Learn To Make This One-Of-A-Kind Chess Board

#chessboard #woodenchessboard #handmadegift
Raise your chess game to a new level. Learn how to create the look of individual raised squares. This unique look will become the conversation piece of your game room. FYI...it also would make the perfect gift.

[@cresntookami]

the author does like to from scratch, shaping and trimming wood from large blocks into fine finished products. kzbin.infoUgkxD-QRFQz730FJEh4f9BYSf-nkIMIC9hL_ as another reviewer mentioned, most projects require a lot of high-dollar equipment that most of us dont have the room or budget for. But, knowing how to do these things, even if we wont be able to practice the full stack project, is still great.

[@infosec_mike]

all of the 45 degree cuts can be done manually with various blocks and a hand saw. Stop making excuses. 🙂

[@ifiwooddesigns]

Glue line is a game changer! Brilliant idea! One of those “Why didn’t I think of that!”. Thanks and great work!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

So glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for watching and your comment. Wes

[@Thatoneguy-xr2sk]

Wish I knew about that glue line trick about a month ago. I had to try to scrape all that glue out of that little 45° angle know what to do next time.

[@victorlira6471]

As a chess player myself I tend to prefer boards with flat surfaces, I love the feeling when you glide a piece from a to b. Other than that, beautiful work! I might try to make one at some point.

[@vernonzehr]

i don’t like the bevel either. if the pieces aren’t exactly in the right spot they can fall over. also it just doesn’t feel correct. at first i assumed there was going to be some sort of insert or resin. i hope he pulled out that misfired pin. it was still there when finishing.

[@bernie4366]

@@vernonzehr Good. Maybe it will teach some of you off-center piece placing bastards how to correctly center your piece on the square. Grr. So annoying.

[@LogicalQ]

@@vernonzehr He is a braver man than I. Watched my dad shoot a brad nail into a board as a kid. It shot out the side and into his thumb. Both that and him reaching over the table saw was giving me anxiety.

[@idiomadminone]

Yes, the board is beautifully made but not suitable for actual chess playing since a flat surface is a must.

[@voongnz]

Can you imagine playing endgames low on time or blitz games, peices falling or tilting all over the place.

[@PMichaels]

Wow! What a gorgeous piece, Wes. Cool techniques too. Thanks for sharing! 👍🏼

[@joejoslin7451]

Well done, sir! Even if I never make a chess board, I've learned a few cool and useful tips. Thanks!

[@lacttech]

I wanted to post a picture of my first try at making this chessboard, but wasn’t sure if that was allowed. I admire the amount of work and experience this must take; I appreciate your teaching method, soft voice, and Jedi mind trick making me think, “Heck, I can do that.” I am appalled at the amount of ego I must have: we both know this was harder than a honeymoon pecker. But, I am hooked and just wanted to say thank you.

[@treyb387]

I really want to get into woodworking when my wife and I move and i think this will be a fantastic project. Years ago my parents got me a custom handmade wooden Civil War chess set and I'd love to make a chessboard to match it. Thanks for the tips and walking us through it. And i appreciate that you used lacquer to let the wood grains pop rather than paint over them. I love the natural wood look.

[@jerrybengtson9779]

It is a fantastic looking chessboard. But as a chess player I would prefer a flat board instead of the raised squares on this design.

[@youssefashraf3439]

That's my first thought when I saw the thumbnail, you can't slide pieces now you have to lift the all like Knights

[@stewartg2101]

Love the glue line idea. Been looking at converting one of our coffee tables into a combo chess board and this has just spurred me on into doing it. Thank Wes. 👍

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you....sounds like a great project. Would love to see a picture when completed. Good luck. Wes

[@davidnechvatal2744]

What a fabulous piece of workmanship. It showed ingenuity and detail to design. I really liked the way you used/reused pieces of coping when making the feet. All of those little details you showed and used add up to help make others improve their own work. But, more importantly Wes, your delivery and demeanor making this project used methods of demonstration both visually and vocally very well. Each and every step you did was either proceeded or discussed while you were actually demonstrating the action. All to often, others on KZbin either skip steps or don't show/demonstrate what they just discussed. Enough for you to say "what did they just do?" You must have been a teacher sometime in your life because that phrase never crossed my mind. I can say I'm an above average woodworker and was very impressed with you and your project. Just to let you know I just subscribed to your channel and look forward to more. Keep up the great work, David

