Golf Ball in a Block of Wood
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A few years ago, I came across a golf in a block of wood and instantly knew I had to try it myself. I finally got around to it, and it turned out to be a super fun and simple project! All you need is a block of softwood (I used basswood) and a golf ball.
I started by trimming the wood down and using a drill press to create the cavity where the golf ball would fit. Here’s the interesting part: to actually get the ball into the wood, heat up a pan of water and soak the wood block for a few minutes. The heat causes the wood to expand just enough for you to squeeze the golf ball into the opening. As the wood cools and contracts, it traps the ball inside!
With just a few basic tools and about an hour of your time, you can create this clever optical illusion that will surely impress.
If you make one of these be sure to post a picture of it over on the WoodLogger Facebook Page. I’d love to see how yours turns out.
Material List
- (1) 1-3/4″ x 1-3/4″ x 5″ – Softwood (I used Basswood)
Cut List
- Drill out center section using a 1 – 1/4″ Forstner Bit
Milling & Assembly
 | To get started on my block; I cut down a block of bass wood to 1-3/4″ x 1-3/4″ x 5″. To drill out the middle of the block I used a 1-1/4″ Forstner Bit. |
 | I marked the ends of the block at 3/4″ this will be my guide when it comes to cutting out the middle. I also measured to the middle of the block to give myself a reference point when centering the block on the drill press. |
 | Next up I used a 1-1/4″ Forstner bit to clear out the middle of the block I did both sides all the way through. I put a piece of scrap underneath my block to protect the bottom of the block and my bit. |
 | After I had my holes drilled out; I sanded all over the block and cleaned it up. |
 | Next up I heated a small pot of water to near boiling and put my block in it for approximately 4-5 minutes. |
 | I then took the block out and squeezed the golf ball in between the rails. If it doesn’t want to go then you may need to soak your block longer or use hotter water. It takes a little bit of pressure to get it in there. I’ve made 4 of these and one of them I busted the rails. If it simply won’t go don’t force it, and let it soak a little longer. |
 | Depending on what you’re going to do with this you may want to apply some finish to the block. If so, be sure to cover the golf ball with some tape. |
Two more tries, two more shattered blocks of wood.
Looking at the most recent one, I see that I tried to drill a hole overlapping the previous hole, and the result was that the forstner bit drifted off axis very slightly towards the void, and that was enough to catch an edge and cause it to grab. (yes, the piece was clamped down)
For the next attempt I think I’ll try drilling distinctly separate holes, then cutting between them with a coping saw, or similar.
I did mine center then outside r/l , rotated repeat. Lining up outside edge of Bit to get he 3/4 line. This left small raised between holes, that I sanded down. I have made 3 and came out fine.
When do they crack? During ball insertion ( more time in water just below boiling) or drilling (less pressure, lower speed)?
I didnot clamp mine.
Good luck
They’ve all cracked while under the drill.
Forth(?) time was a charm. Instead of cutting the piece to size first, I started by drilling out of my large chunk of wood, then cut the “block” out once the drilling was complete. That worked well and the rest proceeded as expected.
I used a previous gift, a personalized golf ball, and gave it to my father for Christmas.
Thanks again for the idea!
I’ve made one. It was out of hard wood. Yeah, it snapped when I inserted the ball, but luckily it only cracked. I glued it back together and sanded it. Came out looking pretty good. No one has been able to see the crack. I plan to teach some of the nephews how to make them. I think this is a great project for kids of all ages. Even us “older” kids!
Thanks for the project idea!! Really had fun making this!! I made a triple one with Blackhawks balls for my uncle who’s a die hard Hawks fan! Too bad I can’t post the picture but it turned out very cool!!
Probably an obviouse statement, but be sure the grain of the wood is running the length of the project and not across. That allows for more stabilty in the wood for both the drilling and pushing the ball through.
I need help i would like to make these for Christmas present but i need at least 60. where can or what kind of wood can I use in bulk that will not cost me a lot I can not fine Basswood in bulk Can you help
Hmm, not positive but you may want to try http://www.walnuthollow.com Also you may want to experiment with another softwood?
Do you know how to put wooden arrow thru a golf ball?
Terry can you use a 1in bit Because i a 11/2 dem. instead a 1/3/4
Neat project. I did a prototype just to see how it works. Now I am going to mount one of my Hole-In-One golf balls, add a medal to the top and call it a trophy. Bob, Nov. 9, 2016
not sure what I am doing wrong. I have tried with purple heat, walnut, and oak and I end up with bad tear out or when drilling the center hole it collapses the entire block and rips out the side wall. is there anyone else out there experiencing these issues? thanks.
Use basswood
Howard, I had 3 or 4 fails before the basswood didn’t shatter for me. (using a sharp forester bit on my drill press)
For the last try, I drilled my holes *before* cutting the wood to size. The theory being that the edges would be much stronger for the drilling. That worked!
Good luck!
good idea. I think ill try that technique. thanks for the tip. ill keep you posted on how it goes.
Do you sell these, if so species of wood used and how much would they be?