Regulation Size End Grain Chess Board with Gold Leaf

In this video I make a regulation size end grain chess board with a brass border and hand carved initials with gold leaf.
The squares are 2.25" x 2.25" and they are made from ash and black walnut. The frame around the board is 2.5" wide and it's made from black walnut with a tiger maple edge band. The mitered corners of the frame are reinforces with mortise and tenon joinery. Four inch finger slots are routed along the bottom of the two sides. The thickness of the board is 1.25"
#chessboard #chess #woodworking
Here's a link to the video on how to build the mortising jig that I used. • Mortising Jig for the ...
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You can find everything else I used in this project at my Amazon storefront at www.amazon.com/shop/woodumakeit.
The epoxy that I used is from TotalBoat. You can purchase the epoxy and other products from them at a 20% discount using the discount code of WOODUMAKEIT at www.jamestowndistributors.com.
Items I used in this project include:
Evolution Power Tools RAGE 3 Double Bevel Compound Sliding Miter Saw: amzn.to/2JMvuqq
Grizzly G1023RLWX Table Saw amzn.to/2AGvqVV
INCRA Miter Gauge: amzn.to/2HTzvef
iGaging Caliper: amzn.to/2WAjcGh
TackLife MDG01 Depth Gauge amzn.to/2hKdz5T
Freud Thin Kerf Rip Blade: amzn.to/2PIYtkK
Freud Ultimate Cut-Off Blade: amzn.to/2OAwRMU
DeWalt Planer: amzn.to/2I6KIHF
Ridgid Random Orbit Sander: amzn.to/2Upi0s4
SuperMax 19-38 Drum Sander: amzn.to/2DOWJzX
Prostik Abrasive Belt Cleaner: amzn.to/38CiizL
Freud 8" Super Dado Set: amzn.to/2TAO3C2
Ridgid Router: amzn.to/2FAfxVk
Freud 3/4" Double Flute Straight Router Bit: amzn.to/2DE3hRh
Hold Down Clamps on the mortising jig: amzn.to/311uC7K
Porter-Cable Router Edge Guide: amzn.to/321VMwA
Dremel 3000: amzn.to/2FU8dk7
Dremel EZ Lock Cutting Kit: amzn.to/2IBTL2u
Dremel Carving Bits: amzn.to/2M3X19d
Woodriver Detail Carving Set: amzn.to/2Mt7Rob
8" Slow Speed Grinder: amzn.to/35wPabU
Titebond III Wood Glue: amzn.to/2qVPHRs
HVLP Spray Gun: amzn.to/2WAj2Pb
In-line Moisture Filter: amzn.to/2HOPtGn
Zinsser SealCoat: amzn.to/2DPxkpH
Arm-R-Seal Satin Finish: amzn.to/2V4vLt3
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Crystal Clear Paste Wax: amzn.to/2CKgvuu
Paraffin Oil: amzn.to/2I0FYDc
Pumice Stone: amzn.to/2WAKbS9
3M 220-grit sandpaper: amzn.to/2HOaQHA
Mirlon Scuff Pads Ultra Fine: amzn.to/2IBRDb0
GVS Elipse P100 Dusk Mask Respirator: amzn.to/35ncxV0
Gold Leaf Sheets: amzn.to/2B1Slua
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Dux Yellow Burnish Sealer: www.gildedplanet.com/primers.html
Dux Quick Dry Oil Size: www.gildedplanet.com/oilsize.html
1/8" Brass Rod: www.inlays.com/product-p/mtl-9...
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Music in this video is from Epidemic Sound:
00:00 Standing Tall - Magnus Ringblom
03:48 Summertime Daydream - Peter Sandberg
08:03 Just Wanted to Tell You - Almost Here
12:23 To Stella - Bladverk Band
16:09 Just One More Night With You - Thiago
20:54 Midnight Serenade - Bladverk Band
24:04 Got That Feeling - Peter Sandberg
30:03 Night by Night - Bladverk Band
33:40 Ages Ago - Ennio Mano

[@Leonardorth.]

