How to Build a Pitching Machine

By eHow Contributing Writer

When you need to work on your baseball batting technique, but don't have a pitcher available, you need your own batting machine. Purchasing commercial versions of batting machines can be expensive, but it is possible to make your own. All you need is a few power tools and a lot of ingenuity.

Build the Base

1. Step1

   Screw the two pieces of 6-inch-long 2x6's to the upper left and right corners of the plywood. Place at least two wood screws through the plywood and into the vertical pieces of 2x6.

2. Step2

   Lay the 3 foot long piece of 2x6 across the tops of the upright 2x6 posts and screw them down using the wood screws.

3. Step3

   Place the four tire jacks under the legs of the coffee table on a flat surface. Raise the jacks to approximately waist height. Use a carpenter's level to ensure that the table is level.

4. Step4

   Set the plywood and 2x6 frame on the table.

Set Up the Motor and the Feed Chute

5. Step1

   Use one of the electric drills to drill two holes in 3-foot piece of 2x6. These holes should be moderately larger than diameter of the axles and placed approximately 11 inches apart.

6. Step2

   Thread a nut and lock washer up the axle.

7. Step3

   Place the two wheel barrow tires under the holes. Thread them onto the axles and use an additional lock washer and nut to firmly hold them in place. You will need to tighten both nuts and washers around the wheel hub.

8. Step4

   Screw the 2x2 pieces to either side of the 2x6 where the axle rises out of the board.

9. Step5

   Center the short piece of plumbing drain hose at the opening between the two wheel barrow tires and screw it into the plywood.

10. Step6

    Securely affix the drills to the visible ends of each axle. The drills should be facing into each other, so that when they are turned on, they will rotate the wheel barrow wheels at the same speed, in opposite directions.

11. Step7

    Drop a baseball down the drain hose and watch it fling out from between the tires. Your now ready to start pitching your first baseballs with your home made pitching machine.