Build a chessboard so fine, it's fit for a king or a queen! The uniquely designed chessboard top works with natural wood movement to keep the top stable. Two built-in drawers are perfect for hiding away your chess pieces. Plan is a reprint from issue 48 of Today's Woodworker magazine. Hardware Kit (#34281, sold separately) and Lumber Kit (#34356, sold separately). Intended for adults only; not for children under 14 yrs of age.
(1) Chessboard Plan
| Weight | 0.0600 |
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3.3 / 5.0
23 Reviews
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I like the looks of the chessboard and base.
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Good plans. Above my experience level
I will modify plans and build.
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January 10, 2015
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The plans I received are full...
The plans I received are full color and high quality. The detail views and plan drawings are excellent, clear, and easy to understand. Though I used my own chessboard grid idea, the project turned out great.
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January 26, 2009
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I built this board from the...
I built this board from the magazine plans in high school shop class. I was glad that I could find the plans as I want to build another one(8 years later). Everybody that sees it loves it! It's fun to build and the drawers for the pieces make it fancy...I made the dark squares out of wenge and the rest of the box out of walnut. You won't be disappointed if you build this!!!
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February 4, 2008
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I recently carved an intricate chess...
I recently carved an intricate chess set and board, but I was intrigued by these plans.It may take a while, but it looks perfect to go with this carved, not turned, chess set and I am looking forward to completing it.
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January 20, 2008
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Good plan could be a little more detailed but all in all very good ! Thank you .
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This is a very nice weekend project but not for a beginner.
Plans are not complete on some of the parts and I also added a bottom and handles to it which made it heavier so it does not move.
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I enjoyed doing the project and found the plans pretty good but had to do some calculations to address some parts of the plan..
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Start typing your question and we'll check if it was already asked and answered. Learn More
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Browse 7 questions
and 47 answers
Why did you choose this?
Rockler Store
Gift Idea
Mark S
on Apr 17, 2020
Basic instructions for building a chess board box.
TODD Snavely O
on Mar 22, 2020
Gift Idea
Mark S
on Apr 17, 2020
I'm hoping to make this so I can pass down my father's chess set (the original board is toast) to my son & three grandsons. Not sure any of them know how to play chess, but maybe this will make them want to learn.
John C
on Apr 3, 2020
I'm hoping to make this so I can pass down my father's chess set (the original board is toast) to my son & three grandsons. Not sure any of them know how to play chess, but maybe this will make them want to learn.
John C
on Apr 3, 2020
I can't wait to start this project with my son!
Matthew G
on Dec 16, 2019
What are the dimensions of the finished chess board? What is the size of each square?
BEST ANSWER: The squares are 1 5/8" square. The playing board (without the frame) measures 13 1/2" square - with the surrounding frame the entire unit measures 18" square. For me, it was a little small, so I just increased the measurements (by the same proportion) until I got the size I was looking for to fit my pieces.
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- Richard E on Oct 12, 2015
- Purchased on Jan 18, 2015
If I buy the plans is it just like the picture? With the drawers and everything?
BEST ANSWER: Answer: "Yes" However, I purchased the plans, was not impressed with all drill holes required to join the individual squares. I did not "use" this Rockler plan. I did build a 3/4" thick chessboard (only-without drawers), utilizing maple and walnut squares, cut into 1.500" square. I "joined" the squares by sawing slots, on centerline, from four
foot long strips of hardwood-on two sides initially. Then, I used a 100 tooth (new) carbide saw blade to slice
up the 64 squares,with the help of a stop. For the other two sides, I fabricated a jig, to encapsulate and support each block, with a "face plate", which was glued and screwed along the side of 3/4" sled. The "sled" is carefully notched out, which was approximately 15" long by 4" tall, in the center of the 3/4" thick sled. By doing this, each block is sandwiched between the "face plate" on the left and the table's fence on the right. Keeps your fingers away from the spinning blade. I used a quality piece of pine for this jig. Each 1.5" block should fit snug to the 1.5" x 1.5" opening to prevent any movement. If not, use duct tape to "close the gap" on any given side. I used full length splines, 3/4" wide by approximately 3/16" thick, ripped on my table saw. For the other two sides, during 'glue up', I had a good supply made up of 3/4" x 3/4" short splines during assembly. I "picture framed" the board and splined the entire inner frame's side too . Finally, used Titebond III glue, wax paper and a flat surface, utilizing steel pipe clamps and a damp rag to remove excess glue.
