[Gilch]

although this is the chip forum i think it will get the most views here lol
Im looking to buy a poker table online somewhere but the prices seem to vary so much... i found one site with good quality tables and free shipping and i lost the link.... anyone know offhand who has some of the best deals online for tables?

[PocketRocket]

What kind of table are you looking for. The prices can range from close to $100 to several thousand dollars. In light of the shipping costs for furniture (free shipping just means the cost has been built into the cost of the table), you should also explore local resources, especially if you're looking at a high end table (you can see what the table is really like, whereas on a web site, it's pot luck and the picture may not be representative of the table you actually get.)

[viet rounder]

Chips and Tables are alike. That is, do not hesitate to wait, save, and buy the best of its kind. No need to buy a half ass table that you will regret in the years to come. Buying a good, expensive, high quality table is costly, but will last you a life time, in which u will be proud of. Buying a cheap table is like buying clay chips and sticking labels on them. It will work, but not something that will bring u great pride. You can also make your own table. THis is not cheap, and requires alot of time. Here is my table

http://www.geocities.com/ryersontai/miscellaneous.htm

[hachkc]

For about $200 in materials, you can build your own hold'em style table; I did. Its much nicer than what you'll get for $200 plus its something you built. The only tools you'll need are a jigsaw, drill and stapler (preferably electric). The actual skillset if pretty minor; prior to building mine my definition of a power tool was an electric can opener. The only tricky part is doing the rail buts its not to difficultCheckout www.scottkeen.com/forum for a ton of information and make sure to read the faq's on the table talk section. Here is my table: http://home.comcast.net/~hachkc/index.htm

Also, I have the this table http://chiptalk.net/forum/showthread.php?t=8060 and its works out well when I need a 2nd table plus it folds up for out of the way storage.

[viet rounder]

for home games, i find round tables to be more affective since the players deal their own cards (ala Rounders). The Texas Holdem Tables are nice but are designed for casino use with the dealer in the middle having control of the table. Just imagine yourself in 1 end of the table dealing to the opposite end or trying to grab the chips in the middle. It becomes very difficult and gets annoying after awhile.

For round tables, u will need more tools than just a jigsaw. Clamps, and a table saw becomes very important if u want to make details such as engravings, chip trays, and cup holders. My advice, buy the table unless u consider it as a hobby. A good quality table is not that expensive if u ask me. Just remember how much it cost to buy a queen size bed and mattress. A good quality bed cost about $400, and the mattress cost about $600. But it is well worth it, and to us poker addicts, a good quality table with good custom chips is like a beautiful king size bed with Carmen Electra on it.

[Gilch]

thanks for al the help guys.... gonna work on building my own

[hachkc]

Originally Posted by viet rounder

for home games, i find round tables to be more affective since the players deal their own cards (ala Rounders).

Agreed, round or octagon tables are better suited for home games where the deal is passed amongst the players at the table. The downside is that round/octagon tables are more expensive and difficult to build. First, materials are more expensive if you are doing a table that is more than 48" across as plywood is harder to find in that size. Depending on the size, some other materials such as vinyl, foam and playing surface are more difficult to find. Second, the effort required and tools needed are greater than a casino style table.

Ultimately, it all depends on what you want and the amount of time and effort you are willing to put into it.

[jldecarlo]

Originally Posted by hachkc

For about $200 in materials, you can build your own hold'em style table; I did. Its much nicer than what you'll get for $200 plus its something you built. The only tools you'll need are a jigsaw, drill and stapler (preferably electric). The actual skillset if pretty minor;

I agree. I also second the scott keen forum rec. Personally, I like playing on simple (non-racetrack) tables which are also cheaper and easier to build.

L

[bromius13]

The going rate for a poker table at a sports store is generally $199.

If searching on eBay, I'd look for a table that beats that after shipping. That, and I'd be wary of the "Spartan" table--I've heard a lot of bad press about that particular table.

jw

[FL70]

Originally Posted by hachkc

The downside is that round/octagon tables are more expensive and difficult to build. First, materials are more expensive if you are doing a table that is more than 48" across as plywood is harder to find in that size. Depending on the size, some other materials such as vinyl, foam and playing surface are more difficult to find. Second, the effort required and tools needed are greater than a casino style table.

Hafta disagree with you there. I built a 60" octagon (http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeq7tev/) and the 2 sheets of plywood was ~$65. Yes, you have to search around to find a place that carries it, but that took me about an hour of Googling. Plus you need less padding and fabric. I chose not to do a padded rail (because of the size it's difficult to find vinyl large enough), and used the chair rail as edging instead.

I didn't buy or use any tools that wouldn't be needed for an oval HE table.

I recommend sitting down and thinking about what you want. Getting some pricing estimates and see how it fits your budget. The actual building itself is really pretty easy. I've never built anything before and mine turned out OK (and I'm a perfectionist!).