I'm building a 2nd table using the plan from Mark Wilson's book, just bigger (29" top). I'm also adding a shelf closer to the top, I'm wondering Is there any advantage to covering and/or padding the shelves themselves? Thanks, Rudy

I don't think so.

One thing I have learned, paint the "inside" a bright color. That way you can see what is on the shelf. I used to think the hidden stuff should be on black... but then you can't find it.

Good point. Espescially if your useing any black props.

While no real reason to pad shelves, I do find that padding tends to help keep stuff from rolling around. I didn't use to pad mine, but you would be surprised how many little bumps a table can get during a show and it looks bad when something rolls off a shelf onto the floor.

Padding can help prevent talking; this may or may not be useful, depending on how your act is scripted and what props you use.