Creating A Classic Chess Set Paperback – January 8, 2021

This book is abridged from Designing and Crafting An Heirloom Chess Set. The previous book provides greater detail and explanations of steps used in the completion of those sets. This abbreviated rearrangement provides sequential steps in the actual completion from purchase of materials to conclusion for play. The board and chess pieces in both books generally comply with the standards of the current World Chess Federation FIDE handbook/standards of approved design of chess pieces for tournament play. A segment of the standards are included in the Appendix. This book draws on the author’s experience as a teacher of Industrial Arts, professional work and hobbies. Described are the basic information required for creating a completed chess set which including drawings, list of materials and the logical sequence for completing the different parts of this project. The Staunton style is recognizable but not restrictive by FIDE standards, which gives the craftsman the opportunity to be creative. This book is divided into seven different sections which includes 125 pictures used for reference. Section (1) PREPARATION provides an overview of the requirements and dimensions necessary to plan and gather material for this project. A summary of all the materials and hardware needed to craft one set is included. Section (2) CHESSMEN PIECES is about woodturning and carving the individual chess pieces. It includes the use of a duplicator attached to a wood lathe and designing templates for each chess piece. Power carving and crafted jigs are used to complete the necessary characteristics of each piece which includes adding weight and applying Baize. Section (3) STORAGE TRAYS includes the detail necessary to construct a compartmental drawer necessary to store all of the chess pieces together for one player when not being played on the Chess Board. Section (4) CASE is about designing a container for the Trays while serving as a platform for the Chess Board. Section (5) CHESS BOARD contains detailed information about crafting the actual playing surface of 64 squares for the game of chess and adding a decorative inlay around the perimeter. Information is added for removal of the Chess Board for adjustments. Section (6) COMPLETION TASKS includes measurements and placement of hardware components necessary for making every part work together as a storage unit and playing surface. A felt like liner is added for the individual compartments of the trays and applying a finish for the Case and Chess Board. Metal working information is provided for crafting a release mechanism for both Trays and stop brackets for safety measures as well as instructions for assembly. Section (7) APPENDIX contains 18 Drawings of the chess set components, chess pieces and jigs used in the completion of this set. A Glossary of Terms have been added to help in the further understanding of woodworking phrasing and tool names that may not be familiar to an interested reader. A US to Metric Conversion Table for regions using that measurement system should assist in understanding dimensions used for this set. Read more