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I was commissioned 2 chess/checker boards. I used the 'standard' size of 2" squares but I made them my way. Picture 5 shows a few left over pieces of the 4" planks I made by laminating a 2" x 3/8" walnut to the same size oak resawn boards. I made them 19" long allowing for cuts on the table saw and one extra on eack plank.
As usual I neglected to take any process pictures but the process was pretty simple. I cut the 4" wide planks in 2" pieces and then glued them to a 20" piece of BB plywood. It ended up 32 pieces on each board then I trimmed all 4 sides making sure to maintain square.
Then I cut 1/8" strips of oak and glued those to the 4 outside edges and then made my walnut frame work. Pictures 3 shows the oak and walnut trim and and picture 4 is a close up of the luck of the Irish ( a fairly tight miter) I forgot to mention that both boards measure about 18" square
Both of these will go to the same client that ordered the last batch of saw dust.

Thanks for looking and any suggestions about an easier way to do this will be accepted with many thanks.

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Nice tight joints making a good looking boards. Nice work
 

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All I can say is beautiful boards!
 

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The way we did it in high school wood shop was to cut eight individual strips, each 2" wide, glue them up into a full board of stripes, then the next day, cut them the other way into two inch strips (same table saw setup as the previous day), and flip half of them end for end, gluing them up alternating. Then put on backing and add borders.

That said, you seem to have done a fine job and they look great.
 

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Great professional looking work…Beauties…
 

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987Ron
VanDesignWoodworkin
oldrivers
mtnwild

Thanks for looking guys
 

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The way we did it in high school wood shop was to cut eight individual strips, each 2" wide, glue them up into a full board of stripes, then the next day, cut them the other way into two inch strips (same table saw setup as the previous day), and flip half of them end for end, gluing them up alternating. Then put on backing and add borders.

That said, you seem to have done a fine job and they look great.

- Dave Polaschek
Dave, I had considered doing it that way but I had concerns about clamping and all the other things involved with glueing and clamping that many pieces.
 

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Great job Dick. Those miters are some of the best around. Nicely done highlighting the walnut with maple.
How about a nice game of Chess?
 

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Great job Dick. Those miters are some of the best around. Nicely done highlighting the walnut with maple.
How about a nice game of Chess?

- doubleDD
Thanks Dave - I tried chess maybe 30 years ago and actually I was great ! ( at losing ) lol
 

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Nice one Dick, what did you do to flatten the board after assembly?

Looks like a clear finish with no oil or other pre-finishes, has a nice natural look.
I'd enjoy making a board if I could make chessmen to go along with it. I keep thinking about a backgammon board someday too 8^)

Anyhoo, well thought out piece!
 

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Nice boards, Dick. That is the smart way to make them!!..................Cheers, JIm
 

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Very tight & clean- it really draws my eyes to the board.

Thanks for posting.

Bill in MI
 

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Nice one Dick, what did you do to flatten the board after assembly?

Looks like a clear finish with no oil or other pre-finishes, has a nice natural look.
I d enjoy making a board if I could make chessmen to go along with it. I keep thinking about a backgammon board someday too 8^)

Anyhoo, well thought out piece!

- splintergroup
Splint - a couple years ago I bought a used 16-32 performax. As much as I've used it and as nice as it's been to me I could have bought new and paid twice the price and still be happy. I really like that tool
The finish is my one and only satin wipe on poly
 

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Nice boards, Dick. That is the smart way to make them!!..................Cheers, JIm

- Jim Jakosh
Thanks Jim, I searched the net and couldn't find an easy way

Very tight & clean- it really draws my eyes to the board.

Thanks for posting.

Bill in MI

- rtbrmb
Thanks Bill - it was a pia but the end result is worth the effort
 

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nice work my friend.the mark of a professional is the quality of the joinery,and yours is perfect buddy.
 

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It's good to see that you have joined the dark side and are gluing little piece of wood together to make bigger pieces of wood.

Very nice looking chess/checkerboards. Clean, simple lines. I like the inset oak banding. Oak and walnut go together so well.
 

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These are extremely well made with tight joints all around, including the miters. There is nothing I could suggest that would improve these chess boards, you have mastered the build on these.
I'm positive the client will very happy & pleased with these.
 

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nice work my friend.the mark of a professional is the quality of the joinery,and yours is perfect buddy.

- pottz
Thanks Pottz - quite the compliment, not really worthy but thanks

It s good to see that you have joined the dark side and are gluing little piece of wood together to make bigger pieces of wood.

Very nice looking chess/checkerboards. Clean, simple lines. I like the inset oak banding. Oak and walnut go together so well.

- EarlS
Earl, thank you but we both know I'll never come close to your mastery
 

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These are extremely well made with tight joints all around, including the miters. There is nothing I could suggest that would improve these chess boards, you have mastered the build on these.
I m positive the client will very happy & pleased with these.

- Oldtool
Thank you so much
 

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Great looking board with really tight joints and corners. I love the frame and finish. I also love the 19-38. It's never let me down.
 
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