Building a Backgammon Board | Woodworking with Hand Tools

I built this fancy backgammon board as a graduation gift for a friend of mine. The triangular pieces are made of mahogany and curly maple, with the main playing surface made of walnut. The outer surface is walnut burl, and the casing is made of solid walnut. The casing has hand cut dovetails and mortised brass hinges. Magnets hold the case closed, and also secure the piece-holder to the inside wall of the board for storage.
This build requires both hand and power tools, and demands absolute precision at every step. Any mistakes will be highly visible and will ruin the look of the board or the casing.
The board took me approximately 15 hours to build over the course of three weekends. Everything is finished with many coats of spray-on lacquer, which is my favorite quick-drying finish.
00:00 - Intro
00:19 - Template building
01:20 - Veneering
05:28 - Custom piece holder
08:13 - Dovetailed case building
10:10 - Glue up
11:00 - Separating the two halves
11:58 - Hinge mortising and installation
13:03 - Magnets!
14:26 - Final reveal
Thanks for watching. Feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts, and don't forget to subscribe if you like content like this!
** Want to buy the tools and accessories I use in my videos? Here is my Amazon affiliate store where you can get them for yourself! www.amazon.com/shop/dkbuilds
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#dkbuilds #handtools #finewoodworking

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks for watching! What did you think of this video? If you liked it, please consider subscribing to my channel!

[@Srv02]

Nice video, awesome build, but could you add subtitles?

[@dkbuilds]

@@Srv02 Explaining what is going on?

[@Srv02]

@@dkbuilds Just as translation for us non native speakers. j/k Keep up the good work and your style!

[@dkbuilds]

@@Srv02 LOL got it thanks Srv!!

[@befmx31]

I am new to veneering. Did you use paperback veneer or raw wood veneers for this project? Originally, I was thinking of making this with solid wood and inlays. Do you think that will work? Would wood movement be an issue with that approach? Thanks.

[@backgammonskillset]

Making it whole and then cutting the 2 sides guarantees they are identical. Nice build. Love the Walnut Burl.

[@dkbuilds]

Great tip! I wanted to use veneers on this one but your method would be way faster if someone were making many boards at once!

[@christosvolikakis1523]

If you ever considered teaching a class on how to make your own backgammon set, I would definitely sign up

[@dkbuilds]

I hadn’t considered that. Maybe one day I’ll put a course together (or at least draw up plans). Thanks for the idea Christos!

[@alfastur6833]

9:36 I didn't expect that Zelenski had time to do woodworking now! Jokes aside it is a nice work and amazing workmanship.

[@dkbuilds]

Lol thank you Alfastur!!

[@roberthahn8555]

Love this build. I cannot believe that I’ve been watching woodworking KZbin videos for over 4 years and no one made a backgammon board before now. Anyone who comes after has a high bar to clear!!

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks so much Robert!!

[@pedrodias5813]

Awesome work

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks so much Pedro!

[@farzadrabei]

wow tnxxxx

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you for watching Farzad!

[@johnrossharbridge8125]

I am really enjoying watching this video. Thanks for your time.

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks for taking the time to comment, John! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@malicant123]

Superb work.

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you!

[@netcalibur]

Very satisfying watching your video, mate 👍 thanks. I imagine you don't play the game with the same passion

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting! I love playing backgammon and I play it all the time! I'm definitely better at woodworking than backgammon though 😇

[@stuartfordham8090]

excellent, I'm now subscribed. love the way you have played out the timeline for the video as well so I can skip to the bits I want to see again (in this case all of it !)

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you so much Stuart, welcome to my channel! I'm glad you liked the video format. I'll be sure to make more like this one!

[@Myrkskog]

Beautiful work, chap.

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you Myrks!

[@johnhughes6106]

Excellent use of veneer. Not many use it today.

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks John! I'm glad you appreciate it!

[@MarceloRosses]

Simple and beautiful, congratulations

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks so much Marcelo!

[@PEDRORUGELES]

Congratulations, I cut the molds for the beaks with laser in metal and they are also very exact, Good idea of ​​the magnets

[@dkbuilds]

That’s a great idea Pedro! Then the molds will last forever too. Over time my wooden ones wear down. Thanks for sharing!

[@behzad2929]

It is my first comment on KZbin. I can’t thank you enough for making these Videos. When you put a video out it MAKES my day. I mean it really, thank you.

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you so much Behzad! Sometimes it is difficult to keep making videos when they don't get very many views, but comments like these keep me going. Have a wonderful day!

[@kevinlilly3398]

Your work is beautiful

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you, Kevin!

