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

[@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.

[@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. 🙂

[@captainbear6188]

@@infosec_mike Can also be done with a router

[@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.

[@kobe1980]

How high to you put the glue line?

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@preacher1775]

After watching numerous videos on making a chessboard, I can honestly say that this is, by far, the best of the best! Wes explained every detail as he went along to avoid any kind of confusion. Super details, tricks of the trade, etc. Outstanding piece of work!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Wow, thanks! I really appreciate your kind words. 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?

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@cwoodside907]

@12:50 …..Wouldn’t you want you put a long slender board between your clamps and the chess board? Me thinks it helps distribute the clamping weight more evenly across the board, perhaps ensuring a slightly tighter glue up.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Not a bad suggestion. Thank you! Wes

[@georgsteinle747]

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

[@Michael-Makes-Stuff]

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

[@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

[@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

[@nunya7065]

Awesome chess board. Thanks for sharing.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

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

[@coachrr]

Great job and video. I watch multiple videos to get ideas that may help me, glad I watched this one. You explained this very simply and thoroughly. Thanks.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Awesome, thank you! I really appreciate your comment. Wes

[@alanhodges8839]

Thanks for the demonstration of your skills.

[@marks.2814]

Totally love the video. Awesome job.

[@jefflevoir6127]

Great Video 👍👍

[@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

[@evanhodgson3104]

G-day Wes I am now a retired gardener. I also love wood & metal work. Sometimes I combine the two together. You & I look almost the same!!! Great full head of hair & heard & all 10 fingers.. love your work 👍👍👍

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Haha...thats great! Thanks for watching, 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

[@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

[@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

[@jannel9863]

Such good work, brilliant piece, pity the camera is not on a stand, the picture floats around with al the movement.

[@AlexandrePardo84]

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

[@josephsacco4790]

15:58 - I felt that in my soul.

[@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

[@LiloUkulele]

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

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you for watching ! Wes

[@luigic.g5099]

Best regards.!! Wow.!! Excellent work..!!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...thank you very much for your kind words 😀 Wes

[@JEREMY-xq7sk]

Wes, can you please show us how you cut the feet and made the rabbets for the board to set down on,please? I made this board exactly like you did and it turned out great except I am not sure about the feet and I would really like it to be just like yours.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...in order for me to go in depth on making the foot and rabbets I would need to make you a personalized video. Please go to www.woodworkingwithwes.com and follow the promptings. Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video and making the project. I am sure it looks beautiful! Wes

[@donniemeyers3215]

That is an amazing video. I do not have all the woodworking tools that you have, but I am going to try to make one. Thank you for your precise 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

[@JeffPetaja]

At 14:50 you go into making the skirt. Do you do the rabbit routing first or the chamfer first?

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

I did the rabbit cut first and then the chamfer. Thanks for watching, Wes

[@jameskoenig5289]

What a great tutorial and person. You were a pleasure to watch and learn from. Thanks for the lesson. # CHECKMATE

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi James...thank you very much for your comment. I appreciate you watching, Wes

[@dao6435]

Beautiful show piece

[@20ozRedbull]

my new project. thank you. :)

[@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

[@paulstrange6654]

Love your work ,thanks for sharing

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you! I appreciate you visiting our channel. 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

[@benlaguire6448]

Curious about the feet that you put on. You detailed how they go together but there appears to be a wood piece behind them that supports the board. Didn't see how you did that or what that really looks like in the video. Any further help on that part would be great! Looking to do this with my daughter for her 4-H woodworking project this year. She loves Chess and Woodworking, WIN WIN!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Glad you enjoyed the video. The corner foot was made from a piece of 4" colonial crown. A rabbit cut provided for the support piece in the back. Hope this helps...good luck with your project, it will be great! Wes

[@JazzyGranny]

Could you take a can of spray paint and paint the backside of the wheel where you put the blade and then where the outline is router out the blade shape, so the blade is inset on the wooden wheel? Don’t know if I explained it right, but I’m sure you will understand what I mean. 🧐😉🇺🇸

[@brioma33]

Maybe a small routered groove between the squares would be better than the large chamfered gap. I like to slide pieces when I play & I'm not sure about the playability of this board. Looks like the pieces would catch or hang up in the wide groove. Board does look beautiful and is a top quality build though, just not sure about it being very practical.

[@psergiodarioful]

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

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

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

[@pingman2]

Just watched this video, would you consider making this same board to sell? I would be very interested in buying one.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...thanks for the compliment but unfortunately I am not selling them. Thanks for watching, 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

[@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

[@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

[@narrowjay0]

I'm truly inspired. Thank you

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

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

[@djamellouhibi3039]

انت فنان ....عمل رائع

[@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.

[@rajrooplal7595]

I love watching your work.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much! Wes

[@thiagopizademoraes4170]

Very nice work! I'm watching from Brazil.

[@marcovandermeij4521]

Great craftsmanship love it

[@tonyallen3483]

Any chance you would sell this piece? I absolutely love this piece and would make an awesome gift for my Dad!

