Honestly, I’m not sure what to call my lastest creation. So, we’ll go with “puck shot festival game.” A couple months ago, I received a request from a friend to build a tabletop game for an upcoming fall festival. This is what we came up with. It was a hit with the children. The game is not too easy and not too difficult. Follow along for step by step build instructions.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Tools and Supplies
The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to build the puck shot festival game. I already had a half sheet of plywood in my garage. The remaining supplies cost me about $40.
Tools
- Circular saw
- Jigsaw
- Brad Nailer
- Belt sander (Optional. You will need this if you want to round the end corners)
- Router with 1/4″ radius router over bit (Optional)
- Drill with drill bits
- Orbital sander and sand paper
- Straight edge
- Measuring tape
- Air hockey paddles
- Puck
Supplies
- 1x4x8 (2)
- 1x3x8 (1)
- Quarter sheet of 1/2″ plywood
- Spray paint (two different colors)
- Spray sealer
- Washi tape
- 1 1/4″ Brad nails
- Wood glue
- Painters tape
Cut List
- 1×4 – 48″ (2)
- 1×4 – 25.5″ (1)
- 1×3 – 24″ (1)
How to build a Puck Shot Festival Game
This is an easy build that can be completed within a weekend.
Step 1: Cut the lumber to the appropriate sizes
First up, cut all of the lumber down to sizes listed under the cut list.
Step 2: Round one end of each long frame side (Optional)
Next up, round the corner end of each long frame side (the 1x4x48″ pieces). This is an optional step, but I think this gives the game a nice polished look. I used a recycled can to trace a corner radius on each piece. I used my belt sander to round the corners. You may also use a jigsaw to perform the same task.
Step 3: Create an opening for the puck
Create a 4″ wide opening in the middle of the 1x3x24″ board. This is the goal. You may want to adjust the size of the opening based on your desired difficulty for the game and size of your puck.
I first drilled two pilot holes at each corner of the goal. Then, I used a jigsaw to complete the opening.
Step 4: Route one short end of the plywood (Optional)
I was concerned about little hands getting scratched at end of the plywood. I used my trim router equipped with a 1/4″ radius round over bit to soften one short edge on the plywood.
Step 5: Sand
Sand all the boards and the surface of the plywood. Take your time and cycle through 80, 100, 150, 220 grits of sand paper. (Avoid using some of the lower grits of sandpaper on the plywood. For the plywood, start with 150 grit.)
Step 6: Paint
Paint the boards to your heart’s content. I used orange spray paint to color the 1×3 and 1×4 boards. I taped off the shape of a triangle onto the plywood and spray painted the exposed section green.
Step 7: Assemble the game
Use wood glue and a brad nailer to attach the pieces together.
- Attach each long frame side (1x4x48″) to the plywood base.
- Attach the board with the goal slot (1x3x24″). I placed my goal board 4″ from the edge of the plywood end.
- Attach the remaining short frame side
Step 8: Add washi tape around the perimeter of the frame (Optional)
Washi tape is a fun way add a nice pop of color to project. I wrapped the washi tape around the outside frame of the game.
I used this washi tape technique in my mini bowling lane project.
Step 9: Seal and enjoy!
Seal the project. I used a clear matte spray finish.
I used the paddles from this Hover Hockey game.
For the hockey puck I used a 3.5″ wooden disk and attached a felt pad to the bottom of it.
DIY Puck Shot Hockey Game
If you build a puck shot hockey game, please leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @handmadewithashley or Twitter @handmadewithash. I’d love to see your pictures!