Hobby table...any suggestions?

I too work in a spare bedroom.  If you are handy you can build a simple table with 2x4's and a cheap hollow core door for under $50.  I also bought a desk from craigslist for $10 bucks that was from the 60s or 70s and is built like a rock.  I ended up using the desk at my office but for years it was my model desk.

Ikea makes some solid table tops and desks but they will be more money.

I always wanted a roll top desk for modeling. That would be awesome IMO. I would look for one at garage / estate sales!

One of those put together computer desks designed for a kids room works. Often find them at the curb when kids go off to college or inexpensive at Walmart or similar store.

skyraider0609

...I bought a folding table from Walmart which I've discovered is completely unacceptable because it's so unsteady...

May I ask, was the table you bought like this Rubbermaid table?

If it is, I'm surprised, because they're generally pretty stable.  I prefer this design to the ones that fold in the middle.

As an alternative, do you have access to a table that is used primarily for something else, like the kitchen table, for example?  You could get away then with using a tool box or a tackle box to store everything, including a cutting mat or even a dough mat (ie, a plastic mat for rolling out dough.  It can be rolled up for storage, and is about the same material as a cutting mat), set everything up when you want to work, and strike it and stow it when you're finished.  Plus, it'd be portable, if you ever need or want to take your gear on the road.

Best regards,

Brad

I have a table like that, but it also folds in the middle so it stores in the same amount of space as a traditional card table. It is heavy as heck and very stable.

Yeah, that one's good, too.  I just prefer the style without the seam.

I grabbed a nice desk at my workplace along with a hutch to store my modelling stuff (paint, reference folders/books, etc...) I also grabbed a under desk keyboard tray/drawer and installed it under the desk.

Check around used office furniture stores or even your workplace. You never know what you'll find in their storage.

Any thrift or second-hand furniture stores in the area? Sometimes you get lucky and find the perfect "work table".

I use a table exactly like the one the Baron showed you. I think I paid $40 for it at Sam's Club. It's great. I even have my Iwata air compressor on it and the table is plenty steady even when the compressor is running. The biggest challenge you'll run into if you try to buy something second hand is the weight and bulkiness. Often, people are getting rid of their big heavy old furniture. Since you're renting, you may want to think about how hard it will be to move whatever you buy. I'm speaking from experience. I've moved twice in the last year. Barrett

Watch your local Craigslist for a cheap wooden table. My prior work table was a nice solid wood kitchen type table I got for free (don't even remember where it came from now). I actually resisted upgrading because it made such a nice workbench. The table now resides in the basement where it still makes a nice work table for other kinds of projects.

As per my response:

This is the table I grabbed from work with pull out keyboard tray

The wrist pad is actually a hidden compartment perfect for hobby knives, tweezers, etc... while I'm working on my kit. 

My latest bench, which I like very much, is homemade.  I started with two cabinets from an office supply place- those plastic drawer units with several drawers and castors on the bottom.  They are frequently on sale at big office supply places, hardware store, and Walmart.  I got a six drawer unit for one side, and a four drawer- with one larger drawer on bottom- for the other side.  Then I made the top from two pieces of 1/2 by 2 x 4 foot particle board, with lengths of 1 x 2 between them for strength and rigidity.  The result was a little too low for me, so I made to rectangles out of 1 x 4, one to go attop each cabinet, with the top then fastened to thos boxes.  I also then added 1/8 inch pegboard to the back, screwed to the rear 1 x 2, to mount tools on.  Love it- good top and lots of drawers.

I cover the top with contact paper.  When it gets too much paint, glue and slices in it, I pull up the covering and put down another piece of contact, a five minute job.

I had a small wooden drafting/hobby desk. Worked great for about 10 years. For Christmas my Wife bought me a new one. It's 35% larger surface area and steel supports so it is very stable. Used it the first time last night working on 1/350 A-6E's for my Vinson project.

Here is what I used for 10+ years:

Here are pictures of my new one. I like the tray in front. Very handy.

Here is one of the new large Xacto self-healing mats:

And here is it in use:

Now plenty of room to build:

From Rob Gronovius...

"One of those put together computer desks designed for a kids room works."

What he said!

The Boss bought a white veneer covered particle board computer desk and matching printer table almost 30 years ago when we bought our first home.  About ten years later when we bought our current home (apparently we're moving out in pine boxes, so I've been told!) we bought new furniture for the office.  I still use those original computer tables in the model room and they're fantastic.  It's sturdy, has lots of storage space and it has ample construction area.  For me, it's perfect.

If you can get away without spending money on a brand new table, why not find a decent second hand table or computer table? I found mine practically for free at my workplace.