Creating a wooden chess piece display stand can be an enjoyable woodworking project that not only showcases your beautiful chess set but also adds a personalized touch to your space. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own display stand for chess pieces.
Materials You Will Need:
- Wood (your choice of wood type): Hardwood like oak, maple, or walnut is ideal for strength and aesthetic appeal.
- Wood glue
- Wood screws (optional, depending on your design)
- Finishing nails (optional)
- Wood filler
- Sandpaper (120-grit and 220-grit)
- Wood stain or paint (optional, depending on finish preference)
- Clear wood finish or varnish (to protect the stand and enhance its appearance)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Miter saw or table saw
- Drill with bits for screws or pilot holes
- Clamps
Step 1: Plan Your Design
First, think about the style and size of the chess piece display stand you want. You can create a simple horizontal stand that displays each piece neatly in a row, or you could design a tiered stand to allow more vertical space for your pieces.
Here’s a basic concept for a horizontal display stand:
- The base will hold individual slots for each chess piece.
- The back support will prevent the pieces from falling over, which can be made as a thin vertical wall that rises from the back edge of the base.
If you prefer a multi-tier stand, each tier can hold different types of pieces (e.g., pawns on the bottom tier, rooks on the next, etc.).
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Pieces
Start by measuring the size of your chess pieces to determine the spacing between them. For example, you might want each slot to be 2 inches wide to accommodate a standard pawn or queen. Ensure the pieces will sit comfortably in their slots without feeling too cramped.
Base piece: Measure and cut the base to the desired length and width. For example, a length of 18 inches and width of 6 inches will hold a standard chess set with room for each piece.
Back support piece: Cut a thin vertical piece to act as the back support. This should be slightly shorter than the length of the base (e.g., 1-2 inches shorter). The height could range between 3 to 5 inches depending on how tall you want the back to be.
Slots for the chess pieces: If you’re making a row of slots, mark evenly spaced slots on the base for the pieces to fit. The width of each slot should be just slightly larger than the width of the pieces. Use a saw or a router to cut these slots, ensuring they are straight and even.
Step 3: Assemble the Stand
Attach the back support: Apply wood glue to the back edge of the base and position the back support piece in place. Use clamps to hold the parts together while the glue dries. For added security, you can use small screws to fasten the back support to the base.
Add the dividers (if applicable): If you are creating multiple slots, you will need to add dividers between each one. Measure the width and cut the dividers to match. Glue and, if necessary, nail them into place. Space them evenly, making sure there’s enough room for each chess piece to fit comfortably.
Reinforce with screws (optional): If you prefer extra strength, you can drill small pilot holes and secure the dividers or back support with screws. However, be cautious not to over-tighten, as this could split the wood.
Step 4: Sand and Finish the Stand
Sanding: Once the glue has dried and everything is in place, sand the entire piece with 120-grit sandpaper. Focus on smoothing the edges and corners. Follow up with 220-grit sandpaper for a smoother finish.
Wood filler: If there are any gaps or imperfections in your woodworking, fill them with wood filler. Allow it to dry, then sand it smooth.
Stain or paint (optional): If you want to add color or bring out the natural grain of the wood, apply a stain. Choose a color that complements your chess set. Apply the stain according to the manufacturer’s instructions and wipe off any excess.
Clear finish: After staining, or if you prefer the natural look of the wood, apply a clear wood finish or varnish. This will protect the wood and give it a glossy appearance. Apply multiple coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the display stand has dried completely, place your chess pieces into the slots. You might want to line the bottom of the slots with felt or soft fabric to protect your pieces from any scratches.
You can also add decorative touches to the stand, such as engraving a name, a logo, or any intricate patterns to personalize your display. If you’re creating a multi-tier stand, consider adding a small lip or guard to each tier to ensure the pieces don’t slip off.
Conclusion
With a bit of time and attention to detail, you can craft a beautiful wooden chess piece display stand that will highlight your prized chess set. Whether you go for a sleek, minimalist design or something more elaborate, the stand will be a perfect addition to your home, making your chess set both accessible and stylish.
For those who want to dive deeper into woodworking, consider checking out Ted’s Woodworking Course for comprehensive plans and detailed instructions on more projects! Learn more here.