The Gaming Den

... and viability study.
And I would very much appreciate any and all feedback.

Here's the deal -- in a brainstorming session trying to figure out how to generate some supplemental income, I thought that perhaps there might be a market for custom gaming tables (albeit a small one). As I see it, we have basically 3 options for game tables:
1) dropping a grid mat on an existing table
2) the Sultan
3) try to make your own (with infinitely-varying degrees of success/failure).
Surely, there needs to be something for the group that wants a solid, dedicated gaming table, but doesn't want to shell-out $10k.

So, I've got a "prototype", so to speak (read: my untrained attempt at building my own table 3 years ago). I really learned a lot in that process; and have made a few notes over the last 3 years on what I'd do differently. (and the fact that I've since gotten some advice from an actual carpenter couldn't hurt my future endeavors).
For reference, you can see a few pics here, here, and here.

My basic concept, originally, was basically 3 features:
1) sliding drawers
2) full gridded top with wet/dry erase
3) minimal profile, to accommodate adequate leg clearance without having the top set too high
Some basic no/low cost modifications that would need to be made would include:
- deeper drawers (there's barely an inch clearance on the 4 side drawers -- would want to increase that to 2 inches)
- better legs/leg design (it's plenty sturdy enough ... the changes would be for aesthetics)
- wet/dry erase surface covering all the drawers (as-is, it's just the wood)
- dampening the play surface and drawer surfaces (just the wood is pretty loud and has lots of rebound) .... simply placing a piece of fabric between the wood and the mat does wonders.
- aesthetic improvements all around (as-is, since I was making this for just myself, I cared only for functionality -- prettying it up should be fairly simple).
- include a push-pull stick (kinda like what's used at craps tables)
- various battlemat options; e.g., smaller/larger grid, hexes, reversible, etc.

I would be offering several models (most of the variation would be in the size). Sizes would included: 4x4 ; 4x6 (standard model, pictured) ; 4x8 ; 3x5 (for smaller rooms). Varying heights would also be available.

So, what I'm looking for is this:
- general thoughts on design
- other improvements and/or added features (keep in mind, I'm not trying to compete with the Sultan -- I'm aiming for a price point of around $700-$800 for the standard table)
- specific aesthetic improvements
- foreseeable viability at suggested price point.
- possible supplemental products that I could make myself (I've already thought about dice bags; but I'm kinda stuck after that)
I don't expect to be able to quit my job with this (though that would be nice); but if I could average 15-20 orders/year

I've also considered also having just the professional-grade blueprints available (for a price), for the DIY types who just can't be bothered with actually designing such a table, but still want the cost savings of the DIY.
The table would ship fully assembled, except for the legs, which can be easily screwed on in a matter of 2 minutes or less (leg removal would be just as easy, allowing greater flexibility in storage/transport).
If I determine that this is indeed viable, then I'll be making 2-3 more in the near future (perhaps around the first of the year) -- this would serve a couple of purposes: 1) practice refinement, 2) display/promo models. I foresee having the website up and running by March, ready to take orders.

I very much look forward to hearing your thoughts.
This is very much a serious and genuine business venture proposal, so pulling your punches is strictly forbidden.
Thanks.

MY GM has a giant whiteboard that he converted into a tall table. He uses bar stools/chairs so there's plenty of leg room, and you don't feel like it's too tall. But you could also stand at it, and play (which is nice for miniatures.)

Okay, it seems that discussion on this has picked-up more over on a couple of other sites: here, here, and here.
At this point, I'd probably prefer to relegate things to over there; but feel free to chime in here if you like.

Thanks.


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sabs wrote:MY GM has a giant whiteboard that he converted into a tall table. He uses bar stools/chairs so there's plenty of leg room, and you don't feel like it's too tall. But you could also stand at it, and play (which is nice for miniatures.)

I had thought about a whiteboard, but decided against it for a few reasons: a) cost , b) weight , c) limited selection of appropriate types of markers to use (the surface I went with can use dry erase, wet erase, and permanent).
One of the particular design goals that I kept at the front of my mind was to minimize the profile (i.e., plenty of leg room without the top being too tall). The design also accommodates for adjustable leg length (the particular legs I have are fairly low to account for the couches that we use).

Obviously, the table in the picture is nothing more than a working concept, that was thrown together over a weekend, using only a table saw and a hand drill.

But I do get your point -- yes, most people are indeed content with simply improvising their own thing with existing materials and/or add-ons that they can get fairly cheaply.
I'm just hoping that there is some kind of market for a little something *more* (that doesn't involve something that costs more than my car, that is).

Thanks.

Time for some necromancy...

Would chalk instead of dry ease be okay? I mean, you can make chalkboards with paint these days. Some plywood or something could lower the cost down from what a whiteboard would be.

Meikle641 wrote:Time for some necromancy...

Would chalk instead of dry ease be okay? I mean, you can make chalkboards with paint these days. Some plywood or something could lower the cost down from what a whiteboard would be.

That depends entirely on the effect of rolling dice on a piece of plywood that's been painted with blackboard paint.

You want to be able to roll dice, write on your character sheet.. etc.