foot long strips of hardwood-on two sides initially. Then, I used a 100 tooth (new) carbide saw blade to slice
up the 64 squares,with the help of a stop. For the other two sides, I fabricated a jig, to encapsulate and support each block, with a "face plate", which was glued and screwed along the side of 3/4" sled. The "sled" is carefully notched out, which was approximately 15" long by 4" tall, in the center of the 3/4" thick sled. By doing this, each block is sandwiched between the "face plate" on the left and the table's fence on the right. Keeps your fingers away from the spinning blade. I used a quality piece of pine for this jig. Each 1.5" block should fit snug to the 1.5" x 1.5" opening to prevent any movement. If not, use duct tape to "close the gap" on any given side. I used full length splines, 3/4" wide by approximately 3/16" thick, ripped on my table saw. For the other two sides, during 'glue up', I had a good supply made up of 3/4" x 3/4" short splines during assembly. I "picture framed" the board and splined the entire inner frame's side too . Finally, used Titebond III glue, wax paper and a flat surface, utilizing steel pipe clamps and a damp rag to remove excess glue.
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- Thomas R on Apr 20, 2015
- Purchased on Feb 4, 2015
Where can size appropriate chess pieces be found?
BEST ANSWER: The House of Staunton has firmly established itself as the gold standard by which all chess pieces, chess boards and chess sets are judged. All of the luxury chess products have been produced with the discerning chess collector in mind. They adhere to the highest quality standards and their master artisans handcraft the chess pieces, chess boards and chess sets out of such luxurious materials as Porcelain and Maple Burl. Indulge yourself and discover what countless other chess enthusiasts know – The House of Staunton is the finest chess supplier, offering chess pieces, chess boards, unique chess sets, accessories and equipment – bar none! The Staunton Pattern Chessmen, as they were officially known, became commercially available on September 29, 1849 and quickly became the world standard of chess pieces. They are also one of the largest wholesale suppliers of chess equipment in the U.S. If you already own a chessboard, you may match your pieces accordingly to the size of the king, and woods used in your chess board.
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- James J on Nov 8, 2019
- Purchased on Oct 9, 2019
What type of wood stock was used for the case?
BEST ANSWER: Hello. I did not build this particular chess board/box, but I have built others. For my two most recent works, I have used a combination of walnut and maple for the squares, and used cherry or red oak for the case or frame. The maple and walnut has very nice contrast and the red oak or cherry is different enough to make a nice frame. Hope this helps.
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- Bob L on Nov 20, 2018
- Purchased on Jan 2, 2017
How large is the case?
BEST ANSWER: The chess board was about 24" square and the case about 4" larger on each side. I hope you're a really good wood worker because I found the plans weren't close to accurate. It took more than a month to build because I had to make numerous pieces to fit. Following the plans, some pieces short others no way they fit. Finally ended up being a beautiful piece, but, lots of frustration. Good luck.
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- George N on Mar 11, 2020
- Purchased on May 17, 2018
Why couldn’t you just make it like you would a cutting board?
BEST ANSWER: You could did mine with individual squares without the dowels.
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- Larry M on Feb 22, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 25, 2017
WARNING: Cancer & Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.govWARNING: Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products can expose you to wood dust, a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer. Avoid inhaling wood dust or use a dust mask or other safeguards for personal protection. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/wood.
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