PokerWeb - Build an Octagon Poker Table


	Step #1: Measure, Mark Cut
	Disclaimer: The creator of this table has modest construction skills at best. The instructions are posted only as an aid for others wishing to create a table like this one. It is 48" octagon which is a bit small for this style of table, but provides a more intimate playing environment ,saves on space and is easier to move than the more standard 60" octagon preferred by some builders. Rule #1: Measure twice, cut once! There's nothing worse than cutting a $40 piece of oak plywood and then realizing you have ruined it by cutting in to the wrong dimensions! Rule #2: Take your time! The better these cuts are done the less time you will spend sanding, and it will also effect the final results of your table.. Rule #3: Sand, sand and sand some more. if you don't like to sand wood, don't bother attempting a project like this! Rule #4: Every section cut should be pencil marked on both pieces to be able to align the two sections up again when assembling the final construction.


	Two sheets of 3/4" plywood were used to construct this table. One sheet of standard pine plywood (about $20) and one sheet of sanded Oak (about $40) - both cut to 4'x4' and purchased at The Home Depot. To get the right measurements the Octagon Layout Calculator was used. Lines were drawn in pencil on both sheets of wood cutting them into the same dimensions.


	This is the sheet of oak cut into the initial octagon. This sheet will become three parts of the table: racetrack, rim of the padded rail and playing surface.


	Cut a 1-1/2" rail off of the the oak sheet to be used as the lip of the padded rail. Be sure to mark the two pieces - this will make it much easier to attach the two sections later.


	This is the sheet of standard pine plywood, cut into the initial octagon and then has a 4" rail cut from the outside edge. The 1 1/2" rail from the image above will be attached to the 4" piece and be used to construct the padded rail. The center section that remains will be used as the base of the table.


	This is the oak piece again. First it was cut into the initial octagon, then a 1-1/2" rim was cut of to be used for the padded rail. In this picture another outside cut is made create the racetrack, leaving what will be the playing surface in the middle. The racetrack for this table was cut to be 8". Half will be covered by the padded rail, and the other 4 inches will be finished as the visible racetrack. Be sure to mark the two pieces - this will make it much easier to attach the two sections later.


	Here are all the cuts in one image. On the left is the pine sheet of plywood. It is cut into the initial octagon, then a 4" rail is cut from the outside edge (the rail can be seen behind the center section). The 4" rail will be used in the construction of the padded rail and the center section will be the bottom layer or base of the finished table. On the right side are the three sections of the oak sheet. First cut into the initial octagon, and then (starting from the back) is the 1-1/2" rail cut from the outermost portion of the initial octagon. The middle section pictured will be used for the racetrack and the small octagon in the front ill become the playing surface. Reminder: Be sure to mark all the pieces you cut - this will make it much easier to attach the two sections later.

	Click here to continue to Step #2: Building the Rail