[beltramidave]

Was asked to make a checkerboard several months back and kept putting it off as I didn't really want to glue up material. I was looking around the shop one day and I thought, why couldn't I just make this from plywood and simulate the checkered areas with stain and paint. The following pics show what I came up with.

I used a scrap piece of plywood and some pine to make the trim boards, then poured epoxy over everything. The epoxy really gave it depth and I would bet that if I didn't tell people, they would think that is was glued up material.

 

[DesertRatTom]

Pretty nice looking board. The outside trim really enhances it.

 

[dman2]

So that's just one piece of ply? If so, how did you keep the stain so well confined? I don't see any bleeding!

 

[beltramidave]

So that's just one piece of ply? If so, how did you keep the stain so well confined? I don't see any bleeding!

Yes, it is just one piece. I used Oramask when I machined the v-grooves. That allowed me to pull off the appropriate squares to apply the stain and the v-grooves kept the stain from bleeding. Then I sealed with shellac and painted the v-grooves with black acrylic paint.

 

[difalkner]

People won't believe it when you tell them? I don't believe it and I'm looking at the photos! That looks great, Dave! I never would've believed you could get that look with plywood. Excellent job and presentation!

David

 

[Stick486]

sweet!!!!

 

[PhilBa]

Well done. One thing I've never been able to do well, even with oramask, is paint lines like that.

 

[DaninVan]

Wow! That epoxy finish is amazing!!

 

[JOAT]

So much for the people who don't like plywood. Very nice.

And if you ever want to make a simple chess/checker board for kids (something that won't get good care) here you go. Just make a stencil and spray paint it.

 

[RainMan 2.0]

Dave that’s a very innovative idea , and a great outcome. Thanks for sharing

 

[newbie2wood]

I am floored by that finish and that is an incredible project!

I think I need to learn about using epoxy for finishes

 

[beltramidave]

I am floored by that finish and that is an incredible project!

I think I need to learn about using epoxy for finishes

Not much to it, if you can follow directions. Bought mine a big box store. Mix 1:1 as directed, make sure piece is level and pour. I used a electric heat gun to "pop" air bubbles.

 

[Herb Stoops]

Hard to believe, nice job.
Herb

 

[Stick486]

can I add??? - AWESOME!!!

 

[Pro4824]

I think Dave is trying to fool us into believing it's plywood. That's just amazing!! Great job Dave.

 

[dman2]

Yes, it is just one piece. I used Oramask when I machined the v-grooves. That allowed me to pull off the appropriate squares to apply the stain and the v-grooves kept the stain from bleeding. Then I sealed with shellac and painted the v-grooves with black acrylic paint.

Thanks! And I learned something new -- oramask! I never heard of it before...
