Serendipity really. I recently bought some OSB for some non-wargaming projects. Having cut 1 piece down to 6'x4', tested the footprint and functionality, the project was unanimously cancelled. Well, it never hurts to have spare materials hanging around but it suddenly hit me that I've been itching to extend my table to 6'x4' again and make it it sturdier. Serendipity!
My latest experiments with a gridded table have finally failed beyond redemption. I can see some of the attractions, especially for a small, sit-down, cardtable sort of game but over all, the minuses equal the positives and its not my style. So, I tore down my flimsy patchwork table and replaced it with a more solid one piece of OSB then painted it.
Now to test it!
I will trust you know what you're doing. As for me, having gotten away from "home improvement" projects, I had to look up the acronym, 'OSB'.
ReplyDeleteSo did I, in the early 70's we called it chipboard but that means something else now. Couldn't they have come up with a name rather than the initials for the technique used ri make it?
DeleteOooh Ross, I am intrigued, but my Chrome browser is not showing the photo!
ReplyDeleteMy apologies, it was late and using my cell which sometimes gets ornery. Should be working again now.
DeleteThanks Ross, looking good. I share your mixed feelings on the glorious grid.
DeleteLooking forward to seeing the table Ross
ReplyDeletethe pic should be back.
DeleteThe pic is here, and the table looks good
DeleteNot seeing the photo either !?
ReplyDeleteSorry! It should be back now.
DeleteFor most purposes I would hate the non-smooth surface of that board, but as a painted terrain underlay it works well and gives a visual texture to the ground
ReplyDeleteIts a long way from done when it come to painting but I do like a surface that doesn't look too smooth and monotone even with shiny toys which is odd in some ways.
DeleteHaving a sturdier gaming table is a step forward.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I've missed that these last few years when the board was make shift and always changing, often temporary and I had to re=purpose the room every other year and try to make more fit in less or be disposed of. I haven't felt this stable and comfortable since the turn of the century.
DeleteI keep thinking about gridded tables, doubt I'll ever do anything about it though.
ReplyDeleteAfter a decade of experiments, my conclusion is that grids are very good for very abstract games, either small games that can be quickly set up, played and taken down, or for large grand tactical games with many units, and possibly players, which can be set up and left in place for days or longer.
DeleteRoss Mac,
ReplyDeleteThe painted board looks very effective, and the fact that it has a natural texture and isn't as flat as a billiard table helps.
I hope that the new table gets a full 'wargame christening' soon!
All the best,
Bob
Its getting closer!
DeleteRoss;
ReplyDeleteI like the look of the new board, but I think I shall continue with my experiments on a grid. The good thing about my table, is my gridded board is merely sheets of foamboard with a grid drawn on that I can lay down over the cloth that normally rests on the table, and is easily stored underneath.
Looking forward to see what you'll be running on the new board. And a sturdy table is a good table.
Eric
I have several cloth "mats" that I can lay over the table including 1 with a square grid and 2 smaller ones with grids on one side and squares on the other. If I ever have the urge to go full size grids, I'll get or make a full sized hex covered cloth.
Deleteyes YES!
ReplyDeleteThe tabletop must be able to carry the tonnage (especially your larger all-metal armies)!
Well, all of them do but the last one when from a 2 piece 6x8 framed with 2x4's to a jigsaw 4'x5' of 5 or 6 rectangle of various sizes and shapes supported by surplus 1" shelving. It served but.....
DeleteI echo the comments about the texture of the board (and having to look up OSB); makes for good texture for this purpose.
ReplyDeleteI had to look up OSB too, In the early 70's I used to hear it called chipboard but apparently now refers to a dense heavy board like mdf. Could they do better than "Oriented Strata board"??
DeleteI've always been a game mat guy--I do like the look of a permanent table with a painted top. Maybe some day I'll switch over, at least in my own game space.
ReplyDeleteI still have 1/2 a dozen I can throw over the top. The most used having a river painted on.
DeleteLovely looking table! As others have noted the texture really adds something of an organic look to the thing. Looking forward to seeing the table featured in many posts!
ReplyDelete