| Project by Dennis Zongker | posted 49 days ago | 1324 views | 16 times favorited | 58 comments | ![]() |
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I finally took the time to take some good pictures of my chess table. I’m entering it into a Fine woodworking magazine contest. I posted this table over a year ago on Lumberjocks. I hope no one gets upset for me doing this. Thanks for looking
First by making the chess set pieces. Then to add every piece into the actual table and chairs.
1. The top has parquetry around the outer border showing the castle move, were the Rooks protect the King.
2. The table base has the King upside down. Scaled 9 times larger then the chess set King. The King is in the center because he is the most important piece in the game.
3. The Knights are the main four feet to the table legs. Describing their angled moves.
4. Both chairs have on the center top, the Queen’s Crown.
5. At the top of both sides of the chairs are the Bishops & Pawns .
6. The back of the chairs has a abstract of a female figure, to resemble the Queen’s body.
7. Their are four hidden drawers in the tops edge. On the top of the drawers the Knights were cut into marquetry in the opposite wood.
8. The woods used were American Black walnut & Hard Maple. Each wood to resemble each players color.
-- Dennis Zongker



































58 comments so far
bentlyj
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783 posts in 361 days
posted 49 days ago
Totally Awesome,
Your the KING…...
a1Jim
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16550 posts in 468 days
posted 49 days ago
Wow amazing group very impressive.Well done.
-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon
Rj
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544 posts in 523 days
posted 49 days ago
Outstanding workmanship Dennis! Great execution of design and detail ,everything goes perfectly together.
Like Jim said Very Impressive!!!!
-- Rj's Woodworks,San Jose & Weed Ca,
DAN
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6435 posts in 874 days
posted 49 days ago
the chair design is something else ! has a wonderful “Alice in wonderland” feel … good luck on your entry … hope you do well
-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever
mtnwild
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2012 posts in 419 days
posted 49 days ago
Have seen it before, unforgettable, still a fantastic piece. What an awesome show of design and craftsmanship.
So unique…..........
That’s a hands down winner…...............
-- mtnwild (Jack), It's not what you see, it's how you see it.
Roper
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756 posts in 604 days
posted 49 days ago
very nice work, i’m ready to play when you are, i love chess.
-- Roper - Master of sawdust-
Dick, & Barb Cain
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7034 posts in 1191 days
posted 49 days ago
Totally Awesome!
This has to be the winner.
Good Luck!
I hope you don’t mind Dennis, but I just searched for the contest, & here’s the Link.
Anyone who’s a member of this FWW community can vote for Dennis on Oct. 30.
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
747DRVR
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47 posts in 248 days
posted 49 days ago
WOW
woodbutcher
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430 posts in 1057 days
posted 49 days ago
Dennis Zongker,
I like the newer pics’. This is still the most amazing Chess Set I’ve ever seen. I wouldn’t allow the players to sit at the table in those chairs, unless they were attired in Black & White robes! Do you have any idea how many hours you have invested in this piece of art? I wish you well in the contest. This should be a winner.
Sincerely,
Ken McGinnis
-- woodbutcher north carolina
webwood
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134 posts in 142 days
posted 49 days ago
dennis – i go back to look at the old post quite often – what an awsome piece of work and if i recall you made several of these – inspiration for all us “hackers” – that belongs in a museum
-- -erik & christy-
Rotceh
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74 posts in 339 days
posted 49 days ago
Amazing
-- Héctor-----Me rio yo del de bricomania ( es un programa que dan en españa)
patron
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2365 posts in 232 days
posted 49 days ago
excellent work !
a hands down winner .
i’ll vote yes .
-- david ,new mexico ,allheart
Todd A. Clippinger
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5632 posts in 991 days
posted 49 days ago
Dennis, you totally blow me away with your vision for woodworking and your craftsmanship.
You are on my “must visit someday” list.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
croquetman
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82 posts in 213 days
posted 49 days ago
As I’ve said before, one might find comparable work at the Uffizi. Maybe.
-- Whatever
mmh
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1377 posts in 614 days
posted 49 days ago
This is such an impressive set. Did I tell you that I made room for it in my house? You can deliver it anytime now.
-- "They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." ~ Edgar Allan Poe
nztoby
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15 posts in 63 days
posted 49 days ago
that is simply fantastic!!!!
JJohnston
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105 posts in 183 days
posted 49 days ago
This is magnificent. I wouldn’t let anybody near it.
-- Measure twice, then try to figure out which one was right.
