Step 1 - Tools

Blackjack Table Tools

       Before you start building your blackjack table you should make sure that you have all the proper tools.  If you don't already have the required tools to build your blackjack table, there's a good chance that you know someone who does.  You may even be able to get that person to help out for a few hours and make your job a bit easier.

Jig Saw

       Most of your cuts will be made with a jig saw.  If you start with a 3' by 6' piece of wood, you will not be making many straight cuts so a jig saw is your best option.  A circular saw may prove to be useful as well though.

Drill

       You will be using wood screws to assemble the table and doing this by hand with a screwdriver can be difficult and tedious.  A good drill with a phillips bit is essential for building a blackjack table.

File and Sand Paper

       Most of your edges and surfaces are going to be upholstered and covered, but its a good idea to get everything smooth before you start tightly stretching vinly and felt over it.  You don't want to encourage your fabrics to rip before you even get to play on the table.

Tape Measure

       For obvious reasons you will want a tape measure.  Measure twice, cut once.  It will save you some money.

Staple Gun

       You will use quite a few staples when you're upholstering your blackjack table and the padded rail so make sure that you have a decent staple gun.  You probably want to have some type of hammer as well if your staple gun doesn't drive the staples all the way flush into the wood.

Paint Brush

       You'll need a paint brush or spray gun of some sort to treat your wood.  Even though most of the wood will be covered from sight it is still vunerable to moisture.  Make sure that all of your wood is treated and sealed before you upholster it.

       That should be it for the tools.  Once you make sure that you have everything you need to build your blackjack table its time to move on to Step Two - Blackjack Table Supplies.