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How to Build Wooden Domino Racks

Standing domino tiles are easily knocked over if not secured in a stand.
Succes is only for the winner image by Ivonne Wierink from Fotolia.com

Dominoes is a game that's played using special tiles. Each tile is split into two sections, with dots or "pips" in both sections. Many games played with dominoes require a player to keep the pips on the tiles secret from his opponents. Of course, because domino tiles are three-dimensional, often players simply stand the tiles on edge. The tiles, however, may tip, exposing unplayed dominoes to all players. Domino stands prevent such accidents. The dominoes fit into the grooves on the stand and lean against one side of the groove.

Choose the wood carefully. It should be solid and free from knotholes or blemishes. The wood should be at least 1 inch thick and 4 inches wide.

Install the cutting blade into the table saw. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your saw.

Cut the wood into 12-inch lengths.

Measure the short, newly-cut end of the wood. Make a mark every 1/2 inch across the length of the wood with a pencil. Repeat for each rack.

Install a 1/2-inch dado blade in the table saw. Again, follow the maufacturer's instructions. Set the blade to make a 1/2-inch deep cut.

Line up the wood with the dado blade. Cut a 1/2-inch groove into the rack 1/2 inch in from the end. Repeat for all of the racks.

Move the cutting guide and cut a second groove a 1/2 inch from the edge of the first groove. Repeat on all of the racks.

Move the cutting guide. Cut the final groove a 1/2 inch from the edge of the second groove.

Sand the racks. Protect with polyurethane if desired.

Things You'll Need:

  • Wood
  • Table saw
  • Cutting blade
  • Ruler
  • Dado blade, 1/2-inch
  • Sandpaper
  • Polyurethane (optional)
  • Paintbrush (optional)

Tip

Wood that is listed as 1-by-4 isn't actually 4 inches wide. Planing and drying reduces the size of the lumber. Building a set of domino racks is a great way to practice using a dado blade.

Warnings:

  • Always exercise care when using a saw.
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