Making a Chess Set - Including All the Pieces!

Despite a few hiccups along the way, I really enjoyed the challenge of making this chess board and pieces and hope you get similar enjoyment watching the process!
Disclaimer: I am not a professional woodworker and these videos are made for entertainment purposes. Woodworking has inherent risks and hazards and the content here is not meant to replace information found in official tool manuals and guides. Please educate yourself on best practices and safety measures before operating power and / or hand tools.

[@elenamakes]

Hey all! Appreciate the concern about the push stick, it's valid. It's what my dad had been using and, after this project, I bought him a brand new one that keeps your hand much further away :)

[@cameronstevenson5894]

Yeah table saws are scary i try keep my hand far aways as possible

[@RobbW-ay]

All saws are scary. Lol Seriously. Must use caution and educate your self and respect it.

[@m.dewylde5287]

Kudos to you for showing it in the video. It's a teaching moment for many. You should give yourself a big pet on the shoulder for using the shield. Without it you could have been stabbed pretty badly.

[@davidhorizon8401]

Who hasn't made a learning mistake on a table saw? Myself, I don't use the guard, especially that one as it causes more danger then it saves. Create a zero clearance blade insert with a riving wedge behind the blade instead. Small strips won't likely get between it and the blade. I believe I have that exact model of table saw. It has lots of issues and if you are going to do woodworking for a longtime, get a better one, preferable a SawStop. Your project came out great. I bet I have had to redo part of a project more often than not. Just keep trying and learning. Good video.

[@elenamakes]

Yeah I'm not a fan of that guard and I'm saving up for a SawStop right now. From what I've heard it's 100% worth the extra money.

[@zzztek]

@@elenamakes take it from someone who spent about $10k after slicing through two fingers. It is well worth the extra money

[@jocefh]

I’m very thankful you shared the “mistake” on the table saw…so we can ALL learn together…

[@YuriNGolfeto]

Very nice how you showed your mistakes and safety precautions using the band saw. Some videos just show everything happening perfectly, which is very different in reality. Very nice and beautiful project at the end congrats

[@thegoudatimes]

Awesome to see another person getting into the craft, and making video no less!

[@williammaxwell1919]

Always stand off to the side, so if there is kickback, you are out of the "line of fire". If I get a table saw, I'll be putting 2 "outriggers" on the back of the table so I physically can't expose my groin and stomach to high-vilocity impacts. There are a couple of other things I intend to do (that I haven't seen with table saws, cross-cut gigs, etc) so as to optimise my safety (Risk Management 101) with my future table saw and other instruments that aggressively disregard the fragility of human flesh and bone... speaking from experiance. But hay, nice make.... if you were into veneering, you could alternate the timbers in the cascade... dark falling down to light and vice versa... But hay, some of the background music was smooth,

[@zzztek]

A++ for showing mistakes, especially when it can be used for a PSA and save someone from an injury!

[@gordonhyde1424]

Very impressive. Mistakes are good provided they do not lead to injury. That is how you learn. It is good you show them so others can learn and hopefully not make the same mistakes them self.👍

[@elenamakes]

Completely agree and thank you!

[@JimBeshears]

Nice job, a chess set is on my wish to do list

[@brucecraig4954]

Good for you. I have been at this for 55 years and I learn something new everyday. The passion for creation is either in you or not. Looks to me like it’s in you. Keep going and don’t listen to the trolls.

[@SpaceMarshalGyorni]

The design of the pieces is absolutely beautiful! Great work making them recognizable, that is something I often find lacking in modern style chess sets. These ones are SO pretty!

[@elenamakes]

Thank you! I’m happy with the balance I struck and glad to hear you think so too :)

[@XxKevin79xX]

I looked through the comments and could have missed if someone else mentioned it or not. But a good way to fill little cracks or gaps is to put a little wood glue in them and run your sander over it. The sawdust will stick to it filling the gaps.

[@elenamakes]

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to try that technique next time!

[@cecilbarth7080]

Thank you for posting and sharing every step of this project.

[@boyscott7193]

Looks great and a well made video too. Thanks for sharing the experience

[@bwellin]

Great job! I'm glad you left in the "mistakes". It helps the rest of us noobs when we can learn from others. Thanks for posting. I hope to see more from you soon!

[@elenamakes]

Glad you found that helpful 😊

[@mikesmswoodworking]

They're not mistakes...they're learning moments 😉 Plus, in woodworking, it's only a mistake if you can't fix it. The maple you chose looks AWESOME with that finish on it, and I love the simplistic design of the chess pieces. I'm making my own chess board and pieces for a Christmas gift this year and the pieces are going to be the toughest part for me since I don't have (or want to use) a lathe. You've just given me more inspiration and ideas for my own upcoming project 👍 Keep up the great work!!

