Can you make your own DIY archery target stand?
What are the pros of doing this?
Are there any cons?
Here are some advantages to consider:
- Building your own DIY archery target stand can be more affordable than purchasing a store-bought one.
- Completing this DIY project can help you get more hands-on with your archery hobby and ensure you feel more involved in the experience.
- When you build your own archery target stand, you can make it to your own specifications and make sure it meets your expectations as well.
- You can use a variety of materials to construct this type of stand and get creative with the design if you so choose.
- Finally, you can build your target stand to match any size of bag target, even if you have an oddly-sized target that can be difficult to mount on store-bought products.
And here are some downsides to think about:
- This project make take some time and could require more construction skills than some individuals feel comfortable with.
- DIY target frames may not always last as long as store-bought ones, especially when used frequently or in inclement weather conditions.
- It may be challenging to build a DIY archery target stand that can be transported from place to place, so if you’re looking for a portable solution, you might need to go with a store-bought one instead.
Read on to find more about archery target stand plans you can complete.
Equipment and Materials Needed
- (2) 4x4x10 pieces of lumber
- (1) 4x4x8 piece of lumber
- (3) 2×4 pieces of lumber
- Wood screws
- Roofing screws
- 1 sheet of corrugated roofing material, clear
- 2 eye bolts
- 2 S-hooks
- 6 lag bolts
- Bag target
- Circular saw
- Power drill
- Tape measure
- Level
- Optionally, sander and sandpaper
- Optionally, paint or stain to finish
Steps
1. Cut the 4×4 pieces of lumber into 5-foot lengths using your circular saw.
2. Cut the 2×4 pieces of lumber into two 48-inch lengths and two 41-inch lengths using your circular saw.
3. Drill pilot holes and then use the power drill to insert screws on the four corners of these pieces of wood. You should assemble them with the two shorter pieces opposite each other, and the same for the two longer pieces, forming a rectangular roofing structure.
4. Cut the piece of corrugated material in half using a utility knife.
5. Place the corrugated material on top of the wooden roof frame and allow it overlap slightly on all sides.
6. Use roofing screws and your power drill to attach the material to the roof.
7. Cut the final 2×4 piece of lumber into two lengths of 41 inches each.
8. Using your power drill and screws, attach the 41-inch pieces of lumber to two of the 5-foot lengths cut in step one to create the base.
9. Cut the final 4×4 piece of lumber into another 41-inch length.
10. Use the power drill to create a pilot hole in this support beam and in the top of the leg pieces you cut in step 2.
11. Use lag bolts to attach these pieces to create a supportive frame.
12. Locate the center of each of the two remaining 5-foot pieces of lumber and drill two pilot holes at the center.
13. Use these holes to attach these pieces on either side of the vertical support legs to provide more structure. Attach with lag bolts.
14. Use roofing screws and the power drill to attach the roof to this frame.
15. Drill pilot holes on the crossbeam beneath the roofing material. These should be at the correct width to match the width of your target bag.
16. Install eye bolts and S-hooks from these pilot holes.
17. Hang your target and enjoy.
18. Optionally, you can sand, stain, and/or paint your frame when you finish. This will keep it lasting longer in inclement weather, but it isn’t a requirement if you don’t want to do this step.
Conclusion
When you take the time to learn how to properly create a DIY target stand, you’ll be able to enjoy the results of your hard work in no time. This project doesn’t take too long to complete, but it does require some previous know-how, especially when it comes to working with power tools. Even so, many individuals have no trouble building this type of structure with or without assistance.
If you do need help, make sure to work with another capable adult or a very capable teenager. Only adults should handle the power tools, and kids should probably be kept away from this project for the sake of safety.
But what can you do when you’ve finished the construction steps and want to be sure your target frame works? How can you test this DIY project when you finish it to ensure it is steady and balanced? Here are some tips to remember:
- Hang your target. To begin with, you need to make sure the product you build can support the weight of your target bag. Hang it up and let it stay there for a while. Wait at least an hour to ensure the structure remains sound.
- Fire some close-range shots. These shots can make it easier for you to tell whether or not the target will stay where it’s supposed to when you hit it with an arrow.
- Fire some distance shots. These shots can show you whether or not the target frame might tip over with the power of a full distance shot. If it does, you’ll need to think about some ways to weigh down its legs, and sandbags (such as those used for securing tent stakes) might be a good all-purpose solution.
- Try different types of arrows. If a variety of arrows can work with your target and refrain from knocking over the frame, then you have built a sturdy, solid frame that is sure to last.
- Try different bow poundage options. Try using the most powerful bow you can to see if the frame holds up. On the other hand, you might also try a youth bow to see if it can work for kids’ target practice, too.
Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your target stand. And remember, if you have any questions or concerns about the process, you can check out one of the many videos or guides available online to help you every step of the way. You may even be able to find some online forums or chats full of people just like you who want to build their own DIY target stands.
In the end, however, if you decide this project isn’t right for you after all, that’s okay too. You can choose to purchase a target stand instead if you don’t feel comfortable completing this project or think it will simply take too much time or money to get it right. Store-bought target stands work just as well as DIY ones, and they can be found in many different styles, sizes, and materials to meet all your archery needs.
No matter which way you choose to mount your target, be sure to follow safety guidelines for the best results!