If you are a fan of foosball, you may be looking for ideas on how to build foosball tables. Although there are a variety of these tables for sale in stores and online, you can make your own considerably cheaper.
To get started, look at the different types of tables available and, if possible, play a couple of games at them. Take note of the things you like most about each table. For example, you may prefer a textured surface, thick sidewalls, or a center ball that returns on both sides of the foosball table.
You definitely want the table to be solid and sturdy enough that it won’t move around when the game gets exciting and players are playing for all they’re worth. 3/4″ sheets of birch plywood work best. Even with that, there are some areas where you’ll want to use twice that thickness. In addition to the plywood, you’ll need clear spray adhesive, nuts and bolts, screws for wood, glue, four adjustable table legs, some sheet metal strips and a sheet of plexiglass for the playing surface.
You will need between 11 and 14 waiters for each side of the table. Each side should be a different color. It’s easier to order crossbars, rods, bearings, handles, and playing field strips online. You can expect to pay up to $300 for these parts. Go around and see if you can find an old foosball table that you can salvage these things from. It will save you a good amount of money.
If you know how to work with wood, you will have no problem figuring out the construction of these tables. The hardest parts to figure out are the field of play and the return of the ball. Search online for exact measurements for each part of the table. These tables are made in two parts with one part sitting on top of the other and both hinged together on one side. This is so that the top half of the table can be lifted up to access the ball return when required. The tables that have a ball return on both sides have an “L” shaped ramp that allows the ball to fall through the goal hole and roll to its respective return.
When you’re ready to build the playing field, you’ll want to use 3/4-inch particle board. Glue a paper playing field on top. You can draw your own or copy a design from the Internet. Place a piece of clear plexiglass over the field to protect it. You can leave the surface smooth, or if you prefer a textured surface, you can roughen the surface of the plexiglass with a piece of sandpaper. Making the playing surface yourself will cost you about $30, which is considerably less than buying one for $250. However, you may want to look online for more cost-effective options that don’t require as much work either.
This is the basic information on building foosball tables. You can make your own plans or copy them from the Internet. An internet search will also throw up all the details you need to know before you start creating your foosball table.