[@elenamakes]

Haha I like that perspective and thank you 😊 good luck with your chess set!

[@chandlermakes]

Those pieces work so well together! Great job on your first table saw piece!

[@LaverneLovatt]

You have kept this simple. And simplicity is beautiful. I will give you two attagirls for this one.

[@57hound]

Please get a taller push stick. I was cringing watching you push stock through the table saw. Best of luck on your woodworking journey! Be safe!

[@elenamakes]

Appreciate the concern and you're right! It's actually my dad's push stick he made and I bought him a much taller/longer one right after I finished this project.

[@billcummins9579]

Great job !!

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Your right. It’s beautiful. Can’t wait to see more updates an projects and many more videos soon. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work. Keep Making. God bless.

[@jc-crafford]

Well done Elena, great job.

[@KinuGrove]

Turned out really nice. Hope to do this some time.

[@derekpeterson5123]

Beautiful job! Thanks for sharing your time and talent!

[@elenamakes]

My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidstewart1153]

I like the chess piece designs. A zero-clearance insert would help a lot. Even the Sawstop guard is hard to see through. With the right setup you don't technically need to watch the blade.

[@thomaspayne4090]

Pleasure to watch. Keep posting :)

[@mirickarries]

I'm impressed. Thanks

[@adamputu5448]

Well Done Gorgeous 🥰👍 Good Work Elena No Mistake 👍

[@benhoward3531]

Great work! 👍

[@janetmario]

WOW!! I mean...WOW!! You are so talented.

[@elenamakes]

Thanks 😊

[@allthegearwithnoidea]

Just came across this and it is extremely beautiful - I have now added this to the “Projects of the Future” list!! Thank you for the inspiration!

[@elenamakes]

I’m so glad this gave you some inspiration!

[@wals6383]

I love a game of chess and I can't think anything more satisfying than playing on self-made board and pieces. Looks amazing...well done!

[@elenamakes]

Thank you! Already played a few games on it and it's made playing chess a bit more special

[@heyimamaker]

Nice work, and I agree that applying finish is the best part 😀

[@francolavegia]

Amazing job! Beautiful desing

[@elenamakes]

Thank you!

[@jojoesteezy3301]

Very Nice Chess Set..

[@FAMAWoodworking]

Great job, congrats!

[@je83713ff]

Great job

[@Jezzer147]

Beautiful project and I love the stylised chess pieces, fantastic work!👏. Ps. Your voice is so soothing to listen to. Subscribed!

[@elenamakes]

Thank you ☺

[@BryceGodwinRVApiper]

Well done! I'm still learning some things as well and have made my share of mistakes on the way. The good thing is that it's so fun I keep on working at it. Cheers!

[@elenamakes]

Thanks :)

[@rickpouley7561]

That is a fantastic looking chess board and pieces. You did a marvelous job! Congratulations!

[@elenamakes]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@dennisrobbins458]

That turned out really nice, great job young lady

[@jamesdodding4513]

Great job. Love the chess board.

[@aaronbrown1582]

You did amazing!!!

[@elenamakes]

Thank you!

[@p8prslar]

Nice choices in your build. I do like how you did the pieces

[@elenamakes]

Thanks! I appreciate it

[@andrewlipic8414]

Love the design of your pieces. Up until now anything I found that was in a similar style, I found the knight and bishop to be difficult to identify

[@supadeluxe]

Good job! A chess set has been on my list of things to make for a long time. You have inspired me to bump it up the list a bit.

[@elenamakes]

Nice! Good luck on your chess set

[@keithsplish]

I just started in wood working and my first build using hardwood was a Walnut + Cherry chess board. I feel your pain with making mistakes but thats how we learn. Every video I stumble upon like yours has taught me little tricks along the way. I have a really nice saw but I'm only running it at 120 so it bogs down on the hardwood even with a high end blade. I never added weight to my board when I finally glued it up and it bowed. Not bad enough I can't sand it down but I'm sanding with an orbital sander as I'm limited in my tools. I'm slowly starting to collect the necessary tools for the little projects I want to start but the expense is high. Thanks for sharing your build video. Love the result.

[@elenamakes]

Thank you, makes me happy to hear you're getting something from these videos. Walnut and cherry sounds like lovely choices for a chess board!

[@milesofkyle]

Love this board! 🎉

[@elenamakes]

Thanks 😊

[@randomcrashingfacility31]

So cool!

[@carltonbirds]

Very nice 👍

[@hansolo6242]

NIce work! I especially like the pieces. They have a very nice design.

[@elenamakes]

Appreciate it :)

[@abelpoissant9852]

I love the desing of your set 🤩 the final result turned out amazing 👌 It inspired me to make one myself 🙂 PS - 13:57 to 14:12 that sequence reminds me of the little pixar animation "Geri's game" 😁 one of my favorites.

