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Woodworking with reclaimed materials like pallet wood can be challenging, but the results are often rewarding. This post details the journey of creating a handmade chessboard from free pallets found on Facebook Marketplace. From sourcing the wood to dealing with unexpected challenges, this project showcases the beauty of working with reclaimed wood and the satisfaction that comes from overcoming hurdles.
Key Takeaways
- Pallet Wood Can Be Unpredictable: Pallets vary in quality, and disassembly can be challenging, but the hidden beauty of reclaimed wood is worth the effort.
- Ebonizing is a Unique Technique: Using steel wool and vinegar to ebonize wood can create a striking black effect, but it’s essential to know the wood’s tannin content for best results.
- Flocking Adds a Professional Touch: Flocking the inside of drawers provides a luxurious feel, but using the right adhesive is crucial for success.
- Handmade Projects Are Imperfect: Minor flaws in handmade projects add character and uniqueness. Embracing these imperfections is part of the process.
- Pricing and Profit: Selling handmade woodworking projects can be profitable, but efficiency and knowing your limits—such as buying certain components instead of making them—can increase profit margins.
Finding the Right Pallet
The journey began with a search for pallets, a popular resource for woodworkers on a budget. After scouting several options, one suitable pallet made of hardwood was found. The next step was to disassemble it and remove the nails, which proved tricky as many nails snapped in the process. The wood was then planed down, revealing a beautiful array of colors, including pink hues, oak, and green-tinted wood.
Ebonizing the Wood for the Chessboard
Instead of using two different species of wood for the chessboard squares, the creator chose to ebonize half of the wood. Ebonizing involves a chemical reaction using steel wool and vinegar that reacts with the wood’s tannins, turning it black. However, since the species of wood was unknown, it was hard to predict how well the ebonizing would work. Thankfully, the reaction was successful, giving the chessboard a rustic and unique appearance.
Assembling the Chessboard
After ebonizing the squares, the process of gluing them to a Baltic birch plywood base began. Assembling 64 individual squares into a perfect grid was nerve-wracking, but after some small adjustments, the chessboard started taking shape. Despite minor imperfections, the creator embraced the rustic aesthetic that came with using reclaimed wood, reminding themselves that handmade projects don’t need to be flawless.
Creating the Chess Set Cabinet
The project wasn’t limited to just the chessboard. The goal was to create an entire cabinet-style chess set. Using a laser cutter, the structure for the drawers and the chessboard base was cut out from Baltic birch plywood. The reclaimed wood was used to clad the sides and to make beautiful oak drawer fronts, giving the set a cohesive and polished look.
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Flocking the Drawers
The next challenge was flocking the inside of the drawers, a technique where suede fibers are blown onto glue to create a soft, velvet-like finish. After an unsuccessful attempt with spray adhesive, the creator turned to Flex Seal, a rubberized coating. This worked perfectly, giving the drawers a professional finish that securely held the chess pieces.
Final Touches and Selling the Chessboard
After assembling the chessboard and drawers, the creator added finishing touches, such as waxed drawers and wooden handles. The chess set was then photographed outdoors for natural lighting, and an Instagram post was made to sell the set. Within a day, a buyer from Illinois reached out, and the chessboard was sold for $400, covering costs and netting a modest profit.
This project showcases the potential of pallet wood and serves as an inspiring example for others looking to create something beautiful from reclaimed materials. While woodworking with pallets may not be a get-rich-quick scheme, it can be a fulfilling way to make meaningful, one-of-a-kind creations.