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How to Make Wooden Chess Pieces

When it comes to board games, few can match the reputation of chess. It has been played for decades throughout the world and regularly serves as the focus of competitions for players of every age group. Some chess enthusiasts find it more fulfilling to play with their own hand-crafted wood chess pieces. With a little creativity, you can create a chess set to enjoy for many years to come.

Things You'll Need

Thirty-two pieces of bass wood, 1-inch by 2-inch by 4-inch
Small wood chisel
Hammer
Wood file
60- grit sandpaper
220-grit sandpaper
Clamp
Pencil
Paper
Ruler

Instructions

- 1
  Draft your ideal design for your chess pieces. Draw the king, queen, two knights, two bishops, two rooks, and eight pawns you would like for each side of the board.
- 2
  Draw each piece design onto a different block. Remember to determine height of the chess piece by its importance; pawns being the smallest and least important up to the king which is the largest and most important piece.
- 3
  Clamp the block onto a flat work surface. Make sure the piece is secure and will not move during any chiseling.
- 4
  Shape the piece by gently chiseling away the outline of the shape. Use the wood file to curve any surface and 60-grit sandpaper to reach any hard-to-reach places.
- 5
  Sand the chess piece to a smooth finish with 220-grit sand paper. This will remove any rough edges and prepare the surface for painting or staining.
- 6
  Repeat this process until all thirty-two chess pieces are finished.

Chess & Checkers