D.I.Y. pool table build with dining lid

jrpski

🖼️

The project:

I decided to build a pool table with no experience, just belief that I could achieve something like this built to a standard that I am proud of. It took me about 2 months to complete.

- Materials:

The cabinet is made entirely of Tasmanian Oak purchased from Bunnings

https://www.bunnings.com.au/90-x-32mm-2-4m-dar-tasmanian-oak-select_p0073151

The metal frame was commissioned by AJ Steel in Nambour and powder coated by Sunshine Powder Coating in Kunda Park.

The cloth, rubber and pockets were sourced online from the USA

- Tools:

AEG 240v router - no longer available

AEG combination drop saw

https://www.bunnings.com.au/aeg-1800w-254mm-dual-bevel-slide-compound-mitre-saw_p0133254?store=8176&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21118986128&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB-bAcnNbyUD1Ob3fBDIgVp7k&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI55fpgNeylQMVVZlmAh0EtA03EAQYASABEgK0pfD_BwE

Dewalt table saw

https://www.bunnings.com.au/dewalt-254mm-2000w-corded-table-saw-dwe7491-xe_p0274900?store=8176&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21118986128&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB-bAcnNbyUD1Ob3fBDIgVp7k&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5LiJl9eylQMVP6ZmAh20sCBBEAQYASACEgLH0PD_BwE

Dewalt impact driver and drill

https://www.bunnings.com.au/dewalt-2-piece-18v-brushless-combo-kit_p6260457

Ryobi pneumatic staple gun

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-airwave-wide-crown-air-stapler_p6210562

- Step 1:

Drew up a design, took it to a local metal fabricator and had the frame made, and then powder coated

- Step 2:

Found the dimensions for the sub rails, had to really get the head around the angles!

- Step 3:

After some trial and error, managed to cut the sub rails with the correct angle

- Step 4:

Next I had to route a spot to attach the mounting hardware on the bottom of the rail, and then attach (3 per rail, 6 rails total)

- Step 5:

Next I had to cut a space for the pockets to go. I freehanded on some scrap MDF, and then once happy, I used a flush router bit to transfer the curve onto the rail

- Step 6:

Then it was time to dry-fit the rails and cut to length. The proper pocket opening size is the width of 2 balls

- Step 7:

Now time to make sure all the pockets fit. Check!

- Step 8:

Then hit it all with some hardwax oil

- Step 9:

Time for the felt! I read that this needs to be as tight as possible. A pneumatic staple gun made light work of this

- Step 10:

I forgot to take a photo of the lid assembly - it is comprised of 2x halves, made from 90mm wide Tasmanian Oak (of course!). Now time to learn how to play!

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, @jrpski. It's brilliant to have you join us and many thanks for sharing your project.

What an incredible first attempt! Building a pool table from scratch is an ambitious undertaking, and the finished result looks absolutely superb. The Tasmanian Oak, custom metal frame and dining table lid all come together to create a piece that's as functional as it is impressive.

Thanks for taking the time to document your build and share the process. I'm sure this project will inspire plenty of members to take on challenging builds of their own. Here's hoping you enjoy many games around your handcrafted table.

Mitchell