Making a Chess Set - Including All the Pieces!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 😊

[@jocefh]

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

[@helmichaouech9698]

Good job. Thanks Elena.

[@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!

[@muratsinanengin9773]

A girl is always safe when her dad is around. A man is always king when his little princess is around. Beautiful job, young miss. You’re one resourceful craftslady.

[@scottr8360]

This is a very sexist comment. A man and a woman are judged by their qualities, not their nepotism.

[@muratsinanengin9773]

@@scottr8360 well done kid. You wanted attention, you got it. You can go back to your league of legends now. 🙂

[@alfonsoPina]

Sharing that almost accident was a very good choice. It's good to see these mistakes when they don't harm you so that others who are new to woodworking can learn

[@seanpatterson1609]

That's a chess board. I especially like how the board is raised from the border. Very nice job on the production of the video, too. Thank you for sharing.

[@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 :)

[@adamputu5448]

Well Done Gorgeous 🥰👍 Good Work Elena No Mistake 👍

[@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!

[@LaverneLovatt]

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

[@zzztek]

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

[@bonesvitug4863]

Amazing job...I'm into woodworking myself but I must say I love the chess pieces.

[@elenamakes]

Thanks! I'm very happy with how they turned out.

[@cecilbarth7080]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@PracticingCatholic-mc3nu]

It looks beautiful, well done.

[@boyscott7193]

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

[@RicPuzzles]

thank you so much for the video, I might try it myself. my partner LOVED the simple design of the pieces. Thanks!

[@elenamakes]

So glad you enjoyed :) feel free to copy the design.

[@rickpouley7561]

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

[@elenamakes]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@bighouse1695]

The board turned out really beautiful. Love the curly maple

[@elenamakes]

Thanks! The curly maple does make it pop.

[@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.

[@bigburlymikesmswoodworking]

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!

[@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 :)

[@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

[@janetmario]

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

[@elenamakes]

Thanks 😊

[@thomaspayne4090]

Pleasure to watch. Keep posting :)

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@efraimlouisegolicruz795]

great work! 🤩

[@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!

[@dennisrobbins458]

That turned out really nice, great job young lady

[@mirickarries]

I'm impressed. Thanks

[@SteveBossie]

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

[@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.

[@ivan11cast]

I use laquer thinner to remove oil residue/finger prints/material stamps etc. It definitely takes off most stuff. Maybe a combo of sanding and laquer thinner on the tougher stains. I miss playing chess. Final piece looks amazing!!!

[@elenamakes]

Thank you! And thanks for the tip.

[@03AAB]

You did amazing!!!

[@elenamakes]

Thank you!

[@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

[@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,

[@hansolo6242]

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

[@elenamakes]

Appreciate it :)

[@jamesdodding4513]

Great job. Love the chess board.

[@anuragkadian4877]

Really loved the board. Especially the Pieces.

[@elenamakes]

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

[@jojoesteezy3301]

Very Nice Chess Set..

[@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. 😉

[@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

[@unworthyentertainment5289]

Thank you for showing the debris scare. I can learn from your lesson. ✔ 🎉

[@billcummins9579]

Great job !!

[@chandlermakes]

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

[@jc-crafford]

Well done Elena, great job.

[@francolavegia]

Amazing job! Beautiful desing

[@elenamakes]

Thank you!

[@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.

[@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!

[@p8prslar]

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

[@elenamakes]

Thanks! I appreciate it

[@heyimamaker]

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

[@je83713ff]

Great job

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@JimBeshears]

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

[@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 :)

[@Chris_Ford]

Mistakes are how we learn. You didn't get hurt is all that matters.

[@benhoward3531]

Great work! 👍

[@milesofkyle]

Love this board! 🎉

[@elenamakes]

Thanks 😊

[@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 ☺

[@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!

[@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!

[@ronaldomro5751]

lindo de mais seus trabalhos vou seguila no canal aqui

[@jipiquittot]

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

[@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

[@diygemini]

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

[@elenamakes]

Thanks! It was a Watco danish oil

[@ash_makes]

you forgot to account tablesaw blade thickness, but great job

[@bradleyr3384]

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

[@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

[@randomcrashingfacility31]

So cool!

[@woodworkingandepoxy643]

I love it when maple is so figured its 3d

[@carltonbirds]

Very nice 👍

[@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.

[@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

[@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. 👌

[@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

[@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 🙏🏻

[@lisaalford1245]

Amazing job that turned out really great

[@elenamakes]

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

[@Kingdanger1992]

I so wana purchase one now

[@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!

[@FAMAWoodworking]

Great job, congrats!

[@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.

[@paulpittman9895]

Beautiful board. What kind of dog was in the background?

[@elenamakes]

Thank you, he's a lil mix of everything.

[@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.

[@worstworkshop]

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

[@elenamakes]

thank you 😊

[@markh3376]

Wow 😮

[@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!

[@alfonsoPina]

"Borrowed from my dad..." which is what us dad's do, loan out our lives to let our kiddos succeed.