Hey everyone! I'm new to woodworking and have a 5' x 3' pine slab that's 3" thick. I want to transform it into a gaming table for D&D and plan to install a TV in the center of the table for projecting game maps. My idea is to cut a large square hole in the middle and back it up somehow. I'm thinking of drilling holes at the corners and using a jigsaw or reciprocating saw to make the cut, followed by routing it out for a lip to hold some plexiglass over the screen. Is there a better way to achieve this? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
I think drilling holes at the corners and using a jigsaw is a solid plan. Just go slow with a fine blade to achieve a nice finish. However, be aware that cutting through 3" is a bit tough; consider finishing it with a router.
My suggestion is to start with a jigsaw to remove the bulk of the wood and then refine the edges with a router and a pattern. Just a heads-up, though—this might be a bit of a waste of that big slab, since the majority of the tabletop will just be TV. Consider building the perimeter by joining up boards instead!
A jig and router with a flush-cut bit would work wonders here. It'll give you a neat finish! Also, remember to go slowly with a fine finish blade if you decide to stick with the jigsaw option, it can turn out nicely.
Using a jigsaw might not give you the cleanest edges, especially with a thickness like 3". I'd recommend going for a plunge router with a template—it'll make cleaner cuts, and you won't have to cut all the way through to get the screen to sit properly without needing extra backing.