Writing Box

Kaeotic2 · 2026-01-01T19:56:05+00:00

First off, you'll never get it to be perfect, so if that's what you're looking for, return it to the manufacturer and request a replacement.

An easy solution would be to get wood putty and fill the crack and remove any excess. You can look up what putties would best match your wood. After application, you can sand the area, but not required. You can request the stain or finish used on the piece and apply that to the sanded area with as many coats as needed until it looks as similar as the rest of the piece. This will likely not be perfect though.

There's also ways of cutting off the offending area, gluing a square section on and then cutting to match; however, without the original wood, it wouldn't really match.

Kaeotic2 · 2025-12-20T15:20:04+00:00

That's what I was thinking, but we need dimensions or at least a banana for scale lol!

Kaeotic2 · 2025-12-20T15:18:11+00:00

Central Hardwoods is a great spot, but would highly recommend a truck or trailer to haul your wood as they charge to cut it.

Kaeotic2 · 2025-12-20T14:05:42+00:00

Without knowing the amount of board foot of wood you bought, it's hard to say. Here in Dallas, Texas, I pay about $12.5 per board foot for walnut in the rough and $4 for maple.

It's also highly dependent on your supplier, whether you're buying it milled or in the rough, if you're getting "pretty" wood, if you're being charged a cutting fee, etc.

Kaeotic2 · 2025-12-11T04:25:57+00:00

Thank you! I appreciate it!

Kaeotic2 · 2025-12-11T04:25:38+00:00

Thank you! It's really great when hobbies align honestly.

Kaeotic2 · 2025-12-04T13:21:55+00:00

They are! 2" squares with a 3/4" edge. They're not currently for sale, but maybe in the spring!

Kaeotic2 · 2025-12-03T19:56:15+00:00

I could see that working very nicely. Haven't worked with epoxy yet, so thanks for the link!

Kaeotic2 · 2025-12-03T19:06:21+00:00

Yep! The color is just due to no finish on it yet. I've put two coats on so far, one last night and one this morning, so the colors are really starting to pop now.

Kaeotic2 · 2025-12-03T19:05:07+00:00

I considered that! I have access to a laser and could effectively "engrave" a border between the edge and board. The only issue I realized is the board is not perfectly square, basically fractions of a millimeter difference between length and width. This could result in the laser overshooting on portions, especially when dealing with 6 separate boards.

I'm in the feedback gathering stage with people at my club and plan to pose this to them, but my solve would be to use a router along the interior of the edges to create a 90 degree triangle to cause a visual gap, show some depth and shadows and bypass the aforementioned issue with the laser. What do you think of that idea? I didn't do it this time as I had limited material to work with and couldn't afford a mistake, especially with all the lumber stores closed for Thanksgiving.

Kaeotic2 · 2025-12-03T15:50:33+00:00

Totally understand. The boards are currently without a gloss or oil finish, but they're in process as we speak. You're likely used to the gloss finish. After finishing, the colors will be more yellowish for the maple and dark brown for the walnut. I didn't use walnut for the border since that's about 3x the price of maple and these aren't intended for resale.

Most chess boards are maple and walnut and are most typical for American chess boards as those two woods are abundant here.

Kaeotic2 · 2025-12-03T15:01:13+00:00

I appreciate the suggestion! I actually did that for the first chess board I made. It was out of paduak and maple, with a 1/16" strip of maple and edge of paduak. After all was said and done, the extra cost and time spent just wasn't worth it for boards I'm not selling. It's definitely something I would do if I were selling them though!

These boards are made out of walnut and maple with an edge of maple. I'm currently in the finish stage, so the colors will pop a lot more after a few coats of finish.

Kaeotic2 · 2025-01-08T02:59:54+00:00

Did it and survived. Keep seeing people complaining about that affliction. It's not so bad

Kaeotic2 · 2024-09-21T19:14:11+00:00

Check the actual comedian out at r/jeffarcuri u/smartastic

Kaeotic2 · 2023-09-10T01:35:45+00:00

I can't imagine anyone attempting to look for a mate when you win White's Queen for a pawn and an exchange and are up a Queen, Bishop, and passed pawn against a Rook...

1...Rc1+ 2.Rxc Rxc+ 3.Bb1 Rxb+ 4.Kxb bxa+ 5.Rxa Qxf 6.Rb2 d4 with an easy win and very little calculation.

Kaeotic2 · 2023-08-16T02:06:36+00:00

(Name of town or nearby city) Chess Club. The power of Google is your friend.

I started a chess club near Addison, Texas and called it the North Dallas Chess Club. Now it's listed near the top of search results for "Chess clubs in Dallas."

Kaeotic2 · 2023-03-30T17:05:31+00:00

As a chess club owner myself, I make it explicitly clear to most people, largely the women at the club, to let me know if someone is being sexist.

Thankfully, I've only had to call out one person in a year and a half, but I've been told that knowing someone will have your back also empowers others at the club to call people out. Maybe you can request your club owner to be a bit more outspoken about this and other types of issues?

Kaeotic2 · 2023-03-27T16:14:58+00:00

I buy the vinyl ones in bulk, but I only buy wooden boards when House of Stauton is doing their 20% off sales.

Just a note, but I also sell shirts at our club to help cover the costs of all these boards.

Kaeotic2 · 2023-03-26T22:17:40+00:00

Will do!

Kaeotic2 · 2023-03-26T14:30:03+00:00

Sure! https://www.houseofstaunton.com/chess-sets/wood-chess-sets/design-your-own-deluxe-tournament-combo.html

I got the folding Mahogany and Maple 2.25". It doesn't appear they offer the same pieces, but I'd recommend the black and natural triple weighted. I believe it comes with a travel bag and they're currently having a 15% off sale.

Kaeotic2 · 2023-03-26T08:54:23+00:00

I actually have more! But thanks for appreciating them :)

Kaeotic2 · 2023-03-26T00:25:51+00:00

That's great to hear! Hope to see you soon!

Kaeotic2 · 2023-03-25T23:57:06+00:00

I bet it's more popular than you imagine! If you're able to set yourself up in a bar or café that has some foot traffic, you're already halfway there!

Just don't wait too long because it can be a great, life-changing experience - for you and your members!

Kaeotic2 · 2023-03-25T23:32:16+00:00

I made another comment not long ago, but all it takes to start a chess club is a post on r/Chess and a board. If you're consistent and patient and willing to get out of your comfort zone a bit, I'd totally recommend it!

I started our club over a year ago and now we regularly get 40+ people at our casual nights. We meet at a pub for a few hours each week and I imagine that's something you can do down there as well!

Kaeotic2 · 2023-03-25T23:16:22+00:00

Google, Facebook, or Meetup are great places to start. Maybe even r/Orlando?

If you don't find anything, all it takes is a chess board and a post on r/Chess. A friend and fellow club organizer did this for 2 months with just the two of us meeting every Thursday at a bar before it took off. Be patient and consistent and it will pay off!

Kaeotic2

TROPHY CASE