36:48 "I think it looks pretty good" Sir, this is a masterpiece !!

[@domsau2]

Cases are not square, contrast is low. Sorry.

[@dvdkolk]

Well, yes KZbin, I WILL watch someone create a beautiful chess board from scratch!

[@raymondswadley6339]

This is the video that prompted me to contact Mike and to ask him to make my board. What a beautiful piece of woodworking art! This board and the board Mike crafted for me are the most beautiful chessboards in existence. I own about 15 chess sets and boards that I have collected over my 84 years. I have even made several leather boards, carving differently themed icons around the borders but none required the skill and artistry that Mike displays in this video. I know SAM must be as proud of his board as I am of mine. Thank you, Mike for sharing your skill and talented artistry!

[@virtualadmonisher6844]

Love the calm jazz and your smooth easy pace! Really great job.

[@madbren]

Your craftsmanship is out of this world wish I could afford a board like this.

[@pedroarellano4266]

That was the one of the SICKEST works of art I have ever seen. WOW!! I have taught chess for years and, just WOW!

[@TiffMcGiff]

When I saw your hands...I knew right away that it was summer there, I live in AZ now and don't miss the VA summers I grew up with. Love your content man, inspired me to start woodworking again. God bless.

[@josephkeck7723]

It’s tedious but rewarding. I once had an old man, The Reverend David Ellis Stewart, buy a guitar from the music store where I worked and wanted his name and title inlaid in mother of pearl into the top of the guitar. Yes, name and title, The Reverend David Ellis Stewart! That a lot of cutting in pearl. But I did it and it turned out lovely.

[@jaimepacheco-orozco1158]

Glad I stumbled onto this video as I was looking up videos on refinishing hardwood floors. My dad, a phenomenal chess player, passed away twenty years ago. He taught all seven of his children chess and left me, his youngest, his "prized" thrift store chess pieces, still in the old tin in which he purchased them. In all these years, I kept them out in the living room table on a cheap chess board that my son and I played with together. The music and the video brought back beautiful memories of the time I spent with my dad over chess. I would like to leave the pieces to my son, and would love to leave him a quality chess board as well. Thank you, Jhp

[@gusramirez5647]

"this carving may look daunting, you just have to not mess up"

[@natevoss9199]

I was nervous just watching it. I would never attempt. Daunting to say the least...

[@woodstoney]

For some reason, I found this video to be extremely satisfying and relaxing not to mention the jaw-dropping attention to detail that was presented. Beautiful and well done!

[@allanjohnson2925]

I am impressed. It was like rewatching a mystery movie. You know how it ends but the plot still intrigues.

[@ivanichols6108]

I would love to pass something like this down as an heirloom. Outstanding work and very satisfying to watch, thanks for sharing your craftsmanship man.

[@leahanna5594]

What a beautiful masterpiece! That looks amazing.

[@kaufmanat1]

More like watching a movie about the titanic...

[@erichelm4339]

This is one of the best videos I have seen in a long time. Thank you.

[@catchall3704]

That is a great chess board! Definitely one of the most beautiful I have ever seen! Congrats for a great work!

[@bigbridizzle3543]

I loved the board,and was very informative. The music took me back to Mister Rogers neighborhood. It put a big smile on my face,thank you. You are a true gem and I could watch your videos everyday.

[@jimmoss8035]

Your board Is truly a piece of art! enjoyed watching the quality you put in to it. THANK YOU

[@gyaan2890]

What a beautiful masterpiece! That looks amazing.

[@evanbarnes9984]

I did not expect to sit and watch the whole video! Beautiful work. Saved it to my "projects to make" playlist, so yes I would make it!

[@Roy_Camacho]

And here I thought I appreciated wooden Chess boards when gazing at them in images and videos... after watching this my appreciation for them is indescribable. Absolutely brilliant work.

[@harisabdulrazakshaikh1980]

Wow! Love woodworking and just came across your video. What an absolute beautiful work of skill, passion, art and experience.