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi David...I really appreciate your kind words and also for joining our community. It's comments like yours that inspire me to keep going and do more videos. Thank you Wes

[@bighouse1695]

The chamfer is a really nice touch. The glue line is a brilliant tip when you’re gluing up a piece you can’t sand or don’t want to do any extra finishing. Great video!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much! I appreciate you watching. Wes

[@johnthomas3842]

The chess board is beautiful. Your teaching style, and voice inflections make for a truly enjoyable lesson. My Dad had a Ceramic shop, we made chess sets we sold at the Emporium High end department store. We had a man that made the chess boards from walnut and maple.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Wow, thank you for that story. I really appreciate your kind words. Wes

[@gilley1058]

Love the glue line idea. I will be incorporating that in future projects. One thing I would like to point out is grain direction on chessboards... You may want to remember that it is always white square on Right... On this board you're grain will run east to west instead of north and south with the white square on the right... Not a big deal... Just wanted to point that out on future chess boards if you're particular on grain direction.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...I was not aware of that. I appreciate your letting me know, I will watch for that in future builds. Thanks, Wes

[@marks.2814]

Totally love the video. Awesome job.

[@DrunkenKnight71]

Thank you for sharing! I have to say out of all the chess boards I've seen being made on youtube, this is by far the most stunning!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

I appreciate your kind words...glad you enjoyed watching. Wes

[@arnoldpelletier5489]

Thank you Wes : You are a true professional wood worker. Love your teaching style. Thanks for sharing with us your God given talent. You explained it all very well in a way that I know I can build a beautiful board like this one.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi Arnold...thank you very much for your kind words. It's viewers like you that keep me going 😀 Wes

[@darrenwallace4431]

The best detailed presentation on woodworking ive ever seen. The attention to detail along with full explanation, hints and tricks is second to none. Im on board.Love it. Absolutely sensational. U must have been a teacher in your former life.Thanks for sharing your woodworking skills with the world.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Darren...I really appreciate your kind words. It's these great comments that keep me going!! Thank you for visiting the channel. Wes

[@alanhodges8839]

Thanks for the demonstration of your skills.

[@jerrystark3587]

Nicely done. Thank you!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much. Wes

[@stephengibbs9310]

Excellent job! Love the chamfered edges on all the individual squares.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thanks for the comment....I appreciate your support. Wes

[@ignacioucero6090]

Awesome work!

[@nunya7065]

Awesome chess board. Thanks for sharing.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you for your comment...glad you enjoyed the video. Wes

[@GodNSense]

Thank You Wes!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

You're welcome...thanks for the visit! Wes

[@mrlionel1965]

Excellent video. The board looks fantastic!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you!! So glad you enjoyed the video. Wes

[@paulstrange6654]

Love your work ,thanks for sharing

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you! I appreciate you visiting our channel. Wes

[@markturbitt8807]

Love it Wes THANKS

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

You are welcome...thank you for watching. Wes

[@dao6435]

Beautiful show piece

[@LiloUkulele]

great clear, concise, professional video...thank you!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you for watching ! Wes

[@johnwayne2103]

WOW nicely done. Thanks for the ideas!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...thank you, glad you enjoyed the video! Wes

[@narrowjay0]

I'm truly inspired. Thank you

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi Jim...I appreciate your comment and so glad you enjoyed the video. Wes

[@ltrtiger]

Great project and execution. Presentation was a joy! Well done!!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much Ken...I am so glad you enjoyed it! Wes

[@andrewjoy8364]

Many thanks Wes. I learnt lots. You put a huge smile on my face. Beautiful board.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Andrew I really appreciate your kind words! So glad you are part of our community. Wes

[@blackhorse2947]

This is by far the very best demonstration building a beautiful chessboard. Chamfering each square definitely is the piece de resistance. Excellent presentation.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much...I am glad you enjoyed the video. I appreciate your visit. Wes

[@jx14aby]

Beautiful work! Thanks for the video. Learned some nice tips.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Great...thanks for watching. Wes

