Summary

Our family and friends can be commonly found around a campground in the summer or a dining table in the winter playing various card games.  Many, like the one here, on a home made playing board.  Frustration has been around and many variations exist.  You can easily edit the order and requirements for each level.

One major change with this version is that I stopped relying on the drill press to create the holes to fit the 1/8" pegs.

I used 10" solid pine boards (9 1/4" width) cut to 12 1/2" lengths.  I then quickly route the edges to add a bit of character.  After a surface sanding, I use painters tape to cover the areas where the pegs will be "engraved".  You'll see my XCS file is broken into three outputs 1) the peg holes 2) the engraved areas 3) scoring the edges of the engraving.  In the first step I ignore the output on everything but the peg holes.  On my S1 40W, they take about 10 mins.  I then hold in place, remove the tape, mark the peg holes as ignore and process the remaining two steps (35 mins).

My settings work quite well (in my opinion) for the 1/8" pegs, without creating char that will work loose with use.

A few notes on variations:

The size can be adjusted to fit various board sizes.  Please note you may need to adjust the size of the holes to ensure proper fit.

Test the hole specs on a scap piece to ensure proper hold in your materials.

If using plywood I would skip routing as I found plywood to be prone to tearout.  Of course if you are more delicate and patient than myself, that may not be an issue.

I use full air assist when making the holes and no air assist with the engraving/scoring.

Although many may want to adjust the colour with stain and protect with poly, my personal favourite is butcher block oil.  A couple coats will slightly darken but I've found provide years of protection of leaving out on the picnic table in the evening to be found covered in morning dew the next day.

The name can be changed by editing both layers.  I use the toggle to make the upper level invisible after editing so the lower level can be edited.

We have a few of these going out as gifts this year.  You can make within an hour at a relaxed pace.  Good luck and happy holidays.