[@SteppingWelshie]

What a brilliant find, amazing work

[@vivianwinford4852]

Very relaxing watching you work with the music in the background. Magnificent work.

[@PaulPredicts]

Stunning workmanship. Thank you for taking the time to provide such an inspirational, and in-depth instructional. Bess you.

[@LeviShores]

Your finishing is on point - always seems to be the hardest part of woodworking for me. Awesome project, and thanks for sharing with us.

[@clutchtastic_]

Bruh, I thought he was done after the gold leaf. I'm like "yo that looks so good!" then I saw he was adding finish and I'm like "YOOOOOO THAT'S SOOOOO GOOD!"

[@homtherobot]

Beautiful build and great video. I planned to skip through it but I ended up watching the entire thing start to finish. That finish is absolutely jaw dropping. Thank you for sharing!

[@comabereni1]

Wow, thank you for sharing your wood finishing techniques. The finished product looks amazing.

[@charlessmith6636]

Wow just wow I’m speechless on this work of art

[@MaydaysCustomWoodworks]

Wonderful. Its obvious you've been doing this for a very long time and you know your tools well. It was a pleasure to watch you work. I was hired to make a cocobolo and figured pear wood chess board with a live edge border and katalox accents a few years back. This piece reminds me of that job. But I ended up making the top layer of wood only about 1/8 thick and gluing it to a MDF backer to keep it stable. Wood movement is always a concern with chess boards but I was able to see it a few months ago and it is surprising as flat and smooth as the day I sanded it. I'm sure the chess board you made in this video will be perfect as long as they don't leave it in an uninsulated storage unit or garage for an extended period of time. I'm going to sub to the channel. I really appreciate you letting us in your shop

[@Hawaii1989]

Brilliant artistry and love the music that went with the video. Absolutely brilliant

[@camembertdalembert6323]

I love the brass border. Brass goes so well with wood...

[@Kkuts37]

"Pretty good"???? This is fabulous! Great job, Sir!

[@richardanderson4916]

Nice work my friend! I enjoyed your video and the music.

[@Ron_EZ]

Yes, it looks excellent! Extremely nice looking finish, with the inlaid wood and brass to adorn it. Good to see that you placed the white squares in the right-hand corners (as per Regulation), I've seen some other chess boards where it's not done properly.

[@edwardwilliams9923]

Every now and then I go back and watch this video because it is such an inspiration for aspiring woodworkers like me. Thank you for reminding me of where I would like to be someday!!

[@noxious-5202]

I'm sure the customer was very pleased and impressed with the end result.

[@anthonyray5515]

If not, I'll buy it! 8-)8-)

[@noahhastings6145]

3:35 Everyone I know that uses that barbecue brush has the exact same issue They just seem magnetically attracted to wood glue

[@thecardczar8764]

Weird solution i haven't gotten around to trying, why not let some wood glue hold it together? Seems to stick well enough after all lol

[@mmclaugh08]

Beautiful board. Learned some new things on finishing in this video. Thank you for posting. I would definitely make this.

[@oneandy2]

I was skeptical about the ash at first. After the finish... wow, that really looks great and contrasts with the walnut nicely. I really want to try my hand at one now.

[@monicaakers2243]

I would love to pass something like this down as an heirloom. Outstanding work and very satisfying to watch, thanks for sharing your craftsmanship man.

[@highvalleycowboy1]

Thats the plan :)

[@jamesjackson5664]

Music selection is fabulous.

[@oscarfreemantle5883]

no it isnt jazz is bullshit. otherwise v good video

[@GermanCHiiiLLeR]

@@oscarfreemantle5883 o.O ?

[@skydragon3857]

@@oscarfreemantle5883 what the

[@jude4896]

Extremely beautiful! What a fantastic project. Thank you for sharing.

[@g4c21]

Most beautiful chess board I have seen till now. Great work, in fact great art. Your workshop is very well equipped.

