How to Build an Axe Throwing Target [Cost Included]]

Axe throwing has grown to become a very popular hobby and a mind-blowing game to play while chilling with friends, even if it is in your backyard.

If you are looking to find an endeavor that is interesting and advanced, then you should consider building an end-grain axe-throwing target. According to experts, these targets are more challenging to make but are much stronger and more resistant to damage especially when compared to the traditional targets.

Building a solid axe-throwing target can be complex or even more complicated; however, the process is straightforward as long as you are conversant with it. It requires basic DIY experience and can be really time-consuming, but the end product looks exciting.

If you want a mobile target board to take with you on camping trips, picnics, etc., then you need to construct one that is free-standing and portable.

Steps to Build a Solid Axe-Throwing Target

Materials

• 7-8-foot raw cedar 2x4s
• 30×30 ¾-inch piece of plywood
• 3-inch screws
• 1 ¼-inch screws
• Oil
• Wood Glue

Tools

• Jointer
• Router Table or Handheld Router
• Planer
• Table Saw or Miter Saw
• Track Saw (Optional) or Circular Saw
• Tape Measure
• Cordless Drill
• Drill Bit Set
• Wood Chisel
• Hammer

1. Squaring and Planking

You have to start by squaring and planking 5 of the 8-foot boards to ensure that they all match in size. You have to be very careful with this particular step as it helps to validate that your wood blocks all align together appropriately and that there isn’t any warping in the boards.

• Cut each board in half with a miter saw to ensure they will be easy to handle on the jointer.
• Square two perpendicular faces of each board to guarantee you get a flat surface on each side.
• Pass the boards through the planer flat side down, to make sure the thickness of each side is in line with its opposite side.
• Leverage a table saw to rip the 2-inch side that didn’t run through the jointer to make sure your boards are square on every side.
• For those who don’t have a jointer or planer, you can bypass that step, but it becomes necessary that you go for boards that are as straight as possible without any bows, twists, or cups.

2. Crosscutting

Once you are done with squaring and planning, you will have to proceed to building the main background and more importantly, the place the target will be placed. This step involves making use of a table saw, but you can also utilize a miter saw if you can’t find one.

• Leverage a table saw and a table sled to cut each of the boards into 3-inch long blocks.
• Mount the blocks into a 7 by 20 shape and utilize an extra board to straighten each side.
• Measure the length and width of the combined blocks to find out how large the frame will have to be.

3. Constructing the Frame

The essence of the frame is to keep the blocks secure while also ensuring that it has a more finished look to the finished target. At this point, you will have to utilize the last two raw cedar boards to complete this step.

• Leverage the miter saw, and cut the boards to the dimensions you measured above.
• Pre-assemble the pieces around the blocks to be certain every measurement is appropriate and fitting
• Drill pilot holes in the vertical boards by utilizing a counter-sink bit, and immediately after you have them lined up with the horizontal boards, drill the holes deeper.
• Also, use 4-inch screws to tie the pieces together.
• At this point, knock the wood blocks out of the frame.
• Leverage either a router table or handheld router to put a ¾-inch dado around the inside of the frame.

4. Cut Backing and Glue

This is a very critical phase especially since the backing is meant to give the main target face the necessary support other than being just supported by the frame. Since it isn’t seen, general plywood can be used for the backing.

• Measure the interior width as well as the length of the space within the dado.
• Make use of a table saw or a track saw to cut a piece of plywood to fit in the dado. (It is recommended you ensure that your plywood is square on the noncut side prior to cutting)
• Utilize a wood chisel and hammer to make sure the dado corners are square and the plywood fits appropriately and snugly.
• Apply wood glue along the inside of the dado, lay the plywood in, and use 1-inch screws to secure it.
• Immediately it dries, flip the project over and add a generous amount of wood glue on the backing and sides of the frame.
• Fill the target with the wood blocks that were cut earlier.

5. Finishing Touches

You are almost done with building your target but you need to take these last steps because they will ensure that your target possesses a more polished look, making it more of a conversation piece during gatherings.

• Sand the whole front surface with a hand sander to do away with any imperfections and excess glue.
• Utilize an air compressor to remove any leftover dust.
• Cut out the target using a circle cutting jig and a router with a V-bit, and remember to attach each ring about 3 inches apart, with the center ring at about 6 inches in diameter.
• Consider blowing off the surface again and covering the face in oil to ensure you get the color in the grain and some pop.

Cost of Building an Axe-Throwing Target

The exact cost of your axe-throwing target will depend on the size and the material you choose to use. Nevertheless, with lumber prices coming down, it is possible to build a sturdy target for around $70. Howbeit, it is recommended you carry out as much research as possible to ensure you get the desired result.

Conclusion

When looking to build an axe throwing frame and target, it is recommended that you appropriately measure all your pieces to create flush joints. Making use of a classic bubble level will make it easy to get all the components square and as such guarantee a stronger overall build.

If you are worried about splitting your wood, then instead of screwing directly into the boards, you should drill a pilot hole first. Note that this makes it possible to slip your screw into the wood easier.