Cut and Fit the Cup Holders

What you’re building in this step

Eight (or more) cup openings in the hardwood raceway, fitted with stainless drop-in holders so drinks stay off the felt.

Cut the openings

Use a hole saw sized to your cups—2-7/8“ is a common fit for many marine-style stainless holders. Keep the drill plumb; an angled hole makes the cup sit crooked.

Space the holders evenly around the exposed raceway, centered on the wood ring where players sit. Mark centers first, drill a pilot, then cut. A scrap backup under the raceway helps clean up the exit hole.

Tip: Buy one extra cup holder. Thin raceway edges don’t always forgive a second attempt.

Dry-fit before finishing

Drop the cups in and check height and alignment around the table. For a removable fit (easier cleaning), wrap each cup with rubber bands for friction—they stay put during play but pull out when you need them.

Do this dry fit before final varnish so you can still tweak a hole if one cup sits high.