A HANDCRAFTED, NUTS-AND-BOLTS

(Page 3 of 3)

November/December 1985
by Kathryn Neal Dantzler  
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KINGS ROW

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Each of the two kings requires a 2-1/2"-long machine bolt, a castle nut, a hex nut, a fender washer, and two flat washers.

To assemble a king, thread a hex nut as far onto a machine bolt as it will go. Drop a spot of glue onto the threads just above the hex nut-then quickly drop a flat washer onto the nut before the glue has time to dry (sound familiar?). Next, glue the second flat washer to the base of the castle nut (again, being careful to keep the nut's threads clean), allow the glue a few seconds to dry, then screw the castle nut and washer onto the end of the bolt and glue them in place to form the king's crown. Glue a fender washer to the head of the bolt and you've got a king. Repeat the above procedure to create the opposing king, and your chess set is ready to receive the finishing touches.

CHECK AND CHECKMATE

With the assembly work completed, it's time to divide the 32 pieces of your chess set into two opposing sides—each containing one king, one queen, two bishops, two knights, two rooks, and eight pawns.

Before applying the paint, check the parts of each of the pieces for tightness, and dab on more glue where needed. When the glue is dry, wipe each chess piece with a clean, soft cloth to remove any body oils and grime that may have accumulated, then spray—paint the two opposing teams contrasting colors. (If you want to be traditional, go with ivory and black; if you want to save money, use whatever colors you have on hand . . . within the realm of good taste, of course.)

These days, the meaning behind our traditional gift-giving occasions is too often marred and obscured by the impersonality of the mass-produced commercial products we give and receive. Consequently, no storebought gewgaw-no matter its cost or gloss-can express sincere caring as well as does a gift you took the time and patience to create with your own hands.

Checkmate.

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Comments

  • Thomas 11/27/2007 9:33:25 AM

    I made one of these chess set's 1985 from the article in your
    magazine. It was awesome. I am going to make another set shortly

  • Thomas 11/27/2007 9:33:05 AM

    I made one of these chess set's 1985 from the article in your
    magazine. It was awesome. I am going to make another set shortly

  • Donna 6/26/2007 9:34:45 AM

    Thanks so much for posting chess set. I passed on my collection of
    old MEN's and an old chess tutor is passing through. I so wanted to
    do some of this for (should have kept - think I did but where?)
    thanks

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