[@jack0cat]

Pretty good isn’t the word for this masterpiece magnificent work of art is more like it and probably the most satisfying half hour KZbin watch in a very long time.

[@Woodumakeit]

Thank you so much!

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

I agree 100%!! I love the game of chess and woodworking so this video was the most satisfying half hour I’ve had in a long time. I watched it twice just because it is that good lol. I’m inspired to make a couple of them myself lol I doubt mine will be as good as these but hey I can dream right? Cheers mate

[@treate1977]

Immaculate! Got me inspired and want to make myself! Thank you

[@ButteredToast62]

This is absolutely stunning work, incredible job!

[@timothycormier3494]

Hahahaha I’m glad you cleared that up. I was thinking whoa dude! Your gonna cut your fingers off! You immediately addressed it. I’m a carpenter aswell and that’s the stuff of nightmares. Great video man! Glad I found this channel

[@searchnrescue489]

I know. I realise that he wasn't going to release a video of him mangling his hands; but, for a second there I was kind of freaking out. Am glad he addressed that.

[@raajeweler6569]

Eye came for the video and stayed 4 the music vibe.. Thank you.....

[@ApprenticeGM]

Beautiful workmanship and thanks for showing the techniques so clearly. Great job, love the finished product.

[@kf5541]

What a beautiful chessboard, brilliant job from a quality craftsman!

[@sscott3102]

Not at this quality, but I'm going to make one for my Grandson. Fabulous work Sir. Thank you for some tips, pointers, and ideas.

[@jimmysiniawski7391]

The only thing I can say is the carving after all that work would be mind numbing . I would like to give all the features or steps you took with each step. I really enjoyed this .

[@marcosrivera1620]

Wow! That looks amazing!!! Excellent work, I am envious!

[@davidnoakes4836]

One of the best woodworking master class videos I have seen, incredible skills 🤓

[@drew856856]

WoW. This was a master at work. I've just witnessed greatness. Whomever receives these chessboards should cherish them.

[@Woodumakeit]

Thank you so much!

[@Phil_Goodman]

this is one of the best youtube videos i have ever seen in my life

[@rcable3679]

Nice, clean video. Greatly appreciate the music, too. Soooo many vloggers have no taste and simply throw any kind of crap together; their "looped" soundtrack is head-banging!!!

[@JayBates]

Very relaxing video and a great project. Thank you.

[@Woodumakeit]

Thank you, Jay!

[@woodworkinggrandmaster7294]

you should take notes

[@guitarplayerfactorychannel]

The sounds of jazz. And a bench saw.

[@audigex]

Relaxing? You obviously didn’t see the same 1:31 as I did...

[@razvaniorga9253]

I think it looks pretty good??!! That’s a masterpiece!!!! Don’t think I can afford one!! 👌👌👌

[@MartinBenitoDutto012]

Such an amazing work and a chill Video, good job! Love the details.

[@jryangiles]

Outstanding. Great work. Love the process and the finished product.

[@cjoyce2217]

Just as I thought, "Oh my God, your fingers!"....."I know it looked like..." LOL. Beautiful work!

[@beaterbikechannel2538]

You'll need permission from the pope to play on those boards. They're just beautiful! The craftsmanship that went into them. Wow!

[@NewFoundEagle777]

I wouldn't allow the pope to play on it !!

[@mrlionel1965]

I stumbled upon your channel a few days ago while looking how to build a chess board. Your boards are beyond beautiful!

[@jovincenspam]

What amazing skill and attention to detail! Thank you so much for this video.

[@iROBODUDE]

Turned out fantastic. Lots of attention to detail. Had to be an expensive piece considering how long that must have taken you to build.

[@Haagimus]

That is a beautiful chess board, I would love to make one, although i don't think mine would turn out as good. Fantastic workmanship.

[@bustedwrenchgarage2051]

Hey guys I made some pretty amazing stuff all I can say practice practice it takes time to profect stuff how you want it just Think Rome wasn't Built in A day so just grad some wood an play with it an make stuff over time you'll learn how to Manipulate the wood to how you want it.....an hey you got this man just believe in your self

[@lemat8558]

absolutely stunning!

