Diorama Table Recs?

[laxhistorian]

Hi all, I am building a large LAX 1:400 model (it will likely end up being around 15' x 8') and am looking for recommendations for a table to use (or important considerations in selecting one). Ideally it would be something relatively light (maybe modular tables?), but I could use advice on whether going with a heavier table makes sense.

 

[bakejobb_23]

It depends on your project a bit. I use scrap plywood I get from work for my “mini dioramas” (home remodeling so ezpz). I take what I can get since it’s free.

If you’re painting and plan to do that right on your board, I would go with 1/2inch thick MDF as you can get a really smooth surface that won’t bow once paint is applied to it. I’ve tried 1/4inch but it starts to bow if you aren’t careful. Other plywoods would work as well but MDF is the smoothest unless you have time to sand out imperfections from something cheaper. It is heavy though, the bigger the boards the heavier they get.

If you’re buying a printed mat, the 1/4 plywood might be okay but I don’t have a ton of experience when it comes to those.

As for “making the table”, you can always carpenter your way into designing and making something yourself which I know is not for everyone. I plan on getting a bunch of saw horses I can shim if necessary so I can easily take down the setup if need be. you can always use bins or boxes or anything else sturdy. Whatever fits the budget or space or needs. More info can help me guide you in the right direction.

 

[laxhistorian]

Thanks for the thoughts. I just found this product -- am thinking that buying four sets (16 total tables) would be perfect -- approx. 15' x 7.5'. Your plywood suggestion has me thinking about the pro/con on going that route plus some table legs vs. just getting the items below.

https://www.wayfair.com/commercial-office-furniture/pdp/millwood-pines-carlsbad-1106wide-8ft-modular-rectangular-conference-table-modern-seminar-table-w005573502.html?piid%5B0%5D=42918643

 

[bakejobb_23]

Thanks for the thoughts. I just found this product -- am thinking that buying four sets (16 total tables) would be perfect -- approx. 15' x 7.5'. Your plywood suggestion has me thinking about the pro/con on going that route plus some table legs vs. just getting the items below.

https://www.wayfair.com/commercial-office-furniture/pdp/millwood-pines-carlsbad-1106wide-8ft-modular-rectangular-conference-table-modern-seminar-table-w005573502.html?piid%5B0%5D=42918643

would you be painting/drawing out your own layout? If so, just think about plywood costs as well. If you’re buying a mat or anything then those tables should be perfectly fine. you could get small pieces of plywood and screw them into the bottom of the tables to level them out and secure them together so they are a bit stronger and there will be less gaps between tables. If you’re using plywood on top of that then the gaps won’t matter as much.

 

[laxhistorian]

I didn't consider the plywood-on-top model -- how difficult is it to get large pieces of plywood? I'd ideally just want two of them (each of them 4' x 8').

 

[bakejobb_23]

Prices vary, check out your local lumber store (lowe’s, home depot, etc etc if you’re in the states). Probably 50$/sheet give or take 20$ or how much quality or thickness you want. If you did want them cut down you can ask them to do that for you if they offer that service. most lowe’s and home depot’s do.

 

[OllieBHaas25]

I just use 5/8 plywood although if you plan on connecting the two I’d watch out for warping 4x8 is as big as I would go as they get pretty hard to transport and move around after that

 

[bakejobb_23]

I just use 5/8 plywood although if you plan on connecting the two I’d watch out for warping 4x8 is as big as I would go as they get pretty hard to transport and move around after that

5/8in plywood works great, I haven’t had any bad warping issues with my 1/2in MDF at all yet. All my small boards are pretty much all 3/4in thick as that’s what we use at work often but 3/4 will get ~heavy~ to transport or move if you go bigger than 4ftx4ft dimensionally personally. Anything thinner than 1/2in and you heavily run into that warping issue unless they’re permanently sitting on a flat table, preferably attached from underneath in some way to ensure it truly stays flat and level. (or enough sawhorses underneath lol). I experimented with 1/4in thick plywood a few months ago to start and after my primer coat it just warped into a pretty hefty bow in it that was never fixable…never again that thin for me.

 

[OllieBHaas25]

5/8in plywood works great, I haven’t had any bad warping issues with my 1/2in MDF at all yet. All my small boards are pretty much all 3/4in thick as that’s what we use at work often but 3/4 will get ~heavy~ to transport or move if you go bigger than 4ftx4ft dimensionally personally. Anything thinner than 1/2in and you heavily run into that warping issue unless they’re permanently sitting on a flat table, preferably attached from underneath in some way to ensure it truly stays flat and level. (or enough sawhorses underneath lol). I experimented with 1/4in thick plywood a few months ago to start and after my primer coat it just warped into a pretty hefty bow in it that was never fixable…never again that thin for me.

Oh shoot yeah I meant 4x4