| Project by jeff_wenz | posted 1166 days ago | 1892 views | 1 time favorited | 9 comments |  |
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I had a friend come visit for 2 nights. He asked if I had any design ideas for a chess board. I didn’t, but everyone else’s projects on Lumber Jocks gave us more than enough designs to chew on. So while the ladies and the baby were catching up in the living room we hung out in the woodshop (it’s not a 2 stall garage people, it’s a woodshop with a garage door!)
So this is what we came up with. We chose cherry and maple. The squares are 2” which makes the playing surface 16” x 16”. Due to some chip out, we made an “on-the-fly” design improvement and added the frame. I have seen many people use a thin accent piece of contrasting material, so I wanted to implement something like this on the frame portion. The playing surface has 2 coats of Deft semi-gloss lacquer (so far). The playing surface is about 1/4” lower than the “”frame”. We used pocket hole joinery to attach the board to the frame (underside).
We ran out of time to totally complete (finishing) the project. The frame portion and feet need a final sanding and lacquer. I sent Matthew home with enough of everything (lacquer, 400 grit sandpaper, a Ziploc bag with some paste wax, etc…) for him to finish this project. Overall, very satisfied with the job we were able to do in 2 nights worth of work.
I am really proud of Matthew and am glad to call this great man a friend of mine. I really like the picture of him holding it up.
-- Jeff, North Carolina
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9 comments so far
CharlieM1958
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14858 posts in 2388 days
#1 posted 1166 days ago
Nice job. Even though the frame was an afterthought, I think it really adds to the board.
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
Beginningwoodworker
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#2 posted 1166 days ago
Nice chess board.
-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker
donjoe
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#3 posted 1166 days ago
Well done. The edge looks nice even if it was an add on.
-- Donnie-- listen to the wood.
Ken90712
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#4 posted 1071 days ago
Real nice looking board. I’m getting ready to make one for a cutomer and was concerned about tear-out as you mentioned so I was thinking of a frame as you incorparated as well. Pocket hole is a good idea although I struggle with the set up for pocket holes on frames, you have a trick or suggestion on that?
-- Ken, "Everyday above ground is a good day!"
a1Jim
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#5 posted 1071 days ago
this came out very well
-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/
PurpLev
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#6 posted 1071 days ago
very cool board, I like the proportions of it too (thickness). it’s interesting how sometimes a ‘fix’ or alteration to the original idea adds so much character and beauty to a piece- the frame makes it unique and makes it stand out very nicely.
-- ㊍ When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.
jeff_wenz
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112 posts in 1720 days
#7 posted 1071 days ago
Ken – I cut a rabbet into the “frame” (so it was shaped like picture frame moulding). The chess board fit into the frame (this also hid the chip out on the edges of the board). The pocket hole screws were there to attach the board to the frame. The frame itself did the alligment, in this case.
Here is a real quick drawing of what I am trying to explain.
-- Jeff, North Carolina
Ken90712
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12662 posts in 1358 days
#8 posted 1070 days ago
Ths is a great way to explian this thx bra! Very cleaver. I can see that I will be using this
Hey just noticed all your hair is gone or did you grow it back smile!
-- Ken, "Everyday above ground is a good day!"
DLWoodWorker
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22 posts in 1146 days
#9 posted 1065 days ago
Nice Job
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