Chess set update

[Bill P]

This is way outside my comfort zone, so I'm seeing so many flaws.

Because of my work schedule, I only have about 8 hours a week to scroll, and I go slow anyway, so this has been about a month's worth of work.

I finally finished cutting the pieces.  The next step is to check for fuzzies and sand them, then I'm going to oil the walnut and put a finish on all the pieces.  I'm going to check the local hobby stores for stick-on felt for the bottoms.  I'll start the board this weekend, which will be my first time doing something like that too.

Any tips are greatly appreciated.

Bill

[newfie]

beautiful job on the chess pieces Bill.if the chess board comes out as good you'll have a great chess set. thanks for sharing.i managed to get the chess board done awhile ago didn't get a chance to do the chess pieces project for when it gets warmer.

[julief]

The set is beautiful, Bill.  Great job.  The hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowes sell felt adhesive pads already cut into circles and squares in the hardware department.

[bluesuede]

Bill, they are real nice looking chess pieces, great determination on your part, congrats...
Bruce

[Russ C]

Looks awesome, great job there Bill. 

[CNLNC]

Those are gorgeous, awesome job. I'm sure the board will turn out as beautiful as the pieces. Great project and thanks for sharing.

Bill,  are you going to oil the dark wood of the board before assembly so it matches the dark oiled pieces? I thought I read before that you did not want to oil the light wood. That would be difficult on the board once assembled. Hope it makes sense what i'm trying to convey. Just my thoughts.

[Bill P]

Great question.  I'm experimenting with various options.  I've learned if I glue one oiled piece to one non-oiled, the oil leaks over.  If I seal the oiled wood, the glue doesn't seem to be holding as well.  I'm leaning towards oiling the whole board after assembly.  The maple squares won't exactly match the maple pieces, but there will still be enough contrast on the board.

Bill

And by the way, thanks for all the kind words and encouragement, everyone!

[DWSudekum]

Looking great Bill.  It's going to be great when totally done.

DW

[Rapid Roger]

Bill,
I would like to mention that you do not HAVE to oil walnut to make it darker. Almost any finish will cause it to get darker. So, my point is you can just coat the whole chess board with polyurethane and keep the walnut/maple contrast and the gluing properties without worrying about the oil causing any change in the maple or gluing oiled wood. (wood with oil in it doesn't want to stick worth a hoot.)
I personally like to use clear polyurethane on things like chess boards anyway because it is a more durable finish and holds up well under use.
Just my two cents worth.

Rog

[Bill P]

Rog,

Thank you for that tip!  To be honest, I hadn't thought of that myself.  Sort of reminds me of Poe's The Perloined Letter...the answer was right in front of me.

I owe you a tip....so....buy low and sell high.

Thanks!

Bill

[TripleB]

Very Nice Bill, Cant wait to see the finished project.

[Gabby]

The pieces look great, and the contrast works fine, you probably won't need to do anything to lighten the maple.
Gabby

[jimbo]

Nice job Bill have you weights in them?
Jimbo

[Bill P]

No, Jimbo, I don't.  I thought about it, but they feel pretty good.  I played a game of chess with one of my favorite neighbors last night and there were no issues with weight or being top-heavy.

Thanks,

Bill

[frankorona]

Excellent command of cuts.
I really look fantastic