[@joeten4817]

you can tell he won't lose any fingers doing what he loves. Great use of jigs to handle the cuttings. Learned alot from you.

[@243WW]

Ah magnificent! Someone that doesn't use a CNC for carving and such. I have hope yet. VERY nice work

[@nikos-giorgos]

Yet he uses every other machine imaginable...

[@Etherion195]

why "do you have hope"? CNC just looks better and is far more economical (if you're doing that more than once in your career of course). That's like all those old people that are saying "back in my day we had giant desks and drawing boards to create technical drawings" - yeah and now you do that on a pc, which is more accurate, saves material, time personel and can be duplicated and edited later without having to redo everything.

[@billadams3861]

This craftsman learned to do this before CNC machines were around

[@aclay1662]

See If I tried this, the engraving might look great, but I'd realize just after finishing, that it's upside down or something.

[@erepsekahs]

Yes, sounds like one of my bad dreams.

[@macdaddymac6785]

"No Regerts"

[@dimanovikov6771]

@@macdaddymac6785 Onli god ken jajmi

[@whippyjosua]

@@dimanovikov6771 😂😂😂

[@multicolourization]

imagine getting the chess squares wrong coloured and it looks great but you dont really want to play on it

[@canalaerocast]

37 minutes of my life well spent. Congratulations, my friend. Best regards from Brazil.

[@benjaminkenobi21]

That walnut is just spectacular.... awesome build

[@theodoro89]

That's a really fancy cutting board :D

[@kyorising]

not with that metal in it.. but yea otherwise totally how I'd use it ;)

[@MrJlupone]

its multi-purpose

[@erepsekahs]

Yes, ino, I'd come into the kitchen one morning and find 1/2 a chicken cut up on it.....and the honey would say..."Darling it's beautiful...but really, you shouldn't have."

[@earthlingjohn]

@@erepsekahs and she is speaking with a perfect Lisa Douglas from "Green Acres" accent.

[@erepsekahs]

@@earthlingjohn You would be correct.

[@kenmoon5685]

SPEECHLESS!! As a novice/beginning woodworker this is such an inspiration! I just read where my local Woodcraft store has a two day 3D cutting board class coming up. Although not near the detail work as your piece never the less I think it will be great place to start. Could I ask how many hours you estimate it would take you to make just Sam's board? Could I further ask what a piece like this would probably sell for (forgive for my being nosey)? Many thanks for a HUGE JOB WELL DONE!! I look forward to seeing your future projects!

[@aromuskosincalti1479]

In comments above, he said he quoted it for 550. If you're looking to make one, don't worry about how long it takes, that just depends upon skill and experience, and yes a simple cutting board class is the ideal place to start

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

Stunning build. All those coats of clear really paid off. It looks a foot deep. 👍👍

[@tonymiller2613]

I'm inspired. Very nice product and the instructions were easy enough! Gorgeous.

[@MrAtrembla]

I would like to know the dimensions of the planks you used and some idea of their cost. Great work, looking forward to making my first one in about 6 months once I settle in to my new home.

[@monicaakers2243]

What a beautiful masterpiece! That looks amazing.

[@lindendrechsler6003]

about the music: "one mojito and a whisky on the rocks, please..."

[@ricardoarguelles6706]

accurate mate

[@bljonesx]

That joinery was so good, you could barely get it apart before gluing! Well done sir

[@lutherchristinaparker4219]

"I don't always make chess boards........but when I do" stunning work!

[@Lmr6973]

I hear squirrel tail hair is the best when it comes to applying gold leaf.

[@Rloc8773]

My whole hand just hurt when you ran that block across that dato blade with your thumb right above it.... LOL

[@s.warner2562]

Phenomenal! Let me say that again... phenomenal!!!! Such a beautiful job. BRAVO!

