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How to Make a Game Spinner With Wood

Replace old game spinners by making your own out of wood. This craft project can be a family event; make the spinner together, paint it your favorite colors and use it to entertain toddlers or introduce older children to a fun board game. Homemade game spinners put a personal touch on favorite family games.

Things You'll Need

1 piece of wood, 1 by 6 inches
Table saw
Drill with 1/4-inch bit
Wood glue
Lattice board
Pencil
Measuring tape or ruler
Sandpaper
1/4-inch dowel, 2 inches long
Level
Paint
2 washers with 1/4-inch hole in the center

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a 1-by-6-inch board 5 1/2 inches long. Use the measuring tape to find the exact center and make a mark with your pencil at that spot. This will form the base of your game spinner.
- 2
  Drill into the center of the board to create a 1/4-inch hole 1/2 inch deep. This will hold the dowel in place, which will hold the spinning piece.
- 3
  Cut the dowel exactly 2 inches long. Drip glue into the center hole and push the dowel into the hole. Hold it steady and level until the glue begins to set, then allow it to dry completely.
- 4
  Divide the board into sections using the measuring tape. Create as many sections as necessary for the game you'll play. Paint each section a color according to the game. For example, divide the board into four quadrants and paint them red, blue, yellow and green and use the spinner to teach your toddler basic colors.
- 5
  Cut a piece of lattice board 1 inch wide and 4 inches long. Sand one end into a point and drill a 1/4-inch hole in the middle. Run the drill bit in and out of the hole several times to widen the hole slightly. This will be the spinning part of the game piece.
- 6
  Place the washers on the dowel first with the spinning lattice piece on top. This will keep the lattice from getting stuck on the wooden base.

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