Skittles

[TobyB]

I have been asked to make a set of skittles. I'm happy about turning them between centres - though whether they'll be symetrical I'm not sure! The balls will be much harder ...

Anyone have any thoughts on choice of wood ... should they be light (sycamore, ash?) or heavier with something denser like oak? And for the balls?

Cheers

Toby

 

[Bodrighy]

Use a harder wood but not too brittle for the skittles as they will take a lot of bashing about. The balls need to be a fairly heavy wood I should think.. You'll find the most difficult part will be making them all the same. Especially the balls. Make yourself a template first in MDF. Soemone Duncan or Tam I think suggested this and it's a good idea DAMHIK

Pete

 

[oddsocks]

I have been asked to make a set of skittles. I'm happy about turning them between centres - though whether they'll be symetrical I'm not sure! The balls will be much harder ...

Anyone have any thoughts on choice of wood ... should they be light (sycamore, ash?) or heavier with something denser like oak? And for the balls?

Cheers

Toby

Toby, I made a set a few years ago and just used pine for the skittles (4"sq offcuts from the local builders merchant) and these have survived many games. I made a ply board with turned /cupped disc for the skittle to sit on. For the balls I glued oak together to make 4" blocks.

Here's a photo from a party in 2006 (the first time they were used) - sorry its not very good but you can just see the dished (painted red) discs they sit on. The theme of the party was the letter P - hence the prisoner! By that time of night most other fancy dress had gone!

 

[John. B]

Use beech. :-k

John. B