Axe throwing has quickly become one of the biggest hobbies around. In years past, the sport was commonly found at lumberjack competitions or themed festivals. Recently, leagues have been popping all across the U.S. Although, with targets usually only found at special facilities, practicing your throws can be challenging. We’re here to make it easy to hone your skills in the comfort of your own backyard. Our how-to guide will give you a basic overview of how to build your own axe throwing target. For a more in-depth look at making a target, head to our YouTube channel.
Materials
2- 8 foot 2×4-inch boards
2-8 foot 2×6-inch boards
3-8 foot 2×10-inch boards
1×1-inch stick
Axe Throwing Target Build Directions
This axe throwing target is a relatively simple build for those that have enough knowledge around the workshop, but may not be experts. When selecting boards be sure to look for boards with minimal knots on them, which can cause the axe to bounce off the target. Try to avoid darker or heavier pieces of wood since they’re usually dense and will be tougher to stick the axe to. Any soft wood will work, such as pine or spruce.
2×10-Inch Boards
Cut each of the 2×10-inch boards in half, so you’re left with six 4-foot pieces. If you can’t find completely straight boards that’s okay. They don’t need to be perfect.
Place five of the 2×10-inch pieces together side-by-side and measure across the sections. Cut your leftover 2×10-inch half down to the width of the five other boards.
Lay the last cut 2×10 horizontally flush across the top of the five sections.
2×6-Inch Boards
Measure the length of your project so far. The 5-board section is roughly 47.5 inches long, with the addition of the last 2×10 you should be somewhere around 58 inches.
Cut the 2×6-inch boards to the measured length of the project.
Set the horizontal 2×10 to the side. Place the cut 2×6-inch boards parallel to the edge of the 5 sections. Ensure the top of the 2×6 and 2×10 boards are flush with each other.
Screw the 2x6s to the 2x10s using 3-inch screws and a cordless drill.
2×4-Inch Boards
Draw The Targets
Measure the width and length of the entire project to find the center and mark it with a screw.
Drill a pilot hole at the end of the 1×1 stick and screw the stick to the project center, ensuring the stick is still loose enough to rotate 360 degrees.
Mark the stick at 7-inches, 17-inches, and 27-inches and drill pilot holes big enough to fit the permanent marker through.
Insert the marker in the 7-inch hole and rotate the stick around the center until you have a perfect circle. Repeat that process in the other holes until you have three progressively bigger circles.
The last two circles measure 39-inches from the base, which is opposite the horizontal 2×10) and 4.5-inches from the edge. Use a paper drinking cup to make a 3-inch circle on each side. (These last two circles don’t need to be perfect.)
You’re finished, and it’s time to start throwing some axes. Be sure to check out our YouTube channel for a more in-depth look at how to build this beginner’s axe throwing target.
