Side project #2: Flag project time filler

The main project currently in my shop is my nesting tables. My wife and I have them stained. I working on varnishing. I’m using a wipe-on poly before assembly. It is time consuming and I can only do a few of the parts at a time. So, while I’m between coats, I’ve been puttering around with a side project.

I saw this at a restaurant. It is an American flag made out of painted baseballs. I thought I’ll make a smaller version using ping pong balls. I found cheap balls online. They are not regulation, they are beer pong balls. I bought 3 gross.

This is the piece of birch ply I’ll build it on.

Here is a closer shot of the layout. I used a mechanical pencil. This is based on advice I’ve received on LJs. It did work better than a sharpened pencil.

After the board is laid out I drill with a 1/2” brad point bit. This is for an accurate start.

Next I’ll clean out the holes with a Forstner bit.

And Here is how the balls will fit in.

312 holes needed. This is a good filler project that I can pick up and put down without any fuss. I’m testing how to glue the balls in place. I know this really isn’t a wood working project but it is fun and it keeps me out of the tavern.

BJ