How to Make a Ping Pong Paddle?

Each brand of ping pong paddle has its unique pros and cons. While people are satisfied with certain types of wooden ping pong paddles others wish to push their limits.

They seek to have a combination of sorts that is only possible with customized or a self-made ping pong paddle. Although the process of making a ping pong paddle sounds difficult it is easier to do it if you can follow these simple steps.

These steps are tried and we have been able to achieve success in creating a ping pong paddle from scratch by following these easy steps.

Things Required Before You Make a Ping Pong Paddle

• Table tennis glue
• Standard ping pong paddle or a template
• Sandpaper
• Preferred wooden slab
• Pencil
• Handheld electric saw or an electric jigsaw
• Table tennis rubber sheets (you can either purchase rubber that is less than 2mm in thickness with pimples or otherwise for a better spin, accuracy for aggressive gaming)

These are the most common essentials that you would require before you get to know how to make a ping pong paddle. The below steps were followed by us and we were able to create an effective paddle that players were able to use in tournaments.

We made sure that we have the right mix of speed, accuracy, spin and other essential requirements with the paddle made from scratch.

Selecting the Best Wood for the Ping Pong Paddle Outline

You should select the wood size depending on your preference to make a one-piece ping pong paddle or with the handle separate from the paddle.

In the case of a single piece of wood, it should be big enough to contain the ping pong paddle outline along with the handle. In case of a two-piece paddle, you can choose a relatively smaller wood slab for the paddle alone.

Marking the Wood for the Ping Pong Paddle Size

There are two ways to mark the wood that you have chosen. It can either be from a downloaded template that you can print and mark the wood or by using a standard paddle for marking purposes using the pencil.

This should be per the ping pong paddle size approved by the ITTF. It is easier though to download a template that is of the correct measurements that include the handle. By downloading a template, you make the marking process easier.

Cutting the Ping Pong Paddle Design Along With the Handle

Using a handheld electric saw or an electric jigsaw you can cut precisely or the marked lines for the ping pong paddle design. You can make the process much easier if you first cut it in a rectangular shape and then make precise cuts as per the design.

This can ensure that you save time and have no wood slab that is wasted. The ping pong paddle design cut along with the handle should have the handle thicker and can be adjusted as per convenience at a later point.

In Case of Separate Handled Ping Pong Paddle Design

The same wood can be used to cut and have the appropriate ping pong paddle design. Two separate wooden pieces of the handle would have to be cut according to the standard measurements required by the ITTF.

The two pieces of the handle should have one side that is flat to ensure that the sticking process is easier. Two holes can be drilled in the handle at two ends which provides better adhesion.

Once the holes are drilled you can stick the handles to the paddle using table tennis glue that you purchased. The holes can be plugged in with wood plugs and set together with adhesive liquid or glue to get the right ping pong paddle design.

Most people who customize ping pong paddles make it from one piece of wood to spare them the efforts towards designing the handle which can take a considerable amount of time and effort.

Bat Smoothing on the Ping Pong Paddle Outline

You may find that the ping pong paddle outline to be a little rough and may have tiny pieces of wood that can harm you while you use it. You can choose to use the sandpaper that you purchased to smoothen the edges and give it the perfect outline.

People are also said to use the sandpaper on the surface of the wooden ping pong paddles surfaces so that it offers better adhesion while sticking the rubber onto the paddle surface.

Sticking Rubber on the Wooden Ping Pong Paddles

You can cut the rubber that you have purchased in two different colors on either side that you would use them on. While one side has a pimpled texture the other may have a soft and sticky rubber texture.

However, this solely depends on the person who is about to use the paddle and the type of play that they are used to. If you choose to use two different paddle surfaces you are required by the ITTF to make it in two different colors that are black and red.

Now your hand-made wooden ping pong paddles are ready for use after adhesion and drying up process is completed.

Customizing the Ping Pong Paddle Outline Handle for Better Grip

Although the paddle is ready to use you may want a little customization for the handle to make it optimal for use.

Using the same table tennis glue, you can use specific material of your choice to ping pong paddle outline handle for better gripping while you are playing.

Always remember that you would have to allow enough time for the glue to settle and adhere properly to the surfaces it is used.

Commonly people are said to give it anywhere between 12 to 24 hours after using the glue for it to dry up before use.

After the required time is given for proper adhesion your wooden ping pong paddles are ready to be used.

These above steps were the ones that were successfully used to create a ping pong paddle and were tested by players who play ping pong at different levels.

Although they may not match the standard of a ready-made ping pong paddle it can still give you the comfort and the accuracy that you require to perform well in a game.

Experts also say that these customized paddles can perform better although they might not give the looks of a standard one or a leather ping pong paddle which you can buy over the counter.

Last but not least is for you to remember wearing necessary safety equipment such as gloves, goggles and other necessary safety attire.

This is required to ensure that you do not injure yourself while designing and making your own wooden ping pong paddles.

Is a Wooden Ping Pong Paddle Better Than a Metal Ping Pong Paddle?

Commonly people prefer a wooden paddle over a metal paddle for reasons of comfort and accuracy and the way it performs.

However, you can still purchase and use a metal ping pong paddle that is available in popular sports shops.

Remember that making a metal paddle is a lot difficult when compared to making wooden paddles.

Why Choose to Make Wooden Ping Pong Paddles Rather Than Purchasing One?

Although wooden ping pong paddles are available with various brands one cannot customize them according to the needs of a player.

However, when you choose to custom-design a ping pong paddle according to your gaming needs.

What Wood Should I Choose to Make Wooden Ping Pong Paddles?

Plywood is common among wooden ping pong paddles. You can choose to use plywood that is made of different materials such as spruce, fir, and pine.

You can see the difference in weight and choose the type of plywood that you think would be comfortable for use.

Is Making Two-Piece Wooden Ping Pong Paddles Better Than a Single Piece One?

Making two-piece wooden ping pong paddles are a little strenuous compared to making a paddle that is a single piece.

However, if you have the expertise and the necessary tools you can choose to make a ping pong paddle that is two-piece with a separate handle and a paddle.

Are Customized Ping Pong Paddle Design Allowed for Tournament Use?

As long as you adhere to the ITTF rules, regulations and guidelines your ping pong paddle design would be allowed for use in tournaments.