Jujudaffy Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 Hello all! I'm new to woodworking and have decided to make the hubby a wall display for chess pieces from a beautiful set he got in Germany many years ago. The largest pc is just shy of 6" tall x 2" wide. I'm looking at something like a large picture frame with 4 'shelves' and the back to be stained with the chess board dark/light effect. Ultimately, the board will be approx 16.5" w x 24" h (+ the thickness of the 'shelves'). So, 2 questions for now... 1) I'm debating between making the chessboard and the the shelves to be made entirely of slats that I can stain and piece together. I figure this will allow the shelf to be set between the rows of the chessboard back. OR, to have the chessboard back to be a solid piece and somehow attached these little shelves to the front. I know the first option requires more precise cutting of all the slats so no gaps, but if I did this under option 2, how would I attach the shelves? 2) based on the length of approx 16.5", would you recommend the shelf to be 1/8" thick? The pieces are not truly heavy, but they are not light like smaller or plastic pieces. Thank you all for your help. I truly appreciate your advise!! Juju Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strasberry Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 If it were me, I wouldn't make the shelves any less than 1/2". I suppose you could go 1/4 or 3/8 but that is just begging to have the shelves bow.. I would make a four side box with a back rabbited in to the frame and the shelves dadoed into the sides. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 Welcome to the forums! 1/2" shelves and no stain. I like Strasberry's idea for the box. Purchase the correct lumber (like maybe walnut and maple) and cut/glue up to get the chess board look you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 Welcome in ,Juju. I agree with the others that 1/8" thick shelves will likely be a problem. What you describe sounds like a 'vertical chessboard'. There are videos on how to construct one on Youtube. If you can tell us a bit about the tools you have, and your skill level / experience, we might be able to help you more. Sounds like a neat project, I hope you will share some photos along the way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradpotts Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 I am building one as we speak. My shelves are 1/4". I wouldn't go any smaller than that. How I made the chess back was I cut all of the pieces then glued them to a strip of plywood. I glued that strip to another piece of plywood for the back. Here are some pictures. I put a 3/4" recess around the back because I am planning on using a French cleat system to hang it up. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradpotts Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 I also finished the inside before glueing to make sanding and finishing easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave H Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 That's really nice bradpotts! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 Nice work Brad! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strasberry Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 Nice Brad! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 There ya go juju, Brad did a great job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradpotts Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 Thanks guys! Once I finish, I will post it in project showcase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jujudaffy Posted August 11, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2015 Sorry for the late response, was on vacation!! Thank you so much for your information/advice. And Bradpotts, That is wonderful!!!! I'm only making mine 4 shelves high as the pieces are too big to make a full vertical chess board, just a display board, but that is what I'm hoping to complete. I'll post some pics as I go since I know I'll have more questions as I progress.Juju 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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