Portable Tic-Tac-Toe Board

In this project we will show the steps to creating a 7x7 portable tic-tac-toe board. This is a game that anyone can play and its perfect for car rides or to pass the time with friends and family at home! This game will have three main components, the base, the lid, and the game pieces. The game acts like a container, and all fits into one piece, minimizing clutter and helping avoid losing game pieces.

For this project we will need a list of materials.

1. Sketchbook for brainstorming and coming up with dimensions for the game board.
2. A computer with 3D modeling software (we used fusion 360)
3. Compatible CNC router (we used a Laguna IQ CNC router)
4. A piece of wood for the board (7x7x1in), the lid (7x7x 3/8in), 5 X's and 4 O's (0.625x1.5in). (we used poplar)
5. A table saw or band saw.
6. Orbital sander with 120, 220, and 600 grit sandpaper.
7. Dremel tool with sanding attachments for tight spaces.
8. Paint or stain of your choice.
9. Laser cutter with compatible software. (optional)

Draw a Sketch, labeling dimensions for the game board. The dimensions we used are below, but feel free to come up with your own desired size.

Our Dimensions:

7x7in box, 2.00in squares, 0.25in between squares

O's - 1.5in outer diameter, 1.25in inner diameter

X's- 3/8in cross sections, 1.5in with, 1.5in length

1.Start by modeling a 7x7x1in box with 3/8in corner fillets.

2.Then create a sketch on the surface of the box, making 9 equal square sections with 0.25in of material between them.

1. Extrude/Retract sketches from the previous step to make the 9 equal pockets, this will be the base.
2. Create sketches inside the pockets you just created to make placeholders for the game pieces. 

Extrude the sketches from the previous step to complete the 3D model of the game board. (these are 3/8in deep)

Sketch game pieces with dimensions to fit in the placeholders, then transfer sketches to fusion and extrude to the right size.

(O's= 1.5in outer diameter, 1.25in inner diameter.)

(X's= 3/8in cross sections, 1.5in with, 1.5in length)

Generate toolpaths for everything.

minimize tool changes and ensure your tool paths are compatible with your machine.

Prepare your piece by drawing dimension sketches for each component.

Then cut to size and mount in CNC machine.

Post the process ( G&M code) and upload it to a flash drive, then run the program and cut out your components.

Remove from the CNC, clear chips, and inspect components.

Next use a table saw to separate the three boxes.

Then use a band saw to carefully remove excess material from the base and lid, as well as to separate all the game pieces.

We used an orbital sander to smooth out the flat surfaces (base and lid). Start with 120 grit sandpaper, followed by 220, then finally 600 grit for a nice smooth finish.

Next use a dremel tool to smooth out tight spaces in the game board so it fits together nicely. (This can also be done by hand)

If you have access to a laser cutter, try laser engraving your own cool design on the Lid to personalize your tic-tac-toe game! We used lightburn software, and used our school logo as our design.

Finish any sanding and clean all components.

Paint or stain your favorite colors in even light coats, allow time to cure.

After allowing time to cure, double check all components and check for full operation.

Finally, grab a friend, or take the board on a road trip and show off your tic-tac-toe skills!!

Thank you for checking out our project! This was a school project for illiana Christian high school. It was completed over multiple weeks and we sure hope you like it! If you are feeling crafty and you have access to the equipment used, we encourage you to give it a shot and put your own personal spin on it!