[athrlyth]

Hiya to All and Merry Christmas. I know that this subject as been covered before, but time moves on and new ideas come along, OK to business. At the moment I use about 6 or seven pasting tables on top of those I use 2 half inch thick MDF 8x4 boards cut into 4 parts, because of the weight in lifting them onto the pasting tables, this has worked ok, over the past three years with a few problems and that is.
1. it takes me about three days to actually set the track up which isn't much of a problem,
2.The pasting tables dip in the middle, which then makes it difficult to keep the table tops level, in fact I cant keep the table tops level, so the track is up and down, which on the up side does make racing a challenge, but which isn't good for the track or the power going around the track.

I am this year looking for a cheap way to improve what I have. so -please any and all ideas are very welcome, there are only two things I require I have no tools in which to speak of, and even less skills. Thats it. welcome to challenge 2012.

Just has an add on, I have been looking at ping Pong tables, would two of these put together be a possibility?

Many Thanks

Athrlyth

 

[300SLR]

So getting the surface more level would help?
How about supporting the middle of the pasting tables where they dip.
A simple tressel leg should do it.

 

[ss67]

Hi,

I used 4 table tennis tables. I dismantled them, cut the tops to the size I wanted and used the parts to construct 4 tables that fold up.

These tables when down, fit together to form a 5.6m x 2.3m layout.

See links below!

 

[athrlyth]

Thank you for your replies.

300SLR I have thought about this and I'm not sure it would work, I have a double garage and the tables fit quite snug, which basically means its not that easy to get around the tables to put the de-slots back onto the track. my point being unless I could secure the extra centre leg after a few days or weeks I would end up with the centre leg falling off. because the cost is so little I might still give it a go and see if it works.

ss67 Thats one big space and really nice looking track. At the moment I am looking at this as a long term and think it might be the way to go, can I ask if you have tried buying the ping pong tables and just using them as they are. I am guessing that these tables don't dip in the middle and are more sturdy that pasting tables which wouldn't be difficult, I think I could get away with using two full size tables and a pasting table to finish off the L shape that I like to have.

Both good suggestions.

Athrlyth

 

[Mr Modifier]

Hi athrlyth,

Take a look at the Amman Valley Raceway (link in my sig).

I think I may have the answer to your table issue AND getting the base boards to interlock nicely.

Merry Christmas

 

[sealevel]

Hi Athrlyth,
I also have my 6 tables suspended from the ceiling (see my thread link below).

If you could give us some pics of the tables, we may be able to give you some better advice.

Cheers and Merry Christmas/Happy New Year!

 

[athrlyth]

Thanks again guys. Some really inventive ideas.

I cant suspend tables from my ceiling its too low which is a bit of a shame but hey also its got a flat roof which means I have no attic to go into. The problem is that because I use so many pasting tables all the MDF come out at different levals which in turn means that the track has got highs and lows, which is a good thing as far as racing is concerned but this year I had bad problems with the Ninco track I am using, in fact half way through the year I couldnt use the track because of a power issue which I still havnt found the real reason for yet. But I thought i have to start at the foundation when that has been addressed then I can go on and hopfully detect any other issues I might have going into the new year. I will order a new power strait soon and hopefully that wil also help.

 

[Martyn_]

Hi arthlryth, I've seen Mr Modifiers setup in action. It is VERY sturdy and goes together in minutes. Well worth the extra few quid investment in the tables. Was so impressed, we got one for the son's room in uni - damn site more space than the provided desk.

As an added bonus it's very useable for other events (car boot sales, booze tables for parties etc)

 

[simes205]

Hi,

I used our conservatory table (schhh) and another table frame to support the structure.
I then lashed up a ladder frame out of studding timber to then support the 18mm chipboard.
I have no flex and can actually stand on all the deck apart from the section that isn't supported from the floor.

With this in mind if you used some support and a thicker board you'll have a lot less flex / sag.
Although I do have access to many tools, you could put this together quite easily with a hammer and nails providing you get your 18mm board cut at B&Q or similar.

 

[Martyn_]

To get a few more seats around the christmas table. I plonked an 8x4 18mm MDF board on top of the dining table.
It's a two man job to lift it!

Over the next week or so, I''ll be learning how to route a track on the underside of it. Probably just a two or three lane oval for trying out cars, then I may put a wiggly handling course inside that, just to learn. Cabling and jumping cross overs will be a laugh, no doubt.

That's a lovely bit of work simes. Have you thought of making a very simple leg(s) to go under that unsupported bit? I've made a very sturdy and simple legs for my main layout from 3x3 timbers for the main load bearers and 3x1s for the intermediate legs (just to stop it bowing).

 

[simes205]

QUOTE (snurfen @ 27 Dec 2011, 17:11) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>That's a lovely bit of work simes. Have you thought of making a very simple leg(s) to go under that unsupported bit? I've made a very sturdy and simple legs for my main layout from 3x3 timbers for the main load bearers and 3x1s for the intermediate legs (just to stop it bowing).

Thanks, thought about it but the overhang isn't more than 400mm; it hasn't even sagged yet so I'll leave it.

 

[athrlyth]

There,s some good working going on here. I wonder if anyone one has got any pictures of tables and or legs. At the moment the table tennis tables still seem to be the best option unless I was thinking of a permanent set up which is not practical for me.

Thank you for the replies so far.

Athrlyth