Dennis_MGWW
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65 posts in 309 days
posted 49 days ago
Sweet! Awesome! Holy Cow! and How About That!
Not enough can be said.
You have my vote!!!
-- Dennis, http://www.maplegrovewoodworks.com/
okwoodshop
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158 posts in 66 days
posted 49 days ago
Truly Museum quality.
-- Duane,matt_megan@twlakes.net
degoose
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1972 posts in 246 days
posted 49 days ago
Dennis you is getting to be good at this.
-- Drink once, cut twice. New website up.... lazylarrywoodworks.com.au
Charles Maxwell
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159 posts in 699 days
posted 49 days ago
Dennis, You got my vote! Always. If this doesn’t crack the FFW mag nut, nothing will. Hope they can get past the politics and realize what talent is before them. Your chess table is one of those rare pieces that should open FFW eyes! Keep chargin! Max
-- Max the "night janitor" at www.hardwoodclocks.com
CharlieM1958
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7597 posts in 1110 days
posted 49 days ago
That’s just incredible, Dennis. You can post it every day as far as I’m concerned.
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
rtb
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678 posts in 604 days
posted 49 days ago
AWESOME !!!
-- RTB. "dumb animals are not stupid they simply can't talk "
Grumpy
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14914 posts in 742 days
posted 49 days ago
Dennis that is brilliant. You have a winner as far as I am concerned.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
Billp
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329 posts in 1091 days
posted 48 days ago
What the hell planet did you come from? Iam not qualified to sweep your shop. Hope you are feeling better.
-- Billp
majeagle1
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424 posts in 388 days
posted 48 days ago
Wow, Wow, Wow!!!!!
What else can be said that hasn’t already been said…............... superb, stunning, awesome and how about
“fantabulastic”!!!!!!!!
You truly are the “king” and the master…............... this is just wonderful and if you don’t win 1st place, they need to get their heads checked! This is truly the winnner!
-- Gene, Majestic Eagle Woodworks, http://majesticeagleww.etsy.com/, http://www.flickr.com/photos/majesticeagle/
TomFran
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2509 posts in 886 days
posted 48 days ago
Outstanding!
-- Tom, Surfside Beach, SC - Romans 8:28
George Barreras
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73 posts in 183 days
posted 48 days ago
I agree with Duane this set is truly Museum quality work, the masters would be extremely proud.
-- Nubs,Reserve
Karson
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25788 posts in 1292 days
posted 48 days ago
Dennis: A beautiful set. Always great.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
Beginningwoodworker
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4090 posts in 564 days
posted 48 days ago
Nice work!
-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker
Bothus
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221 posts in 68 days
posted 48 days ago
Upset? I am so glad you reposted that. I never saw the old posting. That design and craftsmanship is just incredible.
Thanks again for sharing.
If this doesn’t win the contest at FWW I can’t wait to what does.
Bothus
-- Professional kitchen designer, amature woodworker.
Bradford
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787 posts in 714 days
posted 48 days ago
Thank you sir for this feeling of overwhelming thrillment. I haven’t been moved by a project in a long time. Seeing your work inspired me to see beyond the box. Thank you.
-- so much wood, so little time. Bradford.
bigpops0259
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197 posts in 1041 days
posted 48 days ago
Dennis, Don’t know now I missed this the first time around. It is totally Awesome. Good luck in the contest. It a Winner either way. Wish I had the skill level to attempt a project to this level. Thanks for posting it again.
-- Marty Ohio
Thos. Angle
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4015 posts in 854 days
posted 48 days ago
As we have come to expect, Dennis, absolutely incredible. You are an inspiration to all of us.
-- Thos. Angle
Dennis Zongker
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1014 posts in 483 days
posted 48 days ago
WOW! Thank you Lumberjocks. It’s amazing how much my fellow woodworkers can give me inspiration to keep getting better. Also lift my spirits to be a happier woodworker. Thank you.
-- Dennis Zongker
Seer
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91 posts in 534 days
posted 48 days ago
Amazing good luck on your entry you have my vote
huff
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1608 posts in 176 days
posted 48 days ago
Dennis, I can’t add a thing that everyone else has already said. Your work is beyond words. You win! no matter what FWW does. I’m in awe of your talents. Thanks for sharing and you should repost this every month so the rest of us have something to inspire to.
-- John @ Myrtle Beach
jockmike2
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7297 posts in 1138 days
posted 48 days ago
Beautiful and gorgeous. Just amazing, you are the most amazing artist I’ve ever known.