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

Very well done. Thanks for posting and thumbs up!

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you for watching TCM!

[@ryderscustomcreations3665]

A backgammon board has been on my to-do list of things to make. There arent any good videos of it on KZbin. You beat me to it! Amazing work!

[@dkbuilds]

Awesome! Thanks Ryder, let me know how yours turns out!

[@nickyork8901]

Great video, thanks. What a super gift for your friend.

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks for the kind words Nick! He loved the gift!

[@jwsgmail7779]

Thanks for sharing. Love playing backgammon on beautiful boards. This is a great project. There are subtle moves in here that show real mastery of the craft. You are precise. And skilled. A true craftsman. Bravo

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you for watching and sharing the kind words! I appreciate it

[@CarlosMartinez-un4sm]

I like Rob Cosman too

[@dkbuilds]

😇

[@treetopspider]

Beautifully made

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks so much for the kind words treetop! Glad you liked it!

[@Ace-zb5xr]

I've made a few sets but yours is higher in quality. Maybe one day I'll get to use vaneer and make something just as nice. Great job.

[@dkbuilds]

Awesome, thank you for the kind words Ace!

[@sonitourret1374]

As a cabinetmaker, it is really nice to see people doing veneer. Nice job, and beautiful result ! greetings from france !

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks so much Soni! Greetings from the US!

[@haroldogt]

Great job!! Nice!!!

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks so much Haroldo!

[@MCsCreations]

Beautiful, dude! Really amazing work! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you MC, I always appreciate your well wishes!

[@franka5416]

Excellent - thanks for sharing.

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks for watching Frank!

[@ckbakes]

Such a beautiful build!

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you ckbakes! I love your channel!

[@sherriestockdale7038]

Beautiful, and a nice relaxing way to start my day...

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks Sherrie I'm glad you liked it! Enjoy your day!

[@andykg73]

Beautiful looking box. 👍👍

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks Andy!!

[@jeremi7190]

Amazing. The process is just as beautiful as the end result. 👍

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you so much for the kind words Jeremi!

[@andrewbrown8148]

Beautiful board~! As mentioned below, this is the first backgammon board I've seen anyone build on KZbin. Adding this to my list of things to do. Thanks for the video~!

[@dkbuilds]

Awesome!! Thanks Andrew! Let me know how your board turns out when you build it!

[@VinceEspositoJr]

Nice work.

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you Vincent!

[@geraldfitzgibbon7428]

Simply lovely. Great skill

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks Gerald I appreciate it!

[@scottfield598]

Long time subscriber love your channel, thanks for the awesome project.

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks so much Scott! I'm glad to have you as a subscriber!

[@SERGEY_Vlasenko]

Bravo!

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you Sergey!

[@makermark67]

Another awesome build, sir. Beautiful piece. Thanks for sharing.

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting MM!

[@rubenthomasengberts]

Very nice

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks Ruben!

[@devoswoodworking5174]

Love the build! Really like the style and presentation of video. Perfect combo of power tools and hand tools

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you so much Devos! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@bcdoak2525]

Awesome

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks so much!

[@user-zo5zu3mc1l]

Super!

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks so much!

[@leebrown6623]

Watching your work is amazing you make woodworking look like an art form 🙌 Awesome content

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you so much Lee! That's the highest compliment I can imagine receiving!

[@leebrown6623]

@@dkbuilds credit where credits due 👍

[@DonsWoodies]

Stunning build, David. Love the piece holder with magnets holding it in place. When gluing veneer (don't do much) I use either parchment paper or wax paper or packing tape as a barrier between pieces. Have you ever had a problem with glue sticking to the melamine? That looks like a nice solution.

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you so much Don! In general I've never had a problem with glue sticking to melamine, I've found it to be a good gluing surface. However if parchment/wax paper is working for you, there's no reason to fix something that isn't broken!

[@mchtzn]

Glue to one surface, accrelator to the other surface my friend. When they come together they do the magic. Regards. 13:10

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks for the tip Mucahit!

[@masoudgp]

🔥

[@dkbuilds]

💪

[@yossiyaari3760]

Wow

[@dkbuilds]

😇

[@michaeldassa4752]

This is great! Thanks. So relaxing to watch. Do you have the measurements for the board?

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks! I don't have dimensions for the case, but each board panel is 8" wide by 13" long, triangles are 5" tall and 1.3" wide. Hope that helps!

[@fabioemanuelmarques3258]

The work is very good, but the contrast darker wood with the game trapezius cheats my eyes when seeing the end result. Beside that everything is great.

