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

If you like playing table-top games, cards with friends, or doing puzzles, this Gaming Table gives you the ability to store them inside a great looking table. Thanks to LG for hooking us up with the newest CineBeam projector! Check out more at bit.ly/3vrZbGu
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Hiding a Gaming Table in Plain Sight (with build plans!)
• Hiding a Gaming Table ...
I Like To Make Stuff
/ iliketomakestuff

[@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.

[@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.

[@geem8795]

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

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Awesome, how'd you do?

[@geem8795]

@@Iliketomakestuff alright thanks!

[@joandy2749]

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

[@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

[@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

[@review_u1587]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@ice4142]

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!

[@Vancey_Pants]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 ^_^

[@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!

[@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.

[@NIP1337]

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

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Glad you like it!

[@cesarazevedo768]

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

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks 👍

[@KnarbMakes]

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

[@EVILBUNNY28]

This build came out looking absolutely insane! Definite must have when I'm redecorating my gaming/entertainment room.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@roarsy]

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

[@Iliketomakestuff]

We agree!

[@FishersShop]

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

[@1QKGLH]

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

[@mygamertag2010X]

This was absolutely incredible. Such a cool way to have different (and free!) game surfaces and designs!

[@tjgrembowski]

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

[@Iliketomakestuff]

My pleasure!

[@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!

[@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!

[@frankfurtdynamics2783]

Probably one of my favorite projects

[@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...

[@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.

[@sportsphotos31]

Love these projects where you guys combine your skills. Awesome.

[@knightofren101]

I really enjoy this new editing style

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@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!!!)

[@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!!

[@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!

[@ethanfulton4395]

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.

[@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!

[@seanmcdonald656]

Great video!! I love the level of detail you go into. Have you thought of adding a servo to your mirror and a smart switch to the lights, so at a push of a button you can turn off the lights and switch on the table. They also have IR boarders that go around screens to make a plain tv into a touch tv. Slide that under the light bar and you would have an interactive game board as well.

[@viniciussouza8781]

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.

[@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.

[@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!?

[@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.

[@anthonygee3901]

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

[@rosascreativeworks5403]

Love seeing the wide variety of gaming tables out there. Nicely done. 😇😊

[@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.

[@tlynch918]

Yet another awesome project/cool idea from you guys. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

[@LtZerge]

Ah cool idea with the projection sheet. I did mine the TV way, but I still have another TV in the room. The TV I use came free in a raffle lol. My borders are also kind of narrow, but the cover over the TV is in 4 sections that can slot onto the sides to act as extensions, giving you much more area for stuff.

[@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

[@That-Fungi]

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

[@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.

[@arankthnar]

What an awesome design! Soany usages could be imagine! Well done!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Excellent project Bob and team. Loved it!

[@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!

[@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.

[@WoodFrontier]

Love the projector use and the side lights. Been thinking about making a game table for a while.

[@SouthernStyleDIY]

Absolutely fantastic! Love the multiple uses

[@MCsCreations]

Brilliant, Bob! Amazing work! 😃 The table turned out amazing! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@Rouverius]

I love watching Bob use his head to solve problems... sometimes literally🤣 That is one sweet, sweet table. And, hey, great job, Josh, on the projector mirror; very clever!

[@karterkostrzewski3412]

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

[@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!

[@craiggordon2502]

You might want to look into first surface mirrors for your projector. If you use a regular one the reflective part is behind the glass which might throw off the image a bit

[@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

[@KevinWeatherwalks]

You guys have made some cool things, but this is the coolest thing you've made yet. What an amazing idea.

[@brentonf8178]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@Windex451]

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

[@massiminimakes]

Great project! I have been thinking about how to do something similar. Lots of good ideas in this that I can borrow for my own design.

[@andydudas2376]

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

[@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

[@TomSwogger]

Love seeing my maps in amazing builds like this! Well done!

[@BronkBuilt]

That is one beefy and very cool table. Really dig the LED's to light up player as well as add a bit of effects to game play. BTW... Really enjoyed your talk at WBC and especially enjoyed you taking time to chat with me after.

[@DanielPangemanan]

That’s an awesome gaming table! And the perfect projector for it.

[@Jacob-it6xl]

This is awesome! It’s really cool to see this be built after seeing the model of it in your fusion360 session at WBC!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

It's where almost everything we make starts.

[@Jacob-it6xl]

I purchased the Fusion360 for makers course and am looking forward to completing it 👍 one thing I wanted to mention though. The google listing makes it look like the course is $1200 because of the way it’s spaced in the preview. Not a big deal but could deter people if they don’t click to investigate. Thanks for the time and effort in these videos, courses, and plans!

[@KoTTrpg]

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

[@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.

[@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. 🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@thePunisher95125]

Nicely done. With your wood cnc you should put your logo on the table cover when it’s a conference table like how is SOA they have the table. Also when you all decide to play a game you should motorize the mirror so no one has to stand on step ladder or chair. Plus for someone who plays a magic user in dnd should have a lighting switch or some way to show their character casting magic and have lighting effects and some sound effects. Lastly you may want to think about getting some comfy chairs too.

[@illumina700]

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

[@Sintaxx]

That's the coolest gaming table I've ever seen! Absolutely love it!

[@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.

[@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.

[@Warweazel]

I've always wondered how a projecter would work. Since you're projecting onto the table you can probably cast effects onto the minis or terrain on the play area.

[@sapelesteve]

Now that was a really freaking awesome build Bob & Crew! You know what they say about "all work and no play"! 😉😉👍👍😂😂

[@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!!

[@DaBe1812]

What an awesome table. I like the style of your videos, becase you not only do a really gread wood job, you also make stuff with 3D printed plastic and adurinos. I will definitely subscribe and look forward to your next projects.

[@Shin_Lona]

Great build. A lot of good tips on this one, like cutting at the corners on the T molding. Also, I didn't know you could score glass and snap it like that. I'm going to have to look into that some more before I attempt such a feat. 😆

[@Iliketomakestuff]

That's usually how you cut glass. Scoring it and snapping it is scary, but effective.

[@Phos_82]

A nice option would be some green felt on one side of those three panels for card games ect .. great build 👍

[@footballbat7707]

Great table. I'm currently making my own but sadly came to a halt. I'm trying to figure out some electrical work for it. Making this table, I would consider the height of the games you may be playing for the depth of the table, so when you close it, you don't have to lay pieces down.

[@svenpflug1679]

I bought the plans can’t wait to start this project, how would you build a tv into the center?

[@HumanoidTyphoon713]

I am so jealous....that table and projector set up is amazing!

[@CameronAshbySK2]

This is seriously awesome! I am planning on building my own, but I was going to use a TV. Any suggestions on what to change about this build to get a tv inside of it instead of the projector route?

[@RespawnRealmChronicles]

It would definitely be exciting to actually watch you guys game on that table.

[@jjcouch5]

Best project I've seen in a long time. Well done!

[@tzera_rhuon]

This is so awesome. It's almost like a physical version of TTS.