Ping pong table for breaking down ply with a TS?

[RKA]

This just occurred to me out of the blue, has anyone picked up a used ping pong table to use as a surface for breaking down sheet goods?  Good idea, bad idea?  They are 30" tall with a 5'x9' surface, have a frame that allows both halves to fold up vertically when not in use, have wheels so you can push them out of the way when not in use and it seems there is no shortage of people just trying to clear these out of their basements.

 

[Wooden Skye]

That would be a good idea.  Especially if you could find a way to attach some foam and still be able to fold it up. 

 

[AlexThePalex]

I know ping pong tables, played on them many times. I sincerely doubt something that's made to withstand the weight of a ping pong ball is suitable for woodworking. 

 

[RKA]

Yeah, the cheapie one's are pretty frail.  The better one's take a bit of hunting, but they have steel frames, better wheels/legs and a 2.5" steel reinforcement around the perimeter of the table.  People will unload these pretty cheap if the top has been compromised in some way and I've even found a relatively inexpensive one that seems to have a decent frame, but poor quality 1" top (poor quality for table tennis).  Sears was selling them for under $200 before xmas.  On one hand, I really like it for how easily it folds up and stores away and it's the right size and height, on the other hand, it's sole purpose in life would be a ripping table, since I have little interest in playing table tennis.  A single purpose table seems like a waste of space. 

 

[cje]

On one hand, I really like it for how easily it folds up and stores away and it's the right size and height, on the other hand, it's sole purpose in life would be a ripping table, since I have little interest in playing table tennis.  A single purpose table seems like a waste of space. 

Well, that depends how often you're ripping and cutting sheet goods. The idea of attaching foam to the surface is a nice one. It could be attached to the table with velcro.

 

[semenza]

No reason it couldn't be a general purpose work surface / assembly table as well as a cutting table.  The ping pong tables I have played on in recreational facilities , as opposed to some home versions, are quite sturdy.  Not sure if this holds true around the world though.  One thing I have noticed is that the better ones  still have a little more foot print than  might be expected when fold up. 

Seth

 

[Kev]

I could imagine clamping being a potential issue.

I'd also be cautious when plunged that you're not catching nails, screws, hinges, etc.

... and the net is going to get in the way all the time [wink] [big grin]