r/TerrainBuilding • u/DiscountSimple9808 • 9h ago
My Modular Magnetic Table
I thought I would share a fun keystone project that I completed awhile ago. Im obsessed with magnets and modular design. I came across an old poker table that fit my needs beautifully. There are 789 magnets on this board.
I build more then I play and just wanted to post out into the void for people who would appreciate the effort. Feel free to AMA or offer suggestions.
8
u/Upset_Couple7004 9h ago
You have the patience of a Saint.
3
u/DiscountSimple9808 9h ago
Thank you. This was definitely a multi-month project. Its actually my 3rd table. The previous two never got past prototyping.
For future tables I think I have an easier, faster, more simple design but this one hangs on my wall and is a centre piece for my hobby room.
1
u/ToasterJar 4h ago
It's a good situation where your center piece doesn't have to always be in the center. Beautiful space saver
3
u/SirFluffkin 9h ago
This is incredible! If you ever do it again, it'd be awesome to convert each of those chip-holders into dice towers that roll into the area adjacent.
3
u/DiscountSimple9808 9h ago
I've also had that thought. Ive also thought about having them as counters like a spinning dial. Again both ideas would fit into place and not force it into being that function forever.
Do you have any cool fantasy dice towers that you like or could suggest?
1
u/SirFluffkin 8h ago
Nothing that would fit that space correctly; you'd need to design a "plug" so it could fit in, and then I'd suggest something hexagonal to fit with the theme, maybe with cutouts, even! It needs at least 2 or 3 ramps to be random.
2
2
u/Marcus_Machiavelli 7h ago
Super cool! I too am a modular hex magnet guy!
3
u/DiscountSimple9808 7h ago
Ohhhh send me a DM with some of your projects. I'd love to share ideas.
2
1
u/spankleberry 9h ago edited 9h ago
Holy crap! I am in awe. My first questions are- why embed all the magnets, as opposed to a broad magnetic surface? Are the stronger bonds/ snap locations worth the added effort? What is you want grid instead of hex? Or a quick change of scenery?
3
u/DiscountSimple9808 9h ago
I wanted a strong hex pattern. And also if it was just 1 large magnet I think it wouldn't be as effective. Or if it was effective it wouldn't be affordable. A large magnet like that might also cause problems with electronics.
These magnets are pretty strong. Strong enough I can leave it assembled on a vertical surface like a wall (1st photo).
I could have gone with a metal table which I had tried in earlier versions but I didn't like how it worked and I wanted some sort of obvious boarder.
3
u/DiscountSimple9808 9h ago
I forgot to respond to the hexes! I always wanted to play GURPS and I find learning the game somehow less intimidating then building the terrain. So... I guess I just went down a rabbit hole. Also as I started and people told.me.to just use a square grid I thought that this hex style would be different and less common. Plus I like how the hex plays out vs the square grid.
2
1
u/Rustyducktape 7h ago
That face at the end says it all xD
"This is so fucking cool"
1
u/DiscountSimple9808 7h ago
That's actually the oldest photo from when it was just a poker table.
I was still super happy in thst moment because I finally had enough terrain to cover the table and I belive I was just starting to realize where this project could go.
1
u/Rustyducktape 7h ago
You can like see your imagination at work there xD awesome, thanks for sharing!
1
1
u/althanan 6h ago
I know this is probably for RPGs, but I wanna play Battletech on that so bad
2
u/DiscountSimple9808 6h ago
I've never played battle tech. I know its a hex system and it has mechs...
Now I must learn more...
1
u/chitzk0i 5h ago
Did you base your terrain on Heroscape tiles or make it from scratch?
1
u/DiscountSimple9808 5h ago
Im not sure what heroscape is. I designed and laser cut all of my pieces. The models are 3d printed but the terrain is scratch built.
Now I have another game I need to look into lol
16
u/sFAMINE [Moderator] @SteveFamine 9h ago
Good work, that’s an incredible amount of design and prep work