-- Mike. mwurm13@yahoo.com
Richforever
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339 posts in 612 days
posted 47 days ago
Thanks for the beautiful post. It is amazing!!!
-- Rich, Seattle, WA
SimonSKL
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101 posts in 131 days
posted 47 days ago
Truly amazing! Thanks for posting this masterpiece again for us new comers to LJs. You are setting the bar so high that I don’t think I can ever attain your level of excellence.
-- Simon, Danville, IL
MsDebbieP
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14157 posts in 1052 days
posted 47 days ago
words don’t do justice to this piece. Extraordinary!
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Billp
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329 posts in 1091 days
posted 47 days ago
Dennis, I cant sweep your shop, just after I posted I went downsrairs and fell broke my elbow.
-- Billp
Dennis Zongker
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1014 posts in 483 days
posted 47 days ago
Wow, Billp
That’s crazy I can’t believe you broke your elbow. I hope you heal fast & take care of yourself. Talk to you soon.
-- Dennis Zongker
Patti
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53 posts in 318 days
posted 47 days ago
Dennis,
what a wonderful display of design and execution. Absolutely remarkable!!! Not only is your craftsmanship superb, but the thought process that goes in to designing a project like this is truly amazing. What a fantastic piece of art!
Zipsss
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112 posts in 1005 days
posted 47 days ago
It is like sitting in a battle chair, ready to combat each other, where the lines in between light and black are well defined. This gorgeous piece inspires my imagination.
-- Zipsss
mranum
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94 posts in 307 days
posted 47 days ago
Wow!!!
nuff said.
-- Just remember,it was a lone amatuer that built the ark, and a team of experts built the Titanic.
Napaman
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3482 posts in 968 days
posted 46 days ago
this is truly amazing…the pieces alone are amazing…but the table and chairs as a set are truly uniique…good luck in the contest…
-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...
HammerHead42
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1 post in 46 days
posted 45 days ago
I must say this is very impressive! How long did it take you to complete? A job very well done.
-- HammerHead42
mtkate
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658 posts in 217 days
posted 45 days ago
Goodness gracious. That’s all I can say. Incredible. If I had money, I would commission this. Wow.
ND2ELK
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6134 posts in 665 days
posted 45 days ago
Exquisite detail and design! It is a true work of art! You did a beauitful job on this. Thanks for posting.
God Bless
tom
-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa
WistysWoodWorkingWonders
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94 posts in 48 days
posted 44 days ago
Fantastic chess table, chairs, game, etc. I like the creativity used throughout the entire project and the linking of chess pieces to the table legs and chairs. you put a great deal of thought into this. well done…
savannah505
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978 posts in 478 days
posted 42 days ago
UNREAL MAN!!!!!!!!!! No wonder I call you for advice!! DUH!! Superb piece Dennis, what else can I say, working on picking up my jaw off the floor.
-- Dan Wiggins
BillyJ
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58 posts in 94 days
posted 40 days ago
OMG! Art at it’s finest. Beautiful, in every aspect. From the choice of wood, the craftsmanship, and the finish – superb quality.
-- There is no such thing as a mistake in woodworking. Eventually, every scrap will become small enough to become starter wood in your fire pit.
stefang
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1638 posts in 226 days
posted 40 days ago
I don’t know how I missed this, but I did. All the well deserved adjectives are used up above. I can only add my admiration to your absolutely amazing work. I hope you win the FWW contest and I think there must be an excellent chance of that happening. Good Luck!
-- Mike, American in Norway
Lee A. Jesberger
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3710 posts in 871 days
posted 35 days ago
Hi Dennis;
I think you would get my vote for any of your work, entered in any contest.
even top lumberjock!
And I know there is some really seriously talented people here. But somebody has to be top dog, so it may as well be you.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
woodchic
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272 posts in 249 days
posted 35 days ago
Dennis,
I have to agree with the comment up above me made by Lee….................
That is some incredible work!!
Robin
-- Robin Renee'
BillG
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30 posts in 442 days
posted 18 days ago
I don’t visit LJ often enough. Your chess set and furniture should be used at the international chess matches. I’m sure the masters have never seen anything like it.
Excellent in all respects.
Bill G
-- Bill G - West Springfield, MA
NSWoodspinner
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18 posts in 28 days
posted 12 days ago
Thanks for bringing the entire office to a jaw-dropping halt!! We are of one mind here that your chess table ensemble is the greatest piece of artistry we have seen in a l-o-n-g time. Good luck on the FWW contest!
-- Gord M, Nova Scotia, Canada