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The project:
Inspired by the digital "Hammer Drop" game at the Bunnings Trade Expo, I built a version called "Dipsticks". Crafted from Premium Dressed Pine and Tasmanian Oak dowels, the game features a heavy MGP10 timber base. Otter wafer screws were flush-mounted as magnetic connection points, linked to a hidden internal manual-release rigged with heavy-duty Bistro Blind Cord. Finished with Feast Watson Clear Satin Varnish.
- Materials:
- The Catching Rods: Tasmanian Oak Dowels (25.4mm 1.8M)
- Magnetic Connectors: Otter Black Wafer Screws (14 x 50mm)
- Internal Rigging: Bistro Blinds Black Outdoor Bistro Blind Cord (18m)
- Premium Protective Coating: Feast Watson Clear Satin Interior Varnish (4L)
- Connection: Wood glue and a range of screws
- Tools:
- Ozito Table Saw (for ripping frame and housing sections)
- Mitre Saw (for precise crosscuts on timber and dowels)
- Drill & Drill Bits (for countersinking connectors and assembly)
- Screwdrivers (for securing hardware flush)
- Assorted Clamps (to hold components square during fabrication)
- Premium Paint Brushes (for a smooth Feast Watson finish) [1]
- Step 1:
I was inspired to build this project after seeing the digital "Hammer Drop" game at the Bunnings Trade Expo. I wanted to reimagine that high-energy reflex concept.
- Step 2:
I sourced premium materials from Bunnings, focusing on a balance of aesthetics and strength. I chose Premium Grade Dressed Pine for an attractive outer shell, heavy MGP10 structural pine for the base, and dense Tasmanian Oak dowels for the drop sticks.
- Step 3:
Using my Ozito table saw and mitre saw, I cut the main frame housing to length and fabricated the heavily weighted structural legs. To create flat, seamless magnetic connection points, I carefully flush-mounted Otter Black Wafer Screws into the top ends of the dowels.
- Step 4:
I engineered a fully enclosed internal manual-release system hidden entirely inside the dressed pine frame. By clever use of heavy-duty Bistro Blind Cord as a high-tensile rigging line, the mechanism stays safe from event wear and tear while keeping the exterior looking clean.
- Step 5:
For a commercial-grade finish, the entire unit underwent a meticulous multi-stage sanding process. I then applied multiple coats of Feast Watson Clear Satin Varnish, lightly sanding between each layer to bring out the rich grain and provide a tough, wipe-clean coating.
- Step 6:
The completed "Drop sticks" game. It stood perfectly stable on its MGP10 legs, and proved to be an absolute hit with the crowd!
