DIY High Quality Cornhole Boards
Total time: 6-8hrs
Difficulty: Novice
Cost: $100
TOOLS USED
- Axiom Precision CNC / Bandsaw / Scrollsaw / Tablesaw
- Sander
- 1/4 Downspiral Endmill
MATERIALS USED
- Full sheet of 3/4 Plywood
- White Paint
- General Finishes High Performance Clear Coat
- 2 1/2in - 3/8 bolts with fender washers and lock nuts
How to make a pair of High Quality Cornhole boards?
This was a fun project. A friend if mine reached out and asked if I would be willing to make a pair of cornhole boards for her wedding. Of course I had to say yes!
I first started with a drawing and imported that into Affinity Design so I can create vectors for the CNC. I knew I wanted to make it out of one sheet of plywood, so I the frame/body had to fit on 1/4 of a sheet or it wouldn't work!
My first attempt was a little off because I knew that even though my Axiom CNC is 2ft x 4ft, I wanted to make sure I had enough room for the bit to cut. That puts me at the maximum of 47.5in with a 1/4bit. And that is if my local hardware store cut them at exactly that size.. haha. Well like many other times, I rushed through it and made the cut on the line instead of outside the line.. WHOOPS! Regardless, I used this as inspiration for the next one.
Learning from the first build, I added a lap-joint for the corners because That basically make it dummy proof when I assemble. I also added soda can holders and a nice little curve to the bottom to add a little flare. I also wanted to make sure the legs folded flat, That was important to me.
The second attempt was perfect! I dialed it in just how I wanted it! Now onto my next challenge, a huge laser engraved design. I have never done anything like this yet. I had to make a custom smoke extraction boot, just so I could do other things without holding the hose.
Finally, I purchased a paint sprayer for my air compressor and applied 3 coats General Finishes high performance clear, sanding with Klingspor's 220grit sanding pads in-between. Turned out amazing! I think my friend is going to love it!
Now, I know what you're thinking... "I don't have a CNC"
No problem, you can accomplish the same project with a bandsaw, scrollsaw or even a jigsaw and a hole-saw for the cornhole opening.
Zach's pro tip
When you're designing your cornhole set, consider where the legs will be when they close, I originally wanted to put lights on these but the legs were in the way so I had to nix that idea.
