How to Make a Wooden Travel Chess Set with Magnetic Pieces
A wooden travel chess set with magnetic pieces is a fantastic project for woodworking enthusiasts. This guide will take you through each step, from selecting materials to assembling the board and pieces. By the end, you’ll have a compact, foldable, and stylish chess set perfect for travel.
Materials and Tools Required
Materials:
- Hardwood (such as maple, walnut, or oak) for the board and pieces
- Thin plywood or veneer for the playing surface
- Small neodymium magnets (6mm – 10mm)
- Wood glue
- Hinges and a small latch (for a foldable board)
- Wood stain and finish (optional)
- Paint or woodburning tools for squares
- Epoxy or super glue for magnets
Tools:
- Table saw or circular saw
- Scroll saw or jigsaw (for cutting pieces)
- Drill and a Forstner bit (to insert magnets)
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Clamps
- Chisels and carving tools
- Ruler and pencil
- Woodburner or fine paintbrushes (for detailing)
Step 1: Designing the Chessboard
A good size for a travel chessboard is about 8” x 8” (20cm x 20cm) when open and 4” x 8” (10cm x 20cm) when folded.
- Select the Wood: Use hardwood for durability and a premium feel. You can also laminate two contrasting woods for a checkered pattern.
- Mark the Squares: Use a ruler to measure and mark 1-inch squares (8×8 grid).
- Create the Checkerboard Pattern:
- Option 1: Use Veneer – Cut light and dark veneer squares and glue them in an alternating pattern.
- Option 2: Woodburning or Painting – Use a woodburning tool to darken half the squares or apply wood stain/paint.
Step 2: Adding Magnets to the Board
To hold magnetic pieces securely, embed small neodymium magnets under the board surface.
- Drill Small Holes: Use a Forstner bit to drill shallow recesses on each square’s center.
- Glue the Magnets: Secure them in place with epoxy or super glue.
- Ensure Proper Polarity: Keep all magnets facing the same direction so that the pieces will attach correctly.
Step 3: Creating the Chess Pieces
- Choose a Design: Keep the design simple for travel purposes—small, rounded bases work best.
- Cut the Pieces:
- Use a scroll saw to cut out each piece from hardwood.
- Alternatively, use a lathe to turn the pieces for a more professional look.
- Drill for Magnets:
- Drill a shallow hole at the base of each piece.
- Secure a small magnet inside with glue.
- Refine the Pieces: Sand each piece to smooth edges and carve details using chisels.
Step 4: Building the Folding Chessboard
- Cut the Board in Half: Use a table saw to divide it into two equal parts.
- Attach Hinges: Secure small hinges on one side so the board folds in half.
- Add a Latch: Install a small latch to keep the board closed when folded.
- Hollow Storage (Optional): Carve out a shallow compartment inside the board to store pieces when folded.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
- Sand the Entire Set: Use fine-grit sandpaper (220+) for a smooth finish.
- Apply Stain or Paint: Enhance the wood’s appearance with stain or paint for contrast.
- Seal with Clear Finish: Use polyurethane, shellac, or beeswax to protect the wood.
Final Thoughts
A handmade wooden travel chess set with magnetic pieces is a rewarding project that results in a durable and elegant game set. It’s perfect for travel, compact, and resistant to movement thanks to the magnets.
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