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. |
Sorry, reading expands the mind, duh!!!
Do you still have US Open golf ball in a log of wood? Great Christmas gift for my brother-in-law.
I didn’t have the right size bit, so I did the cutting with a scroll saw. Worked out well. This was my first attempt, didn’t have the correct size wood, so glued 2 pieces together then cut to size. Worked, but now there is a seam, which looks like 2 pieces glued together??!!??!!
Learn by trial and error, off to the lumber store.
Third time’s a charm! I broke one block and butchered another but the third block came out just fine.
Thanks a lot for this wonderful project. It wasn’t easy to keep the wooden block in place, so I stuck it between two rails with the exact spacing.
I did it in Europe. For info: 13cm * 4.5cm *4.5cm, with 2cm on either side and 30mm (a bit smaller than 1-1/4″) Forstner bit worked out just fine.
I wonder if the golf ball gets noticeably smaller when frozen. This might help to make the holes even smaller.
Cheers!
I have made a number of these using a lot of different woods from Red Oak to Black Walnut all insides cut on a scroll saw Just needs to Boil longer the harder the wood.
Is the Youtube video on the drill press in real time? I am just asking because I needed much much longer to drill through my piece (I used some soft wood). My forstner bit was new but fairly cheap.
Also the lateral forces were quite high. I had to clamp it down. In the video you just hold it with your hand…there seems to be almost no effort to hold it?!
Also I couldn’t just clean up the little spikes standing out with the forstner bit. Just hitting a little piece caused way to much lateral force – even the clamping down wasn’t enough. Does that mean my forstner bit is very bad? Can’t be just because I used different wood I think. Maybe my wood was not 100% dry?
I made several only a little longer and put a plack on it for hole in one golf balls.People said they had just threw their rair balls in some out of the way place and no one ever saw it.Now they set out where everyone can see it.
Did you make a guitar pick holder box?!
My friend followed you and gave me 2. But even with very long hot bath I can not force ball out. Any suggestions