[@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

[@dougreetz4304]

Beautiful piece. How do you account for wood movement with so much opposing face grain?

[@roygault3325]

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

[@spongeorpete7289]

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

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

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

[@dalewhite3198]

Another beautiful project Wes

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Many thanks! Wes 😀

[@royalchessmall]

Amazing work! Making chess sets is a work of art in itself

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

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

[@JohnDoe-yd7zm]

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

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

haha...thanks for watching! Wes

[@exisfohdr3904]

I'm looking for a custom board build myself. Steam treated wood to pre warp the wood, then ran through a planer. This way, the wood won't warp much from humidity or liquid spills.

[@CharlieMikeWoodworks]

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

[@maurolimaok]

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

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

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

[@danielesposito9705]

that glue line/kerf was something I had never thought of, thank you for that!

[@yatratechtvcom]

Awesome 🥰No words Wooow🌟

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much!! Wes

[@ryanwilt5519]

These is a great video thank you very much

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you Ryan...glad you enjoyed it! Wes

[@johnwayne2103]

WOW nicely done. Thanks for the ideas!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

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

[@Marocax]

Awesome desing and construction!!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

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

[@dale4956]

Awesome! I just started one. I hope it turns out as good as yours!

[@PaulMarlmountWoodcrafts]

A craftsman at work, well done and thank you for sharing - I’m sure the champer could equally be made on the router table or indeed the table saw, I would welcome your view Regards, Paul

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...the router table yes, however, in my opinion there is too much sanding with the table saw. Thank you for your kind words! Wes

[@guglielmosarnataro8263]

Grazie from Naples, Italy. Excellent job, Congratulation. The glue line has been a surprise, I learned a lot.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Would love to visit your country some day. I appreciate the kind words...thanks for watching. Wes

[@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

[@wagnerbaldin8651]

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

[@MCRuCr]

the most awesome chess board I've ever seen

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much! Wes

[@Mikael1948]

The niceist I ever seen!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much!

[@ikaeksen]

Beautyful ^^ But where is the letters and numbers?

[@angrybear1838]

Great looking chess board, what the chess pieces can you make them as well

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

I have never tried to make them...if you do, please send me a picture. Thanks, Wes

[@raymondcorbeil4809]

Hi Wes. Tried this design and succeeded until I beveled the second and fourth sides of the “squares”: experienced tear-out on some of the corners. I’m doing a two pass chamfer on my jointer . Wondering if I can accomplish the same effect on the table saw, or should I try a single pass?

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi Raymond...if you can't eliminate the tear offs with your jointer, you can use your table saw. Just requires more sanding. Hope this helps, good luck. Wes

[@mrlionel1965]

Excellent video. The board looks fantastic!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

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

[@fredericmackey6398]

Wes 81 year old who still considers himself a relative newbie. Have just erupted my interest in chess and started lookin for plan to build a board. This will definitely be “The One”. Thanks from a new subscriber.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you and welcome to our community. Good luck on your next chess game!! Wes

[@NemecJesse]

Seems like you could use a piece of aluminum angle stock clamped to one of the grooves to make sure your joints line up in the second glue up.

[@SuperZardo]

In order to prevent the chamfers between the tiles to collect some incredible amount of dust, crumbs and lint, one could always fill them with potting soil and grow some grass in them ;-)

[@UNIK-wood-design]

HI Wes, My name is Marc and I just started a very small woodworking shop and I was impress with your Sander machine... Can I have the brand and where can I get one like yours... Thanks... Great work BTW...

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

I am sorry I have since left that shop so I can't give you details on the machine. Thanks for watching, Wes

[@artfahie9532]

Nice video…. Thanks!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you 😀 Wes

[@goodie2shoes]

I like the glue line idea and will gladly steal that from you, Wes! The grooves are not my cup of tea. Nice video! And mind your fingers at that sawtable please!!!

[@rodolfoalvero4211]

nice post, thanks

[@mdlmickysdigitallab6499]

WOW. it's a little masterpiece... incredible trick for a glue, thanks for share it. I will try to copy this project for my sons... Bravissimo, davvero molto bello! Micky from Italy

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi Micky...thank you so very much!! I enjoyed your kind greetings from Italy. 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!!!

[@ZuluWood]

Fantastic Job !! Congratulation 🇧🇷

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thanks a lot! Wes

[@AllAroundTube50]

Best looking board i've seen!

[@icemania5168]

When lining up the pieces for the last time ., you could just take a strip of wood with that has a 90 degree angle on in and clamp into one of the grooves thus aligning everything perfectly ;) really nice looking board , but must agree that a chess board needs to be flat ., that said i think this board would be just amazing if you made your border around protrude just 1 mm above the board and then fill everything with epoxy so you have an totally flat surface but still have the visuals of the grooves :)

[@jx14aby]

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

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Great...thanks for watching. Wes

[@modestoquinto1911]

Nice. But I prefer the old-style board, no canals, chess pieces smoothly glide between squares..👍

[@4otko999]

amazing work