Make a cribbage board

Make a sandwich
Bringing the base and top together properly can be tricky unless you use double-sided adhesive tape. It gives you multiple shots at centering the game board on the base properly. Remember those two holes you drilled completely through the game board? Place your 1/8" drill bit into these holes one at a time, then give it a gentle tap with a mallet. The marks made on the base show where you need to drill for the centre pivot and rare-earth magnets.

Separate the two parts and bring the base back to the drillpress. At the mark in the centre, drill a 1/8"-dia. x 3/4"-deep hole to receive a 1"-long x 1/8"-dia. brass rod. In the other location you marked, drill a 1/2"-dia. x 1/8"-deep hole using a Forstner bit. This is where one of two rare-earth magnets will sit. While the Forstner bit is in the drillpress, make a matching hole in the bottom of the game board. You'll install another magnet here, completing the “latch” mechanism.

Epoxy the magnets into their respective holes, ensuring they sit flush with the wood surface and are oriented so they attract each other. While you're at it, put a dab of epoxy into the 1/8" centre hole in the base and insert the brass rod, making sure there is 1/4" of rod left protruding from the base.

Final touches
Apply labelling to the game board. You could use paint, but I've found that dry-rub transfers (available at most craft stores) work best. After the lettering is done, apply the finish of your choice. I used three coats of water-based poly­urethane. Next, add some feet to the base. A tool-and-die maker friend made some brass feet for me, but simple stick-on felt or cork surface protectors would work just as well.

Line the two hidden compartments with felt and bring the board and base together, ensuring that the brass rod protruding from the base goes into the centre hole of the game board. Add a deck of cards, some pegs, then call in the competition for a friendly game!

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