How to make an archery target block?

The Carpet Archery Target Block Material Checklist

• Carpet (alternatively, cardboard backing would work)
  

  The more carpet you can get for cheap the better.
• 2 x 4 wooden planks
• 3/8” x 36” all-thread (4 pieces)
• Washers (regular type and oversized, 8 pieces each, suggested size would be 3/8”)
• Nuts (8 pieces, suggested size would be 3/8”)
• Screws (either wood or decking types would be great, 3 pieces, suggested size would be 1/2”)

Additionally, have these construction tools ready:

• Measuring Tape
• A utility knife
• A sharpie (or a carpenter’s pencil)
• A Saw
• A Drill
• Saw horses
• ½” wood drill bit
• A Wrench
• An Arrow Puller
• A squaring jig
• Clamps

Steps in Constructing the Carpet Archery Target Block

1. Using the sharpie, carefully layout the amount of carpet/cardboard needed for the archery target block. The stripes need to be about 4 inches shorter than the planks that will be the bottom and top boards.
2. Slice the carpet along the lines you've made.
   

   You will need many carpet stripes - you can add more later if not enough.
3. Lay out the pieces – don't worry if the pieces of carpet aren't long or wide enough. You can combine these excess pieces to create a new layer.
4. Using the 2 x 4 wooden planks, position these into a frame.
5. Cut the main planks to size if needed.
6. On each corner, drill a 1/2” hole in the planks. Make sure they will align - just drilling the planks together will make it work.
7. Slide an all-thread screw into the hole.
8. Adjust and fit an oversized washer, regular washer, and nut on each end of the frame. These will hold the target together.
9. For attachments, use the decking screws.
10. Carefully position the cut layer(s) of carpet on top of it.
    

    The layers build up the body of the target.
11. Tighten the carpet layers using the all-thread screws. It's important to make them really tight so they have the appropriate density.
    

    You will need to screw really tight to make the block dense.
12. Prop the target against a wall.
13. You are now ready to shoot!
    

    The block will stop the arrows as expected.

The Chicken Wire Archery Target Block Material Checklist

• 2" × 12" kiln dried boards
• 1" × 4" framing
• Burlap
• Chicken wire
• Filling: discarded clothing with any hard objects removed (such as zippers, patches, buttons, etc.)
• The tools are mostly the same as for the carpet block, however you’ll need a stapling gun too to fix the chicken wire to the frame.

Steps in Constructing the Chicken Wire Archery Target Block

1. Cut the 2" × 12" kiln dried boards into two sections – one 5 ft and the other 3 ft.
2. Cut a top hole where you would insert the filling.
3. Fit the cut kiln dried boards into a frame – the 5 ft sections will form the vertical side; the 3 ft sections as the horizontal sides.
4. To position the sections securely, hold on to the sections with the squaring tool and clamps.
5. Once the planks are in place, hold the boards together with the four wood screws.
6. Secure the chicken wire onto the frame by stapling on the boards.
7. Insert the filling into the top hole of the frame.
8. Once the frame's filled with clothes, cover the chicken wire side with burlap. Staple the burlap as needed.
9. You're now ready to shoot!

Checking Your Chicken Wire Archery Target Block

Depending on just how much clothes you've filled the target block, you may notice a bulge starting to form at the back of the target. This is because of arrow impacts. Reinforcing the back with an additional layer of wood may help.

Additionally, consider replacing the material you've used as filling. Replace the clothes once you've noticed that the target block does not absorb arrow impact that easily or if pulling an arrow is now a chore.

Additionally, the chicken wire may also be replaced once it has received high damage from the arrows.

Checking Your Carpet Archery Target Block

Check your carpet and burlap conditions! Depending on the wear and tear, you may just need to replace it already - replace as needed!

Additionally, and depending on the force of the arrows, you may add additional frame strength by attaching some plywood on each side.

3D Archery Targets

Simply stuffing turkey traps makes them great target.

Get the best qualities of archery target blocks and wrap it up in an animal shape - this is what a 3D target is! Essentially the same as a foam block, the shape it comes in offers an exciting thrill whenever you'll let some arrows fly. Additionally, some 3D target tournaments follow a point system - the more difficult the shot (like a headshot), the more points you'll get in return. Also, 3D archery targets aren't limited to animal shapes. In some cases, some ranges also do provide dinosaurs and pop culture targets - a fun take on archery!

Bag Targets

Bag target are good too, still block targets can last longer.

Next up are bag targets. These are mainly sacks or bags filled with material that will absorb arrow impact. Similar to block targets, arrows can easily be pulled out of these targets.

Paper Targets

Paper targets need a target block to actually stop the arrows.

The most common target out there. Basically, just a sheet of archery paper for you to shoot at! On ranges, these targets are usually attached to a frame. Since these are fragile, paper targets are often used in combination with other types of archery targets to stop the arrow.

Gear Up

Aside from having the materials and tools handy for your DIY archery target project, make sure that you are also equipped with the right safety gear. Safety goggles, masks, and gloves may just be the gear that will save you from freak accidents!

Clean It Up

Additionally, always make sure that your workplace is free from dirt or debris. Not only will you get to organize and see things clearly this way - you may also save yourself from pesky mishaps that you wouldn't readily notice.

Take It Easy

Never rush when doing a DIY project. Especially with archery target blocks, you would want to set enough time to construct and check to see if everything is working just the way you want it to be.

Test It

Just because you've finished constructing a target block, doesn't mean you're finished with the actual project. Always make sure to test your work. The last thing you'd want is to have a faulty target that doesn't absorb your arrows or breaks apart easily after just a few shots!

Aim it Well

Never dry fire! Also, practice shooting courtesy. Always make sure that there is no one in your line of shooting sight!