Part of my gaming room configuration has been the design, building, and deployment of a digital table and table space for the group. For this reason, we purchased an oversized table (approximately 10 foot), to fit our overly large group. Eventually, this will be covered by an overlay, providing space for the players books, papers, and dice, while also doubling as a 3×6 field for our Legion and Armada games. In the center of this, I had planned to build a wooden box to hold a large screen TV, for use with whichever virtual tabletop of choice we had at the time. This would then provide digital versions of the battlemat, allowing for faster games, and the side option of streaming.
With our upcoming Carrion Crown campaign, I have finally started the first step of this, creating the box for the TV. Pictured is the unstained version, at this point just testing to make sure that my measurements were correct (they were). This is simple and basic construction – a pair of 2x4s cut down and glued and screwed at a 45 degree corner. For the overlap, I used a table saw to cut out a slot in the wood, allowing the TV to fit snugly into the box. A plank crosses over on the bottom, holding the TV securely against the top.
My original design included a plexiglass layer to protect the screen, but the wife suggested not to bother – the TV is old, is not expected to last forever anyway, and will never be used as a TV again (so scratches are a low concern). I am still concerned about drink spills, but then drinks wont be on the screen. I also have concerns about a few miniatures which I have magnetized – I will be removing the magnets to avoid issues with the TV.
Underneath, there is enough room for cables and some breathing space for the cooling. Again, the TV isnt going to last forever, so I am not too worried about it getting hot. To finish the build, I have stained the pine with a dark walnut, and I have some black metal handles to be installed on the ends to aid with moving the screen. The final surface will also get a layer of Tung Oil Wax that I made a few years ago, which worked very well on prior projects. As shown, the surface is a bit “rustic”, a natural result of the lumber, but it works well with our general theme and I am not skilled enough to craft high quality furniture anyway.
