Making a table tennis table from 4 pieces of wood

[OM2]

(I've got another question asking for advice on how to create a TT table - but thought I'd ask this as a separate question)

I had an idea: create a table tennis table from 4 pieces
I want to do this and sell to others (just a crazy idea at the moment)

The idea would be to get the wood as and when I receive an order - make minor adjustments and send to the buyer

The bit I am not 100% sure about is how to perfectly line up 2 pieces of wood and have almost zero gap - should the ball ever fall on the dividing gap, there shouldn't be any noticeable difference

Also, the wood could be anything - just not really soft wood

I'm using an Ikea table at the moment - the table top cost £10 (legs £2 each) - this would be fine. I think it's got a plastic coating

(Exact proper measurements for real table tennis tables *not* required - just roughly close would be fine)

Any thoughts?
Just an idea in my head! Lol


OM

 

[Deleted member 174758]

Do you have a spec for the materials (thickness, weight, etc)? Do you have a target cost? Have you considered how you'll deliver these items and what effect delivery costs will have on your margin?

Joining level? How about some bullet connectors (like taper-topped metal or plastic dowels - see Hafele 642.51.243) and two or three coach bolts with washers and wing nuts?

 

[big-all]

i doubt 4 bits will work wood being a natural material moves it will only require a 1mm difference to effect the ball

 

[foxhole]

They are already commercially available, doubt you could match price or quality.

 

[OM2]

They are already commercially available, doubt you could match price or quality.

really? where?

even the smallest difference would matter actually
thickness - not really important

in terms of shipping, i was hoping when cut into 4 pieces, i could then send using a normal courier - for less than £10

nothing but a crazy idea for now

 

[Deleted member 174758]

even the smallest difference would matter actually
thickness - not really important

OK, but do you have a target manufacturing cost? (i.e. one which leaves you a realistic profit margin after taking out marketing, advertising and distribution costs) Without that it is impossible to advise you about potential materials or even feasibility. Are we talking aout £10, £50, £100, £200 here? And what sort of product do you need to be competitive in the market? Ultra lightweight/ Low-cost? Premium?

in terms of shipping, i was hoping when cut into 4 pieces, i could then send using a normal courier - for less than £10

Having been involved in shipping KD furniture products in the past I have to ask you whether you are sure of that price. 4 off 1/2 jumbos of sheet material are likely to be classed as an oversize product. I'd recommend looking into this and getting a shipping price - then add a few pounds for protective corners and plastic wrapping. It might well shock you

Not trying to put you off, merely trying to act as a "sanity check"

 

[PBSCO]

http://www.libertygames.co.uk/store...edium=Product_Search&utm_campaign=google_base Could you make it better than this with all the extras and make a profit....If the answer is yes,then go for it...If no then probably better to keep idea in your head for now

 

[big-all]

in terms of shipping, i was hoping when cut into 4 pieces, i could then send using a normal courier - for less than £10

nothing but a crazy idea for now

you are hoping to send 15 to 20 kilos measuring around 2.5mx 2mx 250mm for £10 i think you will find its nearer £100

just done a check on my parcel that are very good they use most couriors
i had to down size the package to maximum 2m and 10kg to get down to the a level they handle and that was £156 size rather than weight being the problem


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[Deleted member 174758]

http://www.libertygames.co.uk/store/table-tennis/indoor-table-tennis/table-tennis-bce-isd1173/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=Product_Search&utm_campaign=google_base Could you make it better than this with all the extras and make a profit....If the answer is yes,then go for it...If no then probably better to keep idea in your head for now

At £169 including delivery the retailer is probably buying in at no more than £85 including VAT and making a margin of £40 to £50 assuming that his delivery costs are in the region of £35 or so (the clue is Highland delivery - up there goods are often delivered to a trans-shipment point and then onward delivered by a local general carrier meaning that they are effectively delivered twice. That surcharge is a good indicator of the real shipping cost in the main part of the country). Unless you are making these in huge quantities and/or the materials are cheap as chips I can't see anyone here in the EU competing with this - not even at Polish or Chezc labour costs. yet another example of Chinese manufacturing scr*wing manufacturing here.

To the OP

If you are going to get into this market I think that you seriously need to look at going after the "quality" end of the market where design, fit and finish are at a premium. Of course, that assumes that there is a "quality" end to this market