[@professionalguidetorealest3070]

That was so amazing, thank you so much for your craftsmanship.

[@remessinger]

You asked, "Would you make it?" If I could, I would. But I never was very good at it. Probably will never be good either. I enjoyed watching though.

[@mattsmith8160]

I always wanted a Monopoly board like that.

[@joshl90]

That dumbbell trick is absolutely brilliant!!!

[@Lesnz2009]

Love the music I have eclectic musical tastes with jazz, blues and rock to the fore.

[@FilthyWhiteTrash]

Is it possible to buy such a great bord from you? Do you also make chess pieces?

[@justind9858]

No I wouldn't make it as I don't have 17 years available to complete a single piece, but I do commend your craftsmanship - sublime!

[@user-if3ib6qr3o]

Геееелггг0 эм

[@strad.philippines]

I wish i had the ability. I am impressed! Absolutely fantastic. I enjoyed this so much, thanks.

[@petelodge8197]

These are absolutely beautiful pieces! Well done!

[@frankename1984]

Amazing video.. You are a true artist as well as being an engineer! Thankyou for also converting fahrenheit to celsius for us Canadians...LOL Why was your last coat a semi-gloss finish?

[@Woodumakeit]

That's a really good question. It's advisable that a chess board not have a glossy finish because it can be distracting, so my desired finish was a satin finish (I think I mistakenly said semi-gloss in the video). Gloss finish is transparent and has no flatting agents to dull the appearance. Many people don't realize this, but it's best to use gloss finish for the initial layers because multiple layers of a flatter finish, each with a flatting agent, can cause the finish to appear slightly cloudy. The finish will appear much clearer if the initial coats are glossy, and then finished up with a final coat of semi-gloss/satin/flat.

[@peterfitzpatrick7032]

@@Woodumakeit ... and is this regardless of whether its water-based or solvent-based ?? 🤔 😎👍☘️🍺

[@Woodumakeit]

@@peterfitzpatrick7032 That's correct. They both have flatting agents to dull the finish.

[@abbaselgazzar2054]

@@Woodumakeit I understood that you should not put polyurethane over shellac. Is that accurate? Although I did notice that you mentioned that you put urethane (acrylic?) over the shellac coats. Also, may I ask what would the ash & black walnut board dimensions be if I wanted to try (and "try" is the key) making one board. Do you have plans for sale on your website? Beautiful board and great instructional video. I am a beginner woodworker and appreciate your work. Thank you very much.

[@Woodumakeit]

@@abbaselgazzar2054 Some shellac has wax in it and that causes other finishes to not adhere very well. In this case, I was using a dewaxed shellac, so it's ok to put polyurethane or urethane on top of that. I don't have any plans for the chess board. Here are the basic dimensions. Squares are 2.25" x 2.25" x 1.25" (57 mm x 57 mm x 32 mm). You need about 14" (355 mm) of length to cut 8 set of squares. The frame is 3" (76 mm) wide. I cut the frame pieces to be 1/2" wider than that to make the tongue that fits into the groove of the chess board. I hope that helps!

[@mrvarus8957]

The music influenced me to buy a smoking jacket and slippers.

[@arjunwithyou]

So much hard work involved.. wasn't aware... appreciate the video. Thanks

[@acts238isthetruth]

At the end, “I think it looks pretty good “… Are you kidding me it looks excellent!… Sometimes we are our own worst critic. Good job man! And to answer your question I would make it I think I might at some point try and follow this video to make my own very similar this video is definitely going in my saved favorites list. thank you!

[@mr.fister7576]

Dude, you're about to give me a heart attack. Keep your fingers away from that saw!!

[@thecloneguyz]

Its natural

[@PeterNetped]

Gives me a miracle that they still have all the fingers .. :(

[@stevengurule6940]

Walnut against a light wood contrasts so beautifully. The art, the music, and the voice-over (Mr. Roger's like) was enjoyable and relaxing. I'm thinking that "Yes, I would make it!" Thanks for the tutorial on patience and tenacity.