Making a table. Got the material for the top but want to put a layer of foam or something underneath. Tried batting but it was to puffy and made the table slant down from the middle to the edges (there is a frame around the edges that compresses the batting causing the slant.) I need something to muffle the sound of a chop ball dislodging. Foam? Rubber? How thick would everybody suggest? Thanks for the help in advance.

Well, since I don't have any idea what geographic part of the world you live in, find a craft/hobby store that carries "Craft Foam" sheets. These sheets are approx. 1/8 inch thick and should do quite nicely for padding the top of your table.

Cheers!

By a close up mat if your are doing close up. You do not have to build a table.

All padding will do what you are experiencing. You are pulling down the edge so the middle will rise. To pervent this from happening you will have to sew a side to the material and do not pull the edge down. Leave it the height of the foam.

Thanks for the help. Wmhegbli, I'm a little confused by your post. Are you saying put a close-up pad on top of the table? I don't understand "sew a side to the material." Thanks.

Hiya, Frank:

The tables I build are padded with carpet padding, which is about 7/16" thick and is available in various densities. If there's a Lowes nearby, you can go to the carpet aisle and feel several samples to find a density that works for you.

I spray adhesive on the table top, then adhere the pad, trim, and cover with velour or felt. If the rounding effect you mentioned is undesirable (a table top for the Chop Cup or the Cups & Balls), I put a band around the table edge -- wood, aluminum, or fabric covered, depending on the design.

Sincerely,
Leland Edward Stone

I have made tabletops from the automobile head liner material available at auto upholstery shops. There is a fairly wide range of colors, it has a great "grab" for spreading cards, and the padding is built in. Make sure you use adhesive made for head liners, though. Anything else may dissolve the foam.

Amos McCormick

I was going to mention auto head liner but you beat me to it Amos ..lol It really is great stuff. A local magic shop here even sell the stuff already cut to size for close up mats or table tops.

Frankm6,

No the closeup pad is a separate suggestion.

By the side I mean, like a cushion for a chair. It has a top, bottom, and 4 sides. The sides are sewn separately around the top. Form fitting the table top.

Hope you get the idea.

Cellini recommended using a plain terry cloth bath towel under the top fabric. That's how I made my top. One nice thing is that it will not deteriorate like some foam will.

I would use neoprime (spelling?) it is wet suit material it might be a little pricy though. I know that there is a felt that you can get that doesn't fray it wasn't very expensive that I have used as a close up mat I got it from an upholstry shop and it was for blankets so there are some things for you to try.

Roger

I found some under-layment at a flooring store that works great. It is intended to be placed on a floor under cork tiles. It is supposed to survive 30 years of walking on it, so it should last a while for a table. It is 5/16" thick and has a nice firm feel to it. You will not be able to compress it with your top covering so it remains consistent from edge to edge. I've been very happy with it on my tables.
Bob

any more info on a name for this stuff?

Staples has a giant size mouse pad that might be large enough. It's available in several colors, and they work well for a closeup pad. Around $6.