[@steverobbins9419]

Hello thank you for sharing this excellent video. I learnt so much. It’s great that you tell us the dimensions and any angles required. 👍👍

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi Steve...glad you enjoyed the video, I appreciate your visit to our channel. Wes

[@andrewharrison7164]

Nice job. I was looking for a slick, modern design to copy but this is a timeless classic.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you....I appreciate your comment and visit to the channel. Wes

[@Staevart2]

What a super chessboard!! And many thanks to the commenters for their tips and suggestions. I would really like to give building this board a shot, but as I am a relative newbie, I'm a bit afraid to take it on without plans. Any chance plans might be available in the future?

[@lechiffre5078]

That is gorgeous. Nicely done!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much! Wes

[@georgsteinle747]

Thank You for this Video,Good Job! God Bless You!

[@darrellcurrier5571]

to help the second glue up be straight, i think you could have cut a couple small strips of wood that would have fit in the chamfers to help keep everything aligned throughout the glue process, and since you dont have any squeeze out up in those chamfers, you don't have to worry about them getting glued in there.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi Darrell...I appreciate your suggestion. Thanks for watching. Wes

[@CharlieMikeWoodworks]

Glue line is great! I am definitely going to be using that!!

[@brickviking667]

I got to this about a year late, but this is really nice work. The squares and the chosen wood remind me so much of chocolate block squares, especially after the lacquer coat. Now, is there a corresponding chess piece project to go along with this board?

[@ZenMotionSim]

That's a great job Sir! Real masterpiece!

[@jefflevoir6127]

Great Video 👍👍

[@radiotoobs]

Beautiful chessboard!! Great job sir, learned a lot from this video….Thank you

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Glad you enjoyed it...thank you very much for your comment! Wes

[@garblehose]

I was really surprised at how well the chamfer border around the squares really made the board pop. Really cool effect

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much...I appreciate your comment. Wes

[@rajrooplal7595]

I love watching your work.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much! Wes

[@jasonvandergriff7809]

That glueline is the best thing I've learned today, and possibly so far this year! Thank you!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi Jason...so glad you enjoyed the video. I really appreciate your support! Wes

[@wilhelmtaylor9863]

Your work is impeccable. Even at age 73 I learned something new - the glue break. One observation as a woodworker and a chess player (only rated 1832) if I made this I would use wood that's more "wood" looking. I made a chess table using African Mahogany and Limba when I was in high school, gave it to my mother but it was destroyed in a move. Time to make another. Thanks again for a very well done video.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you for watching...glad you enjoyed the video! Wes

[@1LonePuma]

*THAT'S THE NICEST CHESS BOARD i'VE SEEN, NEVER THOUGHT TO DO SUCH A THING BUT I'M GLAD TO SEE SOMEONE DID SUCH A BEAUTIFUL JOB...THANKS FOR SHARING!!*

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

You are so welcome...thanks for watching. Wes

[@nashvillain171]

Shhhhh

[@joemissanelli3395]

Very nice, Wes! You do excellent work!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thanks a lot Joe...I appreciate your comment. Wes

[@johnchurchill786]

Great video as usual Wes some great tips here and a beautiful chessboard! 👌👌👌👌🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you John...hope all is well with you. Wes

[@rehabmax]

Gorgeous work, detailed instructions are invaluable.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you Bruce very much! Glad you enjoyed the video. Wes

[@sprnova1948]

First time I watched any of your videos-truly enjoyed watching and listening to you. Great explanations and video work. Thanks for keeping it short, simple and to the point!!!

[@dalewhite3198]

Another beautiful project Wes

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Many thanks! Wes 😀

[@mikebruegger8654]

Absolutely beautiful 😊

[@mxdadNZ]

Wes, you are my favorite teacher on YT...Thanks for your efforts.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much for your kind words. Glad you have enjoyed the channel. Wes

[@maurolimaok]

One of the best I've ever seen. Beautiful video.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you so very much! Glad you enjoyed it. Wes

[@JohnDoe-yd7zm]

What a great board! Those squares make it look edible (like chocolate) Amazing work :)

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

haha...thanks for watching! Wes

[@spongeorpete7289]

All of my doubts have been removed by this video! Thanks for posting!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you for watching...I appreciate your support. Wes

[@20ozRedbull]

my new project. thank you. :)

[@DIY101]

Very nice detail !

