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How to Build a Skee Ball Game

Skee ball is played on large electrical gaming equipment that's usually found in an arcade. A skee ball machine is typically very expensive. But you can build your own version of a skee ball game at home that will serve the same purpose as a manufactured game. The only downside is there won't be a ball return, and you'll have to calculate the score manually. This project can be completed in one day, using basic woodworking tools.

Things You'll Need

Two 1x2 boards
Table saw or miter box saw
3/4-inch plywood
Small bowl
Marker
Drill with large bit
Jigsaw
Wood glue
Nails
Hammer
1/4-inch plywood
Paint
Tennis ball

Instructions

- 1
  Build two 45-degree angle triangles out of wood. Measure and cut six 1-inch by 2-inch boards 24 inches long. Cut the ends of four of the boards to a 45-degree angle--you can use a miter saw box or a table saw with an angle cut.
- 2
  Assemble the angles by gluing them together. Clamp the boards in place and insert one nail into the joint holding it together. Remove the clamp.
- 3
  Cut a 3/4-inch piece of plywood to measure 24 inches wide by 36 inches long.
- 4
  Place a small bowl onto the plywood. Position it where the ball will need to enter. Trace the opening of a bowl onto the plywood. Drill a hole through the plywood at the traced line. Use a drill bit the same size as the blade on the jigsaw. Cut out the hole out. Repeat for other holes. Place as many as desired. For a smaller skee ball table, three should suffice.
- 5
  Stand the two triangles up with the base of the 90-degree angle on a table. Apply wood glue to the 45-degree angle of the triangle. Place the 3/4-inch plywood over the 45-degree angle of the triangles. Nail the board into place.
- 6
  Measure and cut two boards to fit over the side of the structure. This is optional but will give the skee ball table a finished look. Attach using wood glue and nails. Leave the back open to allow access to the balls once they have fallen inside.
- 7
  Cut a piece of 1/4-inch plywood to measure 24 inches long by 12 inches wide. Attach this board to the back of the triangles. It should protrude from the top of the structure to stop the balls from flying off the back and hitting something it shouldn't. Attach with wood glue and nails.
- 8
  Paint the skee ball structure as desired. Wait for the paint to dry before using.
- 9
  Place the skee ball game onto a long table or the floor--something with a smooth, flat surface for rolling a ball. Roll the ball on the floor and aim toward the skee ball game. If the ball makes it into one of the holes it will drop inside the structure. Walk to the back of the structure to remove the balls. If the ball does not it will roll back down toward the player.

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