Chessboard

A chessboard can a good project. However, many of the cuts require the use of the table saw. Unfortunately, students are not allowed to use the table saw - so this project does require relying on your teacher for several of the steps. Check out this sample project description to get an understanding of the steps involved in making a chessboard. Note that you DO NOT make 64 separate squares and glue them together!

The steps for making a chessboard are generally:

  1. Decide on square size.
  2. You can make a chessboard out of two different types of wood OR one type that has been stained or painted into two different colors.
  3. Get wood and cut into 8 strips (uses table saw which is done by teacher). Make sure you account for saw blade kerf when figuring out the length of the strips. For example, if your squares are 3 cm, then 8*3+4=28cm (The 4 cm is 'extra' to allow for wood loss due to the blade kerf - the part of the wood that is turned into sawdust when you cut!)
  4. (Optionally paint/stain strips)
  5. Glue the strips together in alternating colors.
  6. Cut the chessboard into strips again (table saw - done by teacher)
  7. Glue the strips together again - this time in the chessboard pattern!
  8. Sanding, Sanding, and more Sanding.
  9. Optionally create an awesome frame for your chessboard. You might use fancy mitre cuts, and/or the router to make fancy edges.... Lots of possibilities.

Chess Pieces

Interested in making chess pieces WITH your chessboard - or in place of? Generally, making chess pieces is too large an undertaking. However, below is a cool suggested design from Lanier Graham. Because this design is based on square/rectangular pieces - it is more feasible to complete in class. You might want to start with the chess pieces first and then see if you have time to continue with the chessboard.

Lanier Graham chess piece set design.

Because these pieces fit together, you could even build a box to fit the pieces in!

Chess pieces plan.

Project Examples

Student creations related to this skill, project, or tool!