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks for the feedback Fabio! Yeah it is a very high contrast board. Maybe next time I will use more similar woods to make it easier on the eyes.

[@terristroh3965]

That’s the most beautiful backgammon board I’ve seen. I really like that mini router plane. Can you tell me where you got it?

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you so much Terri! Sure, it is the small router plane from Lie Nielsen. www.lie-nielsen.com/products/small-router-plane

[@simonr6793]

Cracking build you made it look so easy! The question is can you play backgammon or was this build for someone who does know how to play!. As always buddy 💯% 👍 🇬🇧.

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you Simon! This build was for someone else, but I personally do play. Backgammon is a great game!

[@Karimsss25]

That’s perfect technique beautifully done and will last can I ask what size thickness did you use for the mdf piece?

[@dkbuilds]

Thank you for the kind words Karim! The mdf is 1/4" thick.

[@romeodonnn]

Great video! Do you sell these backgammon boards ?

[@rjrotermund]

Very nice work and incredible looking final piece! Just a note, I've heard you shouldn't use TiteBond III with Walnut. I don't know why, but I am considering changing after some research. I just thought I would let you know. Keep up the great work!

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks Rj! I'm surprised about TB3 with walnut. I've built many pieces of solid walnut furniture exclusively with TB3 over the past 3-5 years and have had zero issues. TB3 is my favorite!

[@rjrotermund]

@@dkbuilds same. Maybe/hopefully it's just internet bs. I've got a lot of end grain walnut cutting boards out there. i'd hate to hear if they are coming apart but so far so good. I've done some research as well and can't really find anything so I'm sticking with it. The only reason I mentioned it is because I heard of the issue on a reputable woodworking vlog.

[@mattpeterson7074]

So my only fear is that I wouldn't know which side was the top or bottom and I'd open things up to have the pieces spill everywhere. That said, I'm guessing the bottom didn't get that walnut burl veneer, correct? I even watched a 2nd time to see if you ever showed the bottom, but I couldn't spot it. Beautiful work as usual. You are inspiring me to give a shot to a hand tool only build. My daughter's been wanting a tic-tac-toe board, and I'm thinking it could time to improve my hand tool work. We'll see though. I might still do the resawing on the bandsaw. 😂

[@dkbuilds]

That's a fantastic point Matt! That was my #1 struggle when designing this. Ultimately I'm fine with it because if you open it up the wrong way, all the pieces spill out onto the board (e.g. not onto the ground or something), and you're about to set up to play a game of backgammon with the pieces anyway, so it's not really that terrible. Still, I wish I had a better solution. There is burl on both sides so the case is very symmetrical when closed, so it is difficult to tell which way is up. And, awesome! Let me know how your build turns out! To be honest, even when I'm trying to mostly use hand tools, I still use a band saw for resawing 😅

[@johnchelchowski4531]

Hi … are you able to provide the dimensions for the case please? Great job and very informative video…thank you

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks John! Unfortunately I don't have the case dimensions. I do have the dimensions of the board itself (the size of triangles etc). Would that be useful for you? Send me an email at [e-mail] and I can share those

[@kiks12]

My dad and I love playing backgammon. However the board he got decades started to get moldy (due to monsoon/high humidity) some months ago and we decided we should try to make a simple one. However I have no woodworking experience and my fathers plan was to use plywood with veneer. Would you have any advice for a complete novice, what can I do to try and make a simple board. Edit: oh and even though I just jumped into my question, I hope you know I love your board it looks amazing

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks for watching and commenting, kik! A backgammon board is a fairly complicated project for a first woodworking build, but you can do it! I would recommend buying some cheap veneer and experiment with cutting and gluing it like I do in this video. Other methods are (in my opinion) more complicated. It may be possible to buy the triangle template (for example made of metal) which will be a big head start on the process. Good luck on your build!

[@isaacscrimgeour979]

Fantastic video! Am going to make one myself, and was wondering what thickness your MDF was, please? Keep up the great videos!

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks!! It’s 1/4” MDF. Let me know how yours turns out!

[@isaacscrimgeour979]

​@@dkbuilds Thanks very much for your help. It was a great project and turned out pretty well in the end, though not as perfect as yours! Love your channel, keep up the great content! i.postimg.cc/7LqKDccj/IMG-8933.jpg and i.postimg.cc/Kz8kZrmZ/IMG-8941.jpg

[@dkbuilds]

@@isaacscrimgeour979 Wow Isaac that looks stunning! Fantastic job!!

