A game board for the table or the road
Start with a real Easel project, then check the pit layout, stock, and workholding against the stones and machine you plan to use.
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Start from a blank workpiece
Draw a rounded board outline in Easel, arrange two rows of six round pits and two long end stores, then turn the 3D preview to see the layout.
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Real projects from the Easel gallery
These finished builds have editable Easel layouts to adapt. The files are starting points for the playing pockets, not complete reproductions of every detail in the photographs.
Mancala Boardby Atlas WoodworksA dark wooden board pairs twelve playing pits with two end stores, pale strips, and a fleur-de-lis. Adapt the editable pit layouts and shallow engraving for a tabletop board, then plan your own strip construction and outside cut. Choose a pocket cutter that gives the shape you want and check it in the carve preview.
Contest Entry: Wooden Marble Game Setby joshua blomA finished maple-and-walnut case holds three games and the marbles. Mancala faces inward when the box closes; the photograph shows the outside games. The native file includes twelve round playing pockets and two stores. Follow joshua's instructions for hardware orientation, sanding, and lacquer; lamination and assembly remain separate steps.
mancala ALL AMERICAN ARTSby Stuart mahowalStuart's photograph shows three finished boards with colored marbles. His editable layout is a starting point for the pits and board outline. In the project comments he specifies a 1/2 in ball-nose cutter for the holes and a 1/4 in cutter for the outline; reconcile the saved settings with your actual cutters and stock before carving.
Mancala Boardby Melvin Rooter WoodworksA pale wooden board keeps the playing surface simple, with oval bowl-shaped pits and rounded corners. The shared design separates the holes from the outside cut into named workpieces, making it useful for planning the pocket layout and board outline. Choose and simulate the pocket cutter for your own setup before cutting.
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From the makers’ comments and project notes
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joshua blom finishes the sanded game case with two light coats of spray lacquer. His notes describe this as the final surface treatment before play. Keep the finish thin enough to preserve the carved pocket shapes rather than filling them with a heavy coat.
Project notes by joshua blom: read the source.
From Contest Entry: Wooden Marble Game Set by joshua blom.
Ask a questionOpen a real Easel project, check its design against your stock and stones, and create a free Easel account when you are ready to make a copy. No credit card is required.
Creating an Easel account is free. No credit card required.