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much...I appreciate your comment. Wes

[@BartWillems1969]

There are lots of make-chess-board videos on YT but few show skills like these. Most involve jigs and elaborate glue setups, sending everything 12 time through the table grinder, and so on. You're not treating it like a 3-month master-carpenter project and it comes out just as nice. As a chess player I can also appreciate the thin skirt around the edges. Way too often I see elaborate edges on these hobby projects; they just take up space and serve little purpose (interestingly, FIDE regulations do not mention minimum or maximum -or -*-any-* edge at all). Well done!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much for your comment Bart...glad you enjoyed the video! Wes

[@nicholast8041]

This is both brilliant and beautiful. I can only aspire to be able to make this one day, once I have developed the necessary skills and acquired a few more tools. Thank you for taking the time to share this truly excellent teaching video. 👍

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Nicholas....thank you so very for your kind comment. I appreciate you visiting our channel. Wes

[@Forni1111]

Wes, really enjoy how you describe the process. Subscribed and looking forward to viewing more of your content. Great job!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much! Welcome to our woodworking community. Wes

[@ApprenticeGM]

Beautiful board, thanks for sharing the process and finished product. Really like the glue line cut idea. A couple of tips / corrections: 1) Typo in description: "Raise you chess game to a new level." should be "Raise your chess game to a new level." 2) When feeding the board through the thicknesser / planer / drum sander put it at 45 degrees to pull direction if possible (yours looked wide enough) to lengthen board and reduce chance of edge tear / chatter especially with all those raised bevelled (chamfered) edges. 3) When gluing don't place the glued piece on top of other already glued pieces, it creates cleanup work. Just flip the edge and glue with the already glued edge resting on some scrap. 4) When gluing it is best to spread the glue bead into a thin film (with finger or paint brush) instead of relying on clamp pressure to squeeze across join evenly / completely. 5) When scraping dried glue place the piece on some non-slip surface (like you used when orbital sanding near end) to avoid the piece moving - makes the glue removal easier and reduces chance of damage to display surface.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...thank you, those are some great suggestions. Wes

[@ronvilla5149]

Very nice!!! The wood you used is just beautiful!! Thank you for the glue tip.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi Ron...thank you for your comment and I appreciate your visit. Wes

[@psergiodarioful]

What a great work! Congratulations I really enjoyed your video.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you...glad you found it enjoyable. Wes

[@mctuble]

I worked at a woodshed before and had two attempts at a chess board. First cut each individual square.... never line up right then second I was told about this method and it came out beautifully.

[@lewisway6811]

This is definitely on my to do list for sure. I was thinking of coating the top with TotalBoat High Performance Epoxy Resin.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...that sounds great! Glad you enjoyed the video, Wes

[@thingsinmyhead4189]

You're like the Bob Ross of woodworking! Your voice is so soothing! And your work is excellent! This is the first video of yours I've ever watched. I'm now subscribed & will be watching more.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Welcome and thank you for being part of our community. Wes

[@BoxcarJerry]

That's a beauty Wes .Thanks for sharing that gluing tip your Furniture Maker friend shared with you . Nice detail for the feet .

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

I appreciate your comment Jerry...glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching. Wes

[@Marocax]

Awesome desing and construction!!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much...I appreciate your comment. Wes

[@claytonmclean6544]

Great video, nice project 👏🏿

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much. Wes

[@chubbybuddha4471]

Thanks so much for posting this video. You've managed to include my two loves in one video.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...so glad we were able to accommodate some of your favorite things. Thanks for watching. Wes

[@jttasb]

Nice board and nice video, Wes! Thank you for explaining the reasons why you did each step. Seems like the grooves on this board may attract dirt and require more cleaning than flat boards.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...thank you for watching and for your comment. Wes

[@marcovandermeij4521]

Great craftsmanship love it

[@artfahie9532]

Nice video…. Thanks!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you 😀 Wes

[@johnstath9666]

This is a awesome chess board. The run off channel what a brilliant idea Thank you

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching, Wes

[@AllAroundTube50]

Best looking board i've seen!

