Candy Plinko: A Fun Woodworking Project

This project, created by Steve Ramsey from Woodworking for Mere Mortals, is a fantastic way to combine woodworking skills with some fun.

Candy Plinko is an engaging game that not only serves as a great activity for parties but also as a creative outlet for woodworking enthusiasts. In this guide, we will walk through the necessary steps to build your own Candy Plinko game, complete with tips and tricks to make the process easier.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before diving into the project, you need to gather all the necessary materials and tools. Here’s what you will require:

  • Two half-inch boards (to glue together for the sides)
  • Templates for cutting
  • A bandsaw for cutting the patterns
  • A dowel (1 inch in diameter)
  • Sanding equipment (or sandpaper)
  • Acrylic craft paints
  • Plexiglass for the front
  • Screws for attaching the plexiglass
  • Wood glue
  • Spray lacquer for finishing

Once you have gathered everything, you are ready to start the assembly process.

Step 2: Prepare the Side Panels

The first step in the assembly is to create the side panels of the Candy Plinko game. Start by gluing two half-inch boards together to form sides that are one inch thick. This will provide the necessary strength for the game structure.

Once the glue has dried, carefully cut out the two sides using your bandsaw. Make sure to follow the templates you prepared earlier for accurate shapes.

Step 3: Create the Dowel Holes

Next, you will need to drill holes into the sides for the dowel. The dowel will run through the holes, allowing the gumballs to drop through. Use a drill bit that is slightly larger than the dowel’s diameter to ensure a smooth fit.

After drilling, sand the holes to make them a little bigger if necessary. This will allow the dowel to slide through easily. A handy tip: If you don’t have a sander, you can opt to sand the dowel itself.

Step 4: Painting the Components

To achieve a vibrant finish, it’s easier to paint the components before assembling them. Use acrylic craft paints, as they dry quickly and provide a smooth finish. Make sure to paint all the pieces that will be visible once the game is assembled.

While the paint dries, you can prepare other parts of the game.

Step 5: Attaching the Plexiglass

The next step is to prepare the front of your Candy Plinko game using plexiglass. Cut the plexiglass to size using a table saw, and then carefully attach it to the front of the game using screws. This will create a transparent barrier that keeps the gumballs inside while allowing players to see the action.

Ensure that the plexiglass is secured well, as it will need to withstand the excitement of falling gumballs.

Step 6: Creating the Game Base

Now it’s time to assemble the base of the game. Start by gluing the base assembly together. Additionally, cut out four wedge-shaped pieces that will help guide the gumballs as they fall. Position these at the back of the game to facilitate movement towards the front.

Once everything is glued in place, allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next steps.

Step 7: Finalizing the Design

To add a personal touch, you can transfer outlines of letters or numbers onto the top piece of your game. Use an inkjet printer for this task, and then paint over the outlines to achieve a polished look.

Adding numbers can also create a scoring system for the game, making it more competitive and fun for players.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

As a final step, paint the heads of the nails with a dot of yellow for a bright, attractive detail. Then, glue this piece onto the lid of the game. Finish everything with a coat of spray lacquer to protect the surfaces and give them a nice sheen.

This will enhance the overall look of the Candy Plinko game and ensure durability over time.

Step 9: Constructing the Scoring System

Now that your Candy Plinko game is assembled, think about how you want to score the game. You could set up a simple point system where players earn points based on where the gumballs land. Whoever scores the highest could be declared the winner and get to enjoy all the gumballs!

This adds an extra layer of fun and competition to your game, making it perfect for parties or family gatherings.

Conclusion

Creating your own Candy Plinko game is not only a rewarding woodworking project but also a fantastic way to engage with friends and family. With just a few materials and some creative effort, you can craft a fun game that can be enjoyed by all ages. Don’t forget to check the description for a free set of plans if you want to build your own!

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