[@elenamakes]

Thank you! The Geri's game Pixar short was my inspo for that sequence and you're the first to notice :)

[@Khigha87]

Oh wow, this turned out very well. Congrats, this is a beautiful board. 👌🏽😁. New sub unlocked 😎

[@elenamakes]

Thanks :)

[@lisaalford1245]

Amazing job that turned out really great

[@elenamakes]

Thanks! ☺️

[@SeattleREconomy]

Looking for cool projects from a variety of creators to feature in a playlist on our channel, and this definitely caught my eye. The board is beautiful and the pieces are really neat!

[@anuragkadian4877]

Really loved the board. Especially the Pieces.

[@elenamakes]

Thanks! And glad you like the pieces, they were easily the hardest part

[@HappyScience-wp8cn]

You are amazing. Not one of those with giant workshops filled with top-end tools that no one else could afford. Yet, you can do it all. Good work. I recommend that you drill holes in the bottom of your chess pieces and fill them with something heavy. It makes a huge difference when playing. Cheers.

[@elenamakes]

Thanks! I do what I can with what I got.

[@RobbW-ay]

Tysm for leaving the mistakes on. Showing that sliver left in the table saw was great. Major kudos for the courage and confidence turfor showing that and explaining about it. That's a common beginner's mistake,I’m sure. You could have possibly saved some eyes and/or major bruises. Of course eye protection should be worn as well. 😉

[@bighouse1695]

The board turned out really beautiful. Love the curly maple

[@elenamakes]

Thanks! The curly maple does make it pop.

[@ash_makes]

you forgot to account tablesaw blade thickness, but great job

[@onehandedmaker]

Hi Elena, your video has a cool vibe and for a first time chess board looks great. I have subscribed and will watch a few more of your videos. Keep making dust. One Handed Maker

[@elenamakes]

Much appreciated 🙏🏻

[@timberwolf3781]

I am planning this project now but I want to turn the pieces on my lathe. I love how your board turned out!!

[@elenamakes]

Thanks! Best of luck on your board + pieces

[@SeaFanStudio]

The chess board turned out beautifully! Great job! I'm working on one myself with walnut and epoxy. I hope it turns out as great as yours!

[@elenamakes]

Thanks! Yours sounds like a beautiful combo, best of luck :)

[@NaGarupadaCitycom]

Alécio - city Florianópolis - state of Santa Catarina - Brazil. Congratulations, this person was beautiful, I loved it. big hug

[@Kingdanger1992]

I so wana purchase one now

[@HamidA-to8vy]

You do not need to look at the blade most of the time , the contact with fence what matters most. The mistake new wood workers do is looking at the blade and forgot about the fence. The professional, I mean real professional , and smart thing is to keep the guard on and use push stick all the time.

[@iamwhoiam4410]

Beautiful chess board.

[@markh3376]

Wow 😮

[@jipiquittot]

Well done! But please...DO use a much, MUCH longer push stick on the table saw!!

[@jholyhead]

It's refreshing to see someone not fully enclose the hardwood on all 4 sides with a frame and use a substrate - it sometimes feels like people don't think wood movement is a thing with chessboards. It's a tidy job!

[@m.rei85]

The chess set is very impressive! Mistakes are no mistakes as long as you and others can learn from them. I think showing mistakes makes the whole process from start to finish much more relateble. Some videos, perfect from start to finish, without even mentioning misstakes, can be pretty demotivating or even annoying at some point. There are masters, who truly mastered their craft and make little to no mistakes, but that's kind of rare in my opinion.

[@elenamakes]

Thank you! Definitely, I don't want people to get the wrong impression that my process is perfect and get discouraged when in reality I often have "learning moments" during a build.

[@ronngot]

It really turned out to be a great chessboard. :-) Thinking about safety is important when working with machines. You rightly have respect for the table saw. I have a deformed finger as a daily reminder of how dangerous that saw is :-) I have made myself a push stick that is long and tall. The further away you get your hands from that blade the better. Really like your videos. Inspiring and gives me good tips. Have fun in the workshop and make lots of videos! I like your choice of tool brand;-)

[@elenamakes]

Thank you!

[@davidpinchbeck2134]

I love this! The board is beautiful and the geometric simplicity of the pieces makes the whole ensemble stand out. We'll done especially for a beginner. Bravo! Btw can you share the designs of the chess pieces as I think I'd like to make some for my grandson?

[@elenamakes]

Thank you! If you go to 0:47 min mark in the video I added a close-up of my sketch of the pieces. I altered the angle of the cuts slightly when I made them, but it should give you a good idea of the shape if you want to make your own.