[@alexlev4631]

It's a real woodworking masterpiece. Thanks to the kind magician for his glue up magic. Best wishes and many perfect projects in the future.

[@necomartin2059]

I loved every minute of your video, you do fantastic, clean work, thanks for sharing, the toys in your shop are nice to have, Cheers.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much...I appreciate you watching the video. Wes

[@AlexandrePardo84]

What a stunning chess board! impressive and made with lots of craftsmanship!!

[@markb27]

Hi Wes, stumbled apon your site and i'm glad i did, the glue up groove is a great idea, and the wood choices for the contrasting look turned out great.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much Mark...I really do appreciate your comment. Wes

[@kellykielas-jensen8363]

Thanks for the inspiration! I followed your lead on the raised board with the glue relief kerf

[@tomlayman8473]

Very nice looking chessboard! Wes, my only concern is that the expansion of grain over time may pop the 45° miters on your corners because you've locked in the chessboard with your border rather than creating a floating chess board panel that could expand and contract without consequence. It's been awhile since you made this, have you had any problems? I'm building one very similar at this moment and I'm conflicted about not leaving any room for expansion and contraction. Having very dry lumber is definitely a plus and if the chess board is given to somebody who's climate is similar to your shop expansion may not be a problem.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi Tom...because I live in the dry climate of the Intermountain West, wood movement is not an issue. Building in more humid climate would require consideration for movement. Thank you for pointing that out and visiting our channel. Wes

[@narisarasgroove2625]

You are right to be concerned. I live in Thailand which has a hot, and very often, humid climate. I recently went to a board I made a couple of years ago which had a top as smooth as the proverbial babies bottom but even though it had not been disturbed in that time the top is now ruined as the wood has expanded and contracted over time. Running your fingers over the board you can feel the rise and fall where the different woods were glued. Tried resanding but to no avail unfortunately.

[@SomeDudeOnline]

I have a similar concern with a chessboard I'm making but I'm less concerned about the border and more concerned about the squares themselves. Can you share why you'd only be concerned about the border?

[@meatballanomaly]

@@SomeDudeOnline because the border locks the interior dimensions.. woods generally do not expand/contract much through the end grain (picture an arrow pointing straight out of the end grain.) So, as the interior expands, either the squares would crack to relieve stress or more likely the miters would pull apart. You can look up things like floating panel door construction for more information

[@davidpeters8813]

That's a beautiful board, I love the little chamfer on each square.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you...I appreciate the comment. Wes

[@BirdYoumans]

Beautiful work my friend! New sub. Well done video too by the way.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you for your kind words and we appreciate you joining our community. Wes

[@russ3022]

I learned from your video. The glue line and the idea for the feet are great ideas. Thanks!!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thanks Russell...so glad you saw value in the video. Wes

[@udorechner6846]

Very nice chessboard! The different woodcolors turns out beautiful. Now a storagebox is needed to hold the chessfigures when not on the board.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you for watching and that's a great suggestion! Wes

[@dscritter614]

Gorgeous!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much !!😀

[@wagnerbaldin8651]

I love your channel, I would like to learn how to work in this field.

[@4otko999]

amazing work

[@jeffhesse8415]

Nicely done! Definitely have to use the glue line trick. Also like the crown molding idea for the feet.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you for visiting...glad you liked the video. Wes

[@FreesoundeffectsNow]

You are a true craftsman that is beautiful watching you put it together with ease and the result I'm actually blown away haha

[@RobSchweitzer]

Gorgeous board, love that chamfer detail!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you so much Rob...glad you enjoyed the video. Wes

[@stevegronsky8904]

Liked, Subbed, and now commenting. VERY nice board and good instruction throughout. 👍

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you Steve for your great support...welcome to the community. We appreciate you comment. Wes

[@WoodLink1]

The whole process is so satisfying to watch and of course the end product is simply amazing. You just got a new subscriber 😊

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@roygault3325]

Very nice. I will have to make one. Thanks for the tips. 😊

[@thisguy555]

What a great video! Subbed and looking forward to the next gem - nicely done 👍🏻

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you for joining the community...glad you liked the video. Wes