BA1 Using a hand miter saw, cut two lengths of pool
noodle to 24 inches and two
to 48 inches.2 Use a sharp utility knife to slit each pool
noodle down its center.3 Find the center line of the plastic sheet by
measuring 24 inches in from
the long end. Mark a point
1 inch in from either side on
this line. With a cordless drill
and a 9⁄6-inch twist bit, drill
pilot holes in the two marks.
Use the same bit to drill
holes in the base of each
end cap [A].4 Place construction adhesive on the play-
ing surface around the
pilot holes and press each
end cap in position. Drive a
screw through the end cap
and into the pilot hole [B].Tools
- hand miter saw
- utility knife
- cordless drill
- hot-glue gun
KID PARENT AND KIDLearn basic cutting
and fastening
techniques while
creating the
perfect new toy to
bring to the pool.
5 To form the net posts, measure and mark two
pieces of PVC pipe to 3 inches
long. Crosscut them on the
miter saw [C]. Press each one
into an end cap mounted to
the table.6 Cut a piece of black mesh ribbon to
27 inches long and 3 inches
wide. Wind a little ribbon
around one of the net posts,
then use a hot-glue gun to
attach the ribbon to the post.
Extend the ribbon to the
other side of the table. Wind
the ribbon around the
opposite post, and glue it in
place [D]. Press another end
cap on top of each post.7 Test-it the pool noodles to the edges of the game
board. Once you’re sure they
it, glue each one to the board
with construction adhesive.8 Drill ¼-inch-diameter drain holes near each
corner of the playing surface.Shopping List
three pool noodles
aluminum corrugated
plastic sheet: sign panel
¼ x 24 x 48–inch
four 4 ½-inch PVC end caps
two No. 10 x 1–inch stain-
less-steel pan-head screws
1 ½-inch x 2-foot PVC pipe
one roll of 5 ½-inch black
mesh ribbon (michaels.
com, Celebrate It ribbon,
No. 10217699)
plastic ping pong paddles
and ballsPARENT
PROJECT
4 JULY/AUGUST _ 201 POPULARMECHANICS.COM