[@davidpinchbeck2134]

@elenamakesstuff Thank u Elena. I'll have a closer look. 👌

[@diygemini]

This looks amazing!! Awesome job! What was the first finish you applied?

[@elenamakes]

Thanks! It was a Watco danish oil

[@asackobean6370]

This board looks wonderful! Where do you get the wood that you built it with from?

[@elenamakes]

Thanks! All the wood is from Home Depot

[@TimeToAvengel1MSTITEL]

Очень круто! Молодец!

[@Kynosys_]

In Korea, my country, there is a game called baduk. This game is divided too many squares. That's 361 squares. Chess board with crossed colors, so perfect for woodwork. I want to try making one someday too. With a strong supporter, your carpentry skills will improve quickly. I hope you have a safe carpentry life. I enjoyed the video.

[@elenamakes]

Thank you!

[@ronaldomro5751]

lindo de mais seus trabalhos vou seguila no canal aqui

[@KJ7JHN]

Nice board! ❤

[@KJ7JHN]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZa9kKGEoJWopMksi=JfDlJKp01i01VjVS

[@elenamakes]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@MrKYT-gb8gs]

I think you need a new blade, or readjust your table saw fence. You shouldnt be getting such kickback. And the wood should not be burning so much. Very nice build tho.

[@SteveBossie]

Beautiful work! Can you please share the designs/dimensions of the pieces?

[@TheWoodenRider]

Love your healthy fear about table saws, about 35 years ago I grabbed a piece of wood the wrong way and it ended up being picked up by a "still rotating" blade and it picked up the piece and proceeding to throw it directly into my... well let's not focus on details. Even if it nearly missed my hand as well which for some reason my brain was still telling it to grab the piece of wood. I guess moral of the story, be safe and do what you think is right. Love the video and love the result, thanks for sharing.

[@elenamakes]

I've heard too many scary stories about table saw accidents or near accidents. Saving up for SawStop for a bit more peace of mind while working on projects like these.

[@hyperkrychle]

Nice.

[@MaharPROD]

Super joli!

[@tomdeleon6538]

I had the collet on my router fail and at full rpm it shot the router bit out hit my thumb and fly 8 ft across the garage and put a hole on the sheet rock above the door. I think i had the same look on my face as you did. Stay safe.

[@jashonsback]

A hard lesson to learn. My first checkered cutting board ended up much smaller than anticipated becauee I never took account for the kirf. 😂

[@elenamakes]

haha it is but it's a lesson that won't be forgotten

[@bradleyr3384]

I would enjoy one of those. Can you make 1 more?

[@usaf4dbt]

Thank you!

[@woodworkingandepoxy643]

I love it when maple is so figured its 3d

[@jefferychow4765]

just wondering: why didn't you make your thin backing wider so it could be used to reinforce the frame?

[@elenamakes]

I could’ve done that, but the frame is plenty strong without the reinforcement and I didn’t want to see the backing from the side view in the finished piece. I wanted the frame to hide it.

[@AymanAlSairafi]

Well done. Looks amazing. How long did it take? Always thought that making 32 pieces would take too long and avoided making one. But seems it wont be that bad?

[@elenamakes]

Thank you! I made this set over the course of 3 weekends. Cutting the pieces down took no time at all (since mine are a minimalist design) but sanding them was another story!

[@vanyadavydov2403]

Next time make a longer stop block when doing short crosscuts. That space between the fence and a blade is way too small. My 2 cents.

[@jimmcnett]

Very nice design. I am glad you are getting out of your comfort zone. Is a table saw in your future?

[@elenamakes]

Definitely! Planning to get one soon

[@19woodworks]

I did not watch the whole video and I was already thinking…..how could your dad let you use that push stick? 😱 There are so many good options out there and very affordable too. Definitely a lot cheaper than losing a finger.

[@troymiller3989]

I really like this. Cool you show your mistakes but even better is your style of not instructing. I plan to tackle this much like your approach, love the way you did the pieces with bandsaw.

[@elenamakes]

My style is very "we'll figure it out as we go" 😂. Thanks!

[@marthieschonstein2037]

love it, is there better plans availible greeting from south africa prov limpopo polokwane

[@elenamakes]

Greetings! Unfortunately no I don't have any plans

[@bigsubful]

Hello, what software did you use to design on tablet?

[@elenamakes]

I sketch on my iPad using the app Procreate

[@vinceb9310]

I know I'm wrong is saying this, but I could never work with that blade guard. Nice job and beautiful pieces.

[@elenamakes]

the guard definitely has some cons. Thanks!

[@GaXiTin]

What finish did you apply to the board?

[@elenamakes]

Watco danish oil

[@GaXiTin]

Thank you! Great job, keep up the good work!

[@worstworkshop]

Your chess board looks way better than the one I built. And the pieces are so cool!

[@elenamakes]

thank you 😊