[@dukeengine1339]

Bravo, like always! How long have you been woodworking, since when are you on yt and how many videos have you posted more or less so far? Cheers

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks so much Duke! I've been woodworking and have been on KZbin for 4 or 5 years so far, with 60 videos posted!

[@dukeengine1339]

@@dkbuilds good result with your followers... I have decided to create a logo and have a website I'm still working on. I don't know if I'll be on yt... Too much work and patience... And my shop looks awful...

[@seanlandsman7516]

I was going to ask if anyone has ever told you that you look like Volodymyr Zelensky but I see at least one other person beat me to the punch. LOL Serious question though, do you undercut your dados and then use the router plane (not only to clean up saw marks but) to get to final depth?

[@dkbuilds]

LOL yeah I actually get that all the time now! And yup that's exactly what I do with the router plane. To be honest it's mostly because my table saw blade is a combination blade which does not leave a flat surface (the teeth leave a groove like |\/|), so I use the plane to flatten out the bottom of the grooves.

[@Shadowbeast-ww7hi]

I'm considering making a board for myself, may I ask how many hours this took you? it is a really nice board

[@dkbuilds]

Good question! I would estimate the entire build would take me two full days (16 hours) if I weren't filming. But, I'm definitely slower than average!

[@Shadowbeast-ww7hi]

@@dkbuilds thank you for responding! I am definitely slow since this would be my second project with wood that I would do under an instructor. I’m planning on making one for my senior project but sadly the whole project (write up and building and planning included) must take 60 hours so maybe I can put some special Armenian designs in haha.

[@dkbuilds]

@@Shadowbeast-ww7hi Special designs are a great idea! And, I could see this taking 60 hours. For example you will probably want to do some separate practice with inlays before building the actual thing, making protyptes, etc.

[@Shadowbeast-ww7hi]

@@dkbuilds Yes for sure! Thank you so much for the help bro!

[@brighton22k]

You know I hate to be a pedant, but a backgammon set should have four ordinary dice and two tumblers for them to be thrown from. The only reason I mention this is that it would (wood) be amazing if you could show us how to make these too. Please. Fantastic work otherwise.

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks for the feedback Tim! The dice set I actually bought for this does include four dice and a doubling die, but I don't show them in the video. It is true that I didn't make any tumblers though... I'll consider that for a future video. Thanks for watching!

[@johnletham161]

Hi lovely build as always do you sell plans

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks John! Unfortunately I don't have full plans for this, but here are the dimensions for the board panels: imgur.com/a/3juaGyT

[@johnletham161]

@dk builds thats great many thanks

[@jezzykey]

What’s the measurements on the board that you put the triangles in

[@dkbuilds]

The board is 8" by 13", six triangles on each 8" long side, the triangles are 1.3" wide at the bottom and 5" long. Hope that helps!

[@jezzykey]

@@dkbuildsthanks for answering one more question about the side panels that you use when you glue it all together what are the dimensions on them

[@dkbuilds]

@@jezzykey Unfortunately I don't remember those dimensions, after building this I gave it away as a gift so I can't measure it again. Sorry about that! Hopefully you can guess from the video.

[@befmx31]

Me again, what was the diameter of your game pieces? Thanks.

[@dkbuilds]

1" diameter, 1/4" thick. Specifically these: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003D27X0W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Hope that helps!

[@befmx31]

@@dkbuilds thank you.

[@anthonyfindlay8554]

good job but handtools?

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks! What do you mean?

[@MikeAG333]

I don't like heavily figured timber. I don't like backgammon. I do, however, like hand-tool woodwork, and videos without inane commentary, so I watched this through to the end. You might consider a quick touch of wax on your dovetail saw, and I was disappointed to see the table saw used for something easily done with hand tools, but nonetheless, this was a nice project, and a nice video.

[@dkbuilds]

That's great, Mike! I'm glad you watched. Good call about wax, and I agree about the table saw. I would have preferred all hand tools myself!

[@naregj91]

What is the tool you are using at 12:50 called?

[@dkbuilds]

That is called a router plane, in this case it is this one specifically: www.lie-nielsen.com/products/small-router-plane

[@plums592]

Could you build me one just like that?

[@dkbuilds]

😇

[@MrRackinroll]

I am alway suspect when shops are all clean and neat. This is far from inpressive. Our society in some respects so worried about proper and neat and what have we got chaos. go tol Rob Cossman or Sellars and see what their shops look like and then come back and talk to me. RC

[@dkbuilds]

What?

[@vernsteinbrecker3759]

Very nice

[@dkbuilds]

Thanks so much Vern!