Simple Cornhole Boards
by american graphitti in Workshop > Woodworking
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Simple Cornhole Boards
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I have done several different styles and have experimented with many different aspects. This style can be made quickly with minimal time spent cleaning up boards to paint or play on! These boards can be made in an afternoon to be able to play on quickly, or they are easy to turn into a piece of artwork!
Gathering Materials
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Materials
2' x 4' x 1/2" ACX plywood qty 2
1" x 4" x 8' pine boards qty 4
3/8 x 3" bolts qty 4
3/8" flat washers qty 4
3/8" - 16 hex nuts qty 4
1" Kreg soft wood ph screws qty 32
wood glue (i prefer Titebond premium)
Tools needed
circular saw
tape measure
drill/driver
6" hole saw (or can use jigsaw)
sander
3/8" drill bit
Kreg pocket hole jig
Lets get started!
Cutdown to Assemble
If you have 2' x 4' plywood we only need to cutdown the 1" x 4" boards. so here is the cut list you will need!
4 pcs @ 4'
4 pcs @ 22.5"
4 pcs @ 12"
Assemble the Sides
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1 sheet of plywood
2 - 4' boards
2 - 22.5" boards
I go ahead and put all my pocket holes in the boards now. I place 6 in the sides then 7 in the ends (3 to the plywood and 2 to each side board).
After that I start with the sides I run a bead of glue on the 1x4 for the extra support of the wood glue! Use clamps to help line the 1x4's on the edge and hold them while you get the boards screwed on.
I personally put the 2 sides on then attach the ends.
Note: by using the pocket holes it helps cut down on using wood putty or filler to fill in any flaws to have a nice smooth surface to paint on.
Time to Get the Hole in the Top!
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The investment into the hole saw isn't for everyone if not thats ok just got a little time with a jigsaw and a little more work to draw out your lines. (I paid $40 for my hole saw)
from top of the board measure down 9" and from the side measure in 12" this will give you the center of the hole! Bust out that hole saw and knock it out!
Note: If you don't have a hole saw you will want to draw a 6" circle here then drill a hole to drop a jigsaw into to cut it out!
Time to Sprout Some Legs.
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I have tried several methods and this is my comfort zone on this part.
I use a scrap 2"x4" as a spacer at top of the board to bring leg down.
I clamp the leg to the inside of the board with the top of it pushed up to the 2x4.
Now on the out side of the board need to measure down 3" and in 1.75" from the side that is not attached to the plywood. (pics probably explain better than I do!
Now on the marks drill a 3/8" hole straight through! (repeat other side)
So the legs will fold in and out need to round off the tops I included a picture with pencil line to show how I cut mine.
Time to Get Board to Right Height!
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I always make sure I get my boards to the correct height of 12". I sit my boards on a flat table then raise the leg side up to 12"(I have a stack of boards to get them there). I slide the board to make sure the legs are fully opened and not moving around. I will then take a straight edge and draw line on bottom of foot to mark my cut to give me the perfect sit.
Make that cut and put legs back on and almost done!
Time to Finish!
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I use a dremel to sand the hole however that is just due to how many of these I make!
Give your boards a quick sand over and your ready to either play or paint! your call!
My painting tips!
Use a good primer!
I then draw lightly with a pencil what I'm going to paint
If you put a Polyurethane over the paint you can use indoor or outdoor!
I always finish my boards with Minwax Polyurethane! If you use the light blue It dries crystal clear! by far the best I have used to this point!
This is my first intructable I have wrote. Throw out any advice you got for me! For paint inspiration I have a Facebook page with more finished boards! American Graphitti! Thanks for checking this out! and Enjoy the summer!