Card Tables Ideas for Children

Question: My children are fond of playing cards in their spare time but they need me to get a table for their play. Since they are glued to it for hours together with their friends and don’t like my interruption in between. Any suggestion for proper card table? – Katty

Answer: Card tables are big enough for card games. But by the lime you add refreshments, cigarette packs, ashtrays, and oilier accessories; there isn’t room left for cards.

Mere is a super-top that gives you all the room you need. Even the handyman with five thumbs can make it. And the few hours you spend building it arc nothing compared to the years of convenience it will give you.

What to buy

From 3/4 inch plywood, have your lumber dealer cut a 4-foot circle for you on his band saw. Then buy 12 feet of wood strips about 3/4 inch square, and a dozen 1/2 -inch, flathead wood screws.

The circular top fits firmly over ordinary card table, In spite of its sturdiness top is quickly removed. Just lift it an inch off the table so the wood strips no longer hold top in place

How to build it

Lay the card table top down, on the disc of plywood; measure from the four sides of the table until the super-top is perfectly centered; then mark the outline of the table top on the disc. The square you have drawn should be no smaller than your table top itself and not over 1/2 inches bigger.

Next cut the wood strips to form a square outside the square you’ve drawn. Miter the corners if you’re a perfectionist, or let them butt if you don’t care. When the strips are cut, lay them in position, drill holes through them and into the top and screw the strips firmly into place. Countersink the screws.

How to Finish

Use coarse sandpaper and a hand-sized sanding block to smooth the curved edge and remove all traces of saw marks. Then switch to medium grit sandpaper to smooth the surface and the rest of the edges. Complete the sanding job with fine sandpaper. Shellac is easiest to use as a finish.

Apply the first coat thinned about half with alcohol. Shellac as it comes from the can may be used for successive coats. Sand with finest sandpaper between coats after each dries. If you prefer colored enamel, one thinned coat of shellac is a good primer and filler.

Two coals of enamel should cover completely. Lacquer may be sprayed or brushed on, but never over any other type of finish. As a primer for lacquer, use the same lacquer, thinned half. Hardest to apply because it dries slowly and may pick up dust is varnish, but under spillage and battering, varnish is the most durable finish. Apply it as you would shellac.