AW table - buy or make?

just weighing up my alternatives and would welcome your advice...

buying
- cost is the key factor (no big suprise there)
- options, there doesn't seem to be many offerings when I search on google

making
- i have the material to make out of timber (including a nice piece of kitchen work-top thats a perfect size)
- strength, will a timber frame work? i have a steel stockist nearby and could blag some free welding
- looks, i'd like it in my spare room and 'the mrs' would prefer it was easy on the eye

i'm sure there are considerations i've missed, so feel free to correct me.

jb

I may be selling the spare one I have. Whereabouts in the Mids are you?

Definitely go with a metal frame. The tables take a LOT of abuse and a wooden
one would very quickly start to come apart.
I know a blacksmith who will make a solid one with the same specifications
Nick has given for 200 pounds. If you know someone who can make a strong table
for less then i'd advise you to jump at the chance.
As for beautifying it, i attached a vinyl covering to mine and spray painted it.
The pads i made myself.
If your after something that looks better, it's going to cost money.
Just remember, it's a training table and doesn't have to be state of the art, as
long as the specifications are correct.

David,
thanks for the reply, i live in coventry. pm sent too

jb

Hi judoboy, i know what the mrs means even though its in the spare room,
she still wants something decent looking Mark used red vinyl to cover the top of the table ,
then used black vinyl for the pads , very easy on the eyes