I love a great challenge. This challenge was to use one board to make a project. Maybe I took the easy way out? I used one board to make a baseball bat grow chart.
I love that the power tool challenge helps me do projects that I don't normally do!
One Board Challenge Project
I bought a 1x6 (6’) at my local 84 Lumber.
Draw baseball bat pattern on paper
I folded the paper in half to draw and cut out my baseball bat pattern.
Trace pattern on pine board
I transferred the pattern to my pine board with a pencil.
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Cut baseball bat pattern with a jigsaw
It was sooo cold this day. I could barely feel my fingers at the end of this project! I used my Ryobi jigsaw to cut out the baseball bat pattern.
Clamp board for easier cutting
As I worked my way around the board I clamped it with a quick clamp.
Move jigsaw slowly around corners
This is a close-up as I finished the long sides and across the top. Slow and steady is the best way to use a jigsaw. Good blades also make the difference. I used Bosch Jigsaw Blades for this project.
It’s okay if you don’t stay perfectly on the pencil line. The sander will make everything turn out okay—promise!
Sand baseball bat grow chart
Using an orbital sander with 150 grit sandpaper really made this project come together. I was able to smooth out rough places on the sides, top and bottom. It really worked well on the rounded bottom and the very top.
I like to run the orbital sander along the edge of my projects to give them a softer touch. First I had to place a sheet on the table because as I was sanding the paint from the table was transferring to the opposite side of the board. I sanded the board all over with 150 grit, then changed to 220 grit to really get a nice feel on the board.
Use sanding sponge for a fine finish
A sanding sponge works great around the tight corners along the baseball bat handle.
See the difference? I told you it would be better after sanding.
This is the final sanded project. At this point I HAD to go into the basement shop. It was so cold outside!
Mark measurements on grow chart
Planning out the project in my head, I decided that I would score the measurement lines of the grow chart, sort of as though they were routed. I didn’t dare try to actually route the lines and mess up my pretty board. I used a pencil and a nail set after marking all the lines with my self centering tape measure .
Paint grow chart
On small projects I prefer to use a small foam paint roller—it gives great coverage quickly with no brush strokes.
Mark hash marks with paint pen
I used a medium tip red paint pen to mark all the inch marks. I made several different size marks, using a paint stick to keep the lines straight.
Adhere number stickers to grow chart
I made some 2” numbers on my Silhouette Portrait . I drew rectangles around them because I couldn’t make up my mind if I wanted to use the positive part or maybe use the negative portion as a stencil. In the end, I chose the easier route and used the vinyl numbers.
Use baseball stickers to mark child's height
I found these baseball stickers at Hobby Lobby and thought they were perfect for marking the dates with a sharpie. Some similar stickers are available on Amazon.
Hang grow chart 2 feet off the floor
I love it! My nephew has played baseball his entire life. Maybe you saw the baseball wreath I helped him make? He and his wife have a baby girl Shelby, she’s the one I made the headband organizer for. Maybe they will want this project to keep up with Shelby’s growth spurts.
I made a few growth charts years ago, in addition to a pre-made growth chart that I stained if the baseball bat growth chart isn’t your style.
In case you don’t know, this baseball growth chart should be hung 2 feet off the floor.
It’s hanging here with one of my nephew’s old baseball bats. He was #11. The vintage croquet set belonged to my late Aunt Polly.
This is just one of the great projects that you’ll find from the Power Tool Challenge team. Be sure to check out all the other great ideas below. (I post early in the morning-the projects below will go live about 11 am EST. I apologize for any inconvenience.)
Create and Babble - How to Make Simple Wood Frames
The DIY Village - Bottle Vase Holder
Designed Decor - Faux Tin Tiles
H2OBungalow - DIY Large Wood Name Cut Out
The Kim Six Fix - Easy Umbrella Stand
My Repurposed Life - Baseball Grow Chart
Just The Woods - How to Build a Tobacco Kiln for Curing Tobacco
So many unique projects from my friends! Which one will you make?
gail
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Julie@followyourheartwoodworking
That is such a good idea and the stickers to mark the heights is perfect!
kandice kullmann
This is so cute! Better than marking up inside the kids closet hehe (that's what we do)
Wendi@H2OBungalow
This is darling! My grandson would love one of these. I suppose I have to make him one now! Pinned š
DeDe Designed Decor
Gail, this is such a cute idea! Love the baseball stickers to mark the date! Clever!
Becky Cassera
You never take the easy way out! I love this. Being the mother of four hard core baseball players, this is adorable. Unfortunately, my boys are almost as tall as they are going to get.