A personalized chess set can be an opportunity to show your unique personality. Making your own pieces will be a creative process that will make future games even more fun. No matter who says “checkmate,” both you and your opponent can appreciate the creative work that went into designing the set.
Choose your material
Two of the most obvious options for a chess set are wood and metal. Many modern pieces of wood are produced on a rotary lathe. If you are not interested in expensive woodworking equipment, you can buy dowels and small blocks of wood. Small modifications should be enough to make the pieces different from each other. Cut 16 short pieces to use as pawns and reserve the highest four to become kings and queens. A razor and small saw should be sufficient for a minimalist wood setup.
Players who prefer a heavy collection of parts can enjoy collecting nuts and bolts of different sizes. If your local hardware store sells nuts individually, this aisle can be an ideal space to try out different combinations of bolts and washers. The pieces must rise by themselves and it must be clear which piece represents the bishop, pawn, rook, etc. Nothing complicates a game like forgetting which piece is which. The thin screws can be bent into curves to serve as knights.
Paint equipment
Two contrasting colors should be chosen for each side. A craftsman who takes pride in carving and carving may choose to use dark and light varnishes instead of paint. For metal, primer and paint provide the added benefit of preventing rust and corrosion. Bare metal and wood can also look attractive, but the distinction between each side should be obvious at a glance. If bare metal surfaces are used, it is worth investing in stainless steel.
Creating a board
Some designers may have gotten tired of the whole DIY idea at this point. For those who are less interested in boards, store-bought boards work just as well. If unique colors were chosen with paint or varnish, it will probably be more satisfying to play on a board with a matching scheme. Consider starting with a small square of plywood and applying varnish (or paint) over a checkered tape pattern. Be sure to remove the tape before the paint is completely dry, cutting the edges if it sticks. A metal or glass playing surface may also be possible, depending on your collection of tools and skills. When in doubt, always consider asking the person at your local hardware store.
Picking up the nuts and bolts needed for a game of chess may not be cheap. If all parts are purchased new, the cost can easily add up to a significant expense. There are sixteen pawns and sixteen other pieces to consider, plus the cost of paint or other materials. A plastic set from the store is less expensive, but the purchase is far less satisfying than completing a DIY project. For virtually any DIY, even some board games, the hardware store is a great place to start.
