍♂️

[@ruthz9515]

I haven't heard of this guy before. Yes he make cool stuffs. But what I like the most is that look on his face whenever he use the saw. Subscribed.

[@emiliogilrodriguez6715]

I want a table like this, I had seen game tables, but this one takes the gold medal, a real wonder. Congratulations on the job. 🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@KoTTrpg]

Super clean, I can't wait to do something like this one day for a game store, idea. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@HDBrown-wc9xt]

You guys are never going to get any work done ever again. Cool project

[@mattappleton3247]

Coolest project since your arcade cabinet - hands down!

[@mathiasandersen1054]

I would never ever be able to play this type of dnd stuff personally. but with this setup I would be able to do it. I just cant do it without the visuals. this makes the experience immersive and fun. well done

[@illumina700]

Beautiful work and thank you for not making the plans a ridiculous price like all the rest!

[@karterkostrzewski3412]

I love how you explain what you're doing and why you're doing it!

[@jackleg693]

This. Is. Awesome!!! I utterly love the simplicity of the build versus the stunning end product. Exceptional work and thanks for sharing and inspiring.

[@jamilal-yaqubi1986]

That is really cool. You could even make the centre top out or perspex to see through if you want to show off something while in business or eating table mode.

[@matthysloedolff]

This is such a great idea! Also, I really liked the synth/vaporwave music used in this video. It definitely enhanced the video a lot.

[@celebrimb055]

This is the most creative idea I ever seen

[@chrisnupp7097]

This is one of the coolest projects I have ever seen.

[@Heimdall1987]

Amazing stuff! Only a couple of things missing in my opinion: cup holders, plugs to charge phones, and tray-like indentations to place counters and small pieces. Otherwise amazing table!!

[@KnarbMakes]

That turned out really good! Now I wanna re-make my own table, some great ideas bundled into this build.

[@yarrbee7477]

This. Is. BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@dinen5000]

man, i love the LED's, the ability to flash them green on a success or red on a failure would be so fun

[@FraktalPriest]

Segways better than Linus; Advertising at its best! Thank you all!!!

[@pcgscorpion]

Great video, the one ihelped make for my basement has cupholders, bottle openers and mouse pad material in the center to cushion dice rolls and card slinging.

[@shawnm4759]

Damn...I saw the title and thumbnail and got so pumped to finally learn from the master how to make a table I've been wanting to make forever.....then was immediately bummed out in the first minute of the video when a $2,500 projector was needed..... I enjoy your videos because they are (for the most part) accessible and easy to follow along with. Taking a bribe from LG makes it so I cant even make this the way you did. Sad Face.

[@quixoticjedi942]

Of all the build videos I've watched over the past couple of years this table is one of the better designs I've seen. I personally would have made the outer surface a bit wider to accommodate books and other gaming gear better, maybe add some drink holders to the bottom ledge to keep them safely away from the top surface. Charging ports for tablets or phones could very easily be added as well.

[@reddryder99]

Wow! This is a real “game changer” for any room!

[@losttheory2761]

This just popped up on my feed and I absolutely love this table. 🔥🔥

[@PeterParker-df6ce]

You have a fully articulating projector mount. I can tell because I use the same design on mine. Instead of some elaborate 3d printed part for a mirror that will distort the beautiful image coming out of that 4k projector, you could have just put a hook on the back of the projector and another on the ceiling. Tip the entire thing and have it project directly downwards from above the table.

[@Michael-Madrid]

love the guy near the start of the video, with the confused look on his face, as if bob is talking to him self 0:12

[@ericjohnisee]

Hah! Nice catch. I had to go back to check it. That was awesome.

[@Mat0s0]

Very nice very nice, finally some fresh new gaming table to suck up as inspiration for my own. Currently making a coffee table that has a tv in it

[@prainmantis]

Great project and work on that table. I'd love to see the LED's diffused more (can still see individual nodes) hard on the eyes I'm sure

[@KamiThulak]

The projector sure is a unique way of doing it. I see plenty of flaws with the table though: - Character Sheets dont fit on the edge. Maybe iteration 2 could have a wider surface. - Players having snacks or drinks, but no where to put them - Spilling a drink into the arena will wreck the surface since there is no drain. - Removing the panels seems uncomfortable (depending on the weight of the panels) - The LEDs pointing 45° upwards. (Dont know how good the difuser prevents blinding) - Metal Dice will screw your surface - Having the projector casts shadows (Drawback for having a wallscreen available) My suggestion would be: - add a drain to the arena or make the projection surface easily removable. - make the table surface bigger in general - add an overhang to the arena and mount the LEDs upside down - put two metal bars through the arena cover to fix them in place (and make them sturdy) - use a built in lever to lift the first panel With all that being said: The craftsmanship is remarkable and better than i could do without doubt. Cool project and an interseting take on the gaming table.

[@wonskrad7240]

been researching ideas for a dining table that can transform into a gaming table, thank you for this! subbed!

[@Simphome]

What an amazing work!! I think my friends will like this.

[@mmill631]

Love the mirror solution very cool