The Maple Ping Pong Paddle Project
by Battlecrycustoms in Workshop > Woodworking
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The Maple Ping Pong Paddle Project
A few years ago we were asked to refinish ceiling panels on a cruise ship from Montreal, Canada to Orlando, Florida for 3 weeks. We knew there was a ping pong table on board so we challenged each other on who could make the best looking paddle before we left. I'm not saying i won, they all looked great. I'm just showing you how i created mine.
Supplies
☆One block of maple ( or the hardwood of your choosing)
☆Table saw
☆Orbital sander
☆ Sand paper (80 - 220 grit)
☆Plywood
☆Epoxy
☆Clear Coat
☆Screws
☆ Heat gun
☆Table saw
☆Orbital sander
☆ Sand paper (80 - 220 grit)
☆Plywood
☆Epoxy
☆Clear Coat
☆Screws
☆ Heat gun
Cutting Down Your Slab
You'll want to start by cutting your slab a bit thicker than the finished product. Say a 1/8"
bigger. I cut mine to 1/4" leaving a live edge on the outside edge.
bigger. I cut mine to 1/4" leaving a live edge on the outside edge.
Make Your Pouring Box
For this step i just made a box to the length of my two pieces (11"). For the width (8") which allows for a 1" gap for the epoxy to pour into. For the height i made it 2", so i can reuse the box after to store things in.
Pouring Epoxy
When mixing your epoxy, follow your instructions for mix ratio. When stirring it, try not to make too many bubbles. Pouring slowly also helps release some of the bubbles formed by mixing. Tap the edges to remove more bubbles and use a heat gun to remove the rest.
Cutting the Paddle
☆Start off by sanding down your epoxy to get it nice and smooth. 80 grit works great.
☆ Next trace out your paddle shape. I just bought a dollar store paddle and took it apart than traced it.
☆ Next trace out your paddle shape. I just bought a dollar store paddle and took it apart than traced it.
Sanding the Paddle, Adding a Handle
☆ Finish sanding your paddle on both sides starting from 80 grit and working your way up to 220.
☆ For the handle i ended up using acrylic so i could still see the river under the handles. I used bamboo at first but it didn't look right. For the template i used the dollar store handles i mentioned in the last step. 1 1/8" wide X 4" and i tapered the ends.
☆ For the handle i ended up using acrylic so i could still see the river under the handles. I used bamboo at first but it didn't look right. For the template i used the dollar store handles i mentioned in the last step. 1 1/8" wide X 4" and i tapered the ends.
Last Touches
I wanted to clear coat the entire paddle face for this step but ended up just using linseed oil. I just rubbed it in with a cloth. You could add some grit into a clear coat or find a clear rubber. I actually didn't find it hard to get top spin not having a rubber face. I also buffed out the acrylic to make it see-thru.