| Ken
Morley, Lake Haven, NSW
Chess Box
Tasmanian oak
450 l x 240 w x 20mm d
Materials
Eight pieces of Tasmanian oak were selected
from Walker Brothers, Timber Merchants
North Gosford advising them that the timber
was to be used for a presentation chess
box. (They were most helpful).
Method
of Construction
The timber was trimmed to eight pieces
of 450mm length. Two pieces were used
to make the lid, one selected piece became
the top, and the other piece became a
20mm border by cutting out the centre
with a jigsaw. The two pieces were lightly
sanded, aligned, glued and clamped together
using Selleys Aquadhere PVA Interior glue
and left to set for 24 hours.
The remaining six pieces became the bottom
of the chess box, a recess was again cut
out of one piece to face the inside of
the lid. (These facing pieces may be cut
in one operation). The six pieces were
then sanded, aligned, glued and clamped
together and again allowed to stand for
24 hours.
Thirty-two circular holes were required
to house the chess set. The main chessmen
on the outside rows required 38mm speed
bore holes, and the pawns required 34mm
speed bore holes. Varying depths were
required for the outside holes as the
men are of different height, from 60mm
to 80mm. The pawns have one depth of 40mm.
The two pieces (top and bottom) were aligned,
clamped and given a fine sanding.
Three coats of Feast Watson Weatherproof
Clear High Gloss polyurethane were applied
inside and out, lightly sanding between
coats. The brass fittings were attached
and an old brass lock resurrected to add
some character, a brass nameplate was
attached to the top.
The completed unit weighed 10.5kg and
cost about $200.
The chessmen were made by my wife Shirley,
they are cast, painted and fired ceramic
pieces.
Concept
The concept came from my parents who originally
taught me to play chess many years ago,
and as a fitting reminder the chess set,
box and board were conceived. As our four
children are now all adults they have
each been given a complete set, they are
in the process of creating young chess
playing grandchildren.
Photos: Ken Morley
|
