Does anybody have any ideas on how I can place my projector so it projects maps onto my table. I dont have any surrounding furniture and can't screw it into a ceiling or wall. Its my parents house so a bit limited on what I could do otherwise I'd just clamp it to ceiling.
Does anybody have any ideas on how I can place my projector so it projects maps onto my table. I dont have any surrounding furniture and can't screw it into a ceiling or wall. Its my parents house so a bit limited on what I could do otherwise I'd just clamp it to ceiling.
You could use 2x4's and build an arch over the table. How good are you with cutting and nailing wood?
Thanks to ChatGPT for the image and the directions below
🧰 Parts List
All wood is standard 2x4 lumber (actual size 1.5" x 3.5").
Wood:
(4) Vertical Legs – 48" long each
(4) Top Frame Pieces – 2 pieces at 24", 2 pieces at 18" (forms a rectangle platform for projector)
(2) Diagonal Braces – ~24" long (can be cut from scrap)
(1) Projector Mount Board – plywood or 1x12 board, about 14" x 10"
Hardware:
(16) 3" wood screws
(8) 2" wood screws (for mounting platform and braces)
Wood glue (optional, for extra strength)
Sandpaper or sander
Optional: corner brackets or metal L-brackets for reinforcement
Tools:
Drill/driver
Saw (hand saw or circular/miter saw)
Measuring tape
Level
Screwdriver
Clamps (helpful but not required)
🔧 Step-by-Step Instructions
🪚 Step 1: Cut Your Wood
Cut all your 2x4s to size:
Legs: 4 pieces at 48"
Top Frame: 2 pieces at 24", 2 at 18"
Braces: 2 pieces cut at 45° angles (~24" long)
🏗️ Step 2: Assemble the Top Projector Platform
Lay out the 24" and 18" boards in a rectangle (24" sides are the front and back).
Screw them together using 3" screws, two per joint.
Ensure the frame is square by measuring diagonals or using a carpenter's square.
📐 Step 3: Attach Vertical Legs
Stand the frame on end and clamp one 48" leg at each corner.
Drill pilot holes and drive 2 screws per corner through the frame into each leg.
Repeat for all four legs. Be sure the legs are vertical and the structure is square.
🪵 Step 4: Add Diagonal Bracing (for stability)
Cut or place 45° braces under the top platform at two corners (opposite each other).
Screw them in using 2" screws. This prevents wobble.
🖼️ Step 5: Mount the Projector Platform
Center your 14" x 10" board across the top frame.
Screw it down to the top frame using 2” screws.
If needed, drill mounting holes for your projector or use a projector mount plate.
🎥 Step 6: Mount Your Projector
Place or screw the projector onto the platform.
Ensure it is level and secure.
Plug it in and test projection on the table — adjust height or tilt if needed.
🧮 Notes on Projector Height & Image Size
For most tabletop uses, 48" leg height should provide a 30–40" diagonal image, depending on projector throw ratio and lens angle.
If you need a larger image, extend legs to 60" and stabilize with cross-bracing.
Short throw projectors may need a shorter stand; ultra-short throws are not compatible with top-down builds.
Let me know your exact projector model and table size if you'd like custom measurements or 3D design help.
D&D since 1984