| 1. Plan ahead - research the project
before you start. The more you know before you
start the better prepare you will be. Order all of
the supplies, have all the right tools, and have a set
plan before you start. be sure to explore
these links... |
| 2. Take your time - It might seem
like common sense but it can make a big difference
in the final product if you take your time vs. rushing
to completion. If you rush the cuts, they may be crooked
and if you rush padding the rail it will not be smooth.
The more time you take, the happier you will be with the
end result. |
| 3. Measure twice and cut once - we've
all heard it before but it is critical to building a
poker table. Don't ruin a $40 piece of plywood or $50
cut of fabric because you didn't take this advice. |
| 4. Mark each section - When cutting
the lip of the rail or the rail itself, or the playing
surface insert, be sure to mark both pieces, so when you
assemble the table you know how the pieces are supposed
to go together. This step is far more important than it
might seem, be sure to do it. |
| 5. Sand, Sand, Sand - Proper sanding
will help fit all the components together during
assembly, and will produce a much nice end product. |
| 6. Lightly sand each coat of
polyurethane between coats. Get very fine
sandpaper, and reduce the grain as you add coats - this
will help product a nice finish. |
| 7. Test everything on scrap pieces
before hand - you will make fewer mistakes if you test
all stain, polyurethane and even saw blades and
sandpapers on scrap pieces before touching the actual
table pieces. |
| 8. Use the right vinyl and pull it
tight! Using Whisper or some other very
stretchable vinyl makes it much easier to pull into a
consistent position, and work out wrinkles. The
less the material stretches the more difficult wrapping
your rail will be. |
| 9. Don't try this alone!
There are many points of this project where a second set
of hands is not just helpful, but essential.
Tables quickly become to cumbersome to maneuver alone.
Pulling and stapling the vinyl s virtually impossible to
do right with only one pair of hands trying to do both. |
| 10. Have fun- and visit
other sites for more tips! |
