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. https://1921681254.mx/
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. https://1921681254.mx/
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