| Project by WistysWoodWorkingWonders | posted 02-16-2012 03:09 AM | 9195 views | 4 times favorited | 15 comments |  |
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I started building this Poker Table early in the new year and after approx 110 working hours, was finally able to bring it upstairs.
For the Pedestal assemblies, I used walnut with maple sandwiched in between for the base piece, walnut for the uprights and top pieces. Rosewood was used for the laser engraved panels. This was my first time using Rosewood and I found it very easy to use, although very heavy too. For the end panels, I had them custom laser engraved at Custom Stamp and Engraving here in Victoria, BC. I think they did a fantastic job capturing the overall theme I was shooting for. The pedestal assemblies were put together using mortise and tenon joinery, with the panel being held in with steel pins. This was a challenge as I had to precisely line up and drill 64 holes altogether that had to be absolutely PERFECTLY spaced.
On the stretchers, I used some Cedar sandwiched between Walnut with Cedar suited shapes to add to the poker theme. They are held onto the pedestal assemblies with through mortise joints and locking pins.
On to the top, this was a bit of work to do. First I started with the plywood main surface by routering the edges and making the oval shape. This was followed by more oval shapes for the padded arm rest and supports. The racetrack is also made of 3/4” Birch plywood. The storage box was added also to have a place for me to store my poker chips and cards and the electrical connections for the light system. This was my first time using dovetail joints and I think overall they turned out great – I used the Leigh dovetail jig for this part. The playing surface is 3/4” Birch plywood covered with 1/4” Valora padding, then with Black Suited Speed Felt. Cards slide across this surface with very little effort and it has a Casino like feel to it.
The drink holders I will admit were a bit of a challenge. I first made a template out of 1/4” hardboard and took my time to shape it perfectly (that part worked great). What I did do wrong was that I didn’t install them ahead of the padded arm rest so they didn’t fit! Oops – had to order more drink holders, same dimensions except a little shorter.
All in all, this was a great project that challenged many of my woodworking skills. If you are a poker buff like my wife and I are, it is definitely something I would suggest putting on your project list. Fun to build and will give us hours of fun in the future. Hope you all get to build one of these just for the experience. Enjoy the pics and please feel free to criticize or comment as I always enjoy the feedback!
Wisty
-- New Project = New Tool... it's just the way it is, don't fight it... :)
15 comments so far
Drew - Rock-n H Woodshop
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#1 posted 02-16-2012 03:12 AM
One word…...AWESOME!!!!
-- Drew -- "I cut it twice and it's still too short!"- Rock-n H Woodshop - Moore, OK
Mike Soramaki
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#2 posted 02-16-2012 03:15 AM
This is wicked cool!
Dale J Struhar Sr
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#3 posted 02-16-2012 04:10 AM
Great job absolutely beautiful.
-- Dale, Ohio
peterrum
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#4 posted 02-16-2012 06:03 AM
Perfect.
-- Carpe Diem
Ken90712
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#5 posted 02-16-2012 08:50 AM
Great table, love the lights. I built one as well A while back but a different style. Well done.
-- Ken, "Everyday above ground is a good day!"
Roger
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#6 posted 02-16-2012 12:44 PM
very awesome table. luv the lights also. come on 7
-- Roger from KY. Work/Play/Travel Safe. Keep your dust collector fed. [email protected]
Lee A. Jesberger
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#7 posted 02-16-2012 01:16 PM
That is one good looking poker table!
And some very fine woodworking. Excellent job.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Triumph1
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#8 posted 02-16-2012 01:55 PM
Can’t criticize anything…that is a beautiful poker table….and I don’t even play poker!
-- Jeff , Wisconsin Please...can I stay in the basement a little longer, please!
woodworm
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#9 posted 02-16-2012 02:05 PM
Wow! Funtastic!
-- masrol, kuala lumpur, MY.
ohwoodeye
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#10 posted 02-16-2012 02:28 PM
I am a poker player and I can’t imagine playing with those lights on for more than 5 minutes without them freaking out my eyes. I have to believe they would change the red and black colors of the cards as well making it more difficult to read your suits. I would definatley have to turn them off during play. However they sure do give an awesome effect when the table is not in use! The speed felt is expensive but an absolute “must have” especially on a table of this quality. Great touch and money well spent. It’s so cool that your wife enjoys poker too. I wish mine did.
-- "Fine Woodworking" is the name given to a project that takes 3 times longer than normal to finish because you used hand tools instead of power tools. ----Mike, Waukesha, WI
Dixon1430
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#11 posted 02-17-2012 01:31 AM
This is an amazing table! I love the under table storage!
-- Ryan: "Everything is a hammer, except for a screwdriver and that's a chisel..."
WistysWoodWorkingWonders
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#12 posted 02-19-2012 12:17 AM
Thanks everyone for the kind words. The table was a long time on the “to do” list so I am very happy we had the opportunity to get her off that list.
ohwoodeye, the lights actually have a dimmer switch so we can adjust them to provide just a little light as required. I too can’t see us using them at full blast – would be too blinding.
I’m very happy my wife enjoys playing poker – don’t tell I said this, but she is actually better than I am :)
Wisty
-- New Project = New Tool... it's just the way it is, don't fight it... :)
winniety
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#13 posted 02-22-2012 02:04 AM
cool ,i never see a poker table like this ,delicate and beautifull
-- A-Line Wedding Dresses(http://www.sencart.com/Supply-wedding-apparel_c357) and Sweetheart Neckline Evening Dress are very good
Veronica
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#14 posted 03-30-2012 09:53 PM
This is beautiful :)
-- Woodworking...I learned from my dad.
stefang
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#15 posted 08-21-2013 12:57 PM
What a great design and well done project. I’m sorry I missed this when you posted it Steve. It certainly deserves a lot more recognition than it has received so far. Maybe your interview with Debbie will bring others to take a look at this fabulous poker table.
I totally agreed with your tips to beginning woodworkers, except that I would divide projects into four parts instead of three. The other fourth would be the project planning stage (not that I am very good at that). Great to see and enjoy your work.
-- Mike, an American living in Norway.
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