DIY Peg Game with Brass Casings

For this month’s Power Tool Challenge unconventional materials theme, I made a DIY Peg Game that uses brass casings instead of traditional wood pegs. 

I love playing this game at Cracker Barrel and now I can play it at home.

This month’s unconventional materials theme is a fun one. 

Last year when we did this theme, I built a DIY Industrial Pipe Bookshelf using pipes.   My husband uses this bookshelf in his office and it is not only useful, but it’s also a conversation piece. 

Don’t miss the unconventional materials projects that my friends shared last year and be sure to check out this year’s projects at the end of this post. 

I was inspired to make this game after seeing a version of it on Etsy’s Rustic Trails Crafts.  There are personalized versions available and versions using different bullet sizes.

How to Make a DIY Peg Game

Making this game wasn’t difficult but it did involve some brain power to make a template for drilling the holes. 

I ended up making three games, one to keep, and two to give as gifts.  I’m really happy with the end result and I think that the two gift recipients will really like this project.

Cut the Wood to Size

Use a carpenter’s square to mark the board for a 6″ isosceles triangle.   I took pictures of this step but my camera had no chip when I took them.  Woops!

Make Cuts

Set a miter saw at 30 degrees to cut out the isosceles triangle.

Route the Edges

Use a 1/4″ Roundover Bit to route the edges of the triangle.  (In retrospect, I should have sanded the wood first followed by routing the edges.)

Sheman is always nearby when I’m working in the workshop.  I love that I’m wearing a rescue puppy t-shirt and you can see my sweet rescue Sherman supervising my work.

After the edges were routed, I cut off the corners with the miter saw.  This step is optional, but I like how it looks this way.

Sand

The wood that I used was very weathered since it was exposed to the elements in the dumpster before I saved it. 

Since it was so weathered, using a belt sander was the easiest way to get the newly routed edge to match the unsanded wood.

Make a Template for the Holes

Making a template for drilling the holes was the hardest part of this project.   

To make the template, start by drawing a 6″ isosceles triangle on paper. 

Then draw a second triangle 1/2″ in from the outer triangle. 

Mark the corner points and then use a centering ruler to mark the midpoint on each side. 

Use the centering ruler again to mark the midpoint between those points.  Connect the dots and mark the points at the intersections to mark the center triangle.

Cut the template out and attach it to a piece of luan.  I planned to use spray adhesive but my can ended up being empty, so I used Mod Podge instead.

Here you can see the hole drilling template beside the wood triangle.

Drill the Holes

Use small nails to attach the template to the triangle.

Measure the diameter of a brass casing, select the appropriate bit, then drill the outer holes. 

I used a 17/64″ bit and drilled the holes 3/8″ deep.

Remove the template and drill the final three holes which are marked by nail holes.

Apply Stain and Sealer

Lightly sand the game and then stain.  I applied two coats of Dark Walnut stain, sanding in between coats, and then sealed the game with polyurethane.

Play the Game

To make this game unique and to fulfill the unconventional part of this month’s challenge, I used brass casings for the pegs instead of traditional wooden ones. 

If you know someone who likes to shoot, they probably can provide you with casings.

Another option is to visit your local shooting range and ask if they can provide 14 casings.  Or you could always order them or find some on eBay.

This game would make a great gift and in particular, it would make a unique groomsmen’s gift for a wedding.

Here are some bullet peg games available to purchase

Enjoy More Unconventional Materials Projects

Enjoy the projects that my friends made for this month’s challenge.   Click on the links below to visit each project.

Sweet Pea  DIY Peg Game with Brass Casings

My Repurposed Life  DIY Toddler Busy Board

The Handyman’s Daughter  DIY Modern Outdoor Planter Box  

Anika’s DIY Life  DIY Modern Pencil Holder

The DIY Village  DIY Platform Swing Tutorial

---

If you liked the DIY Peg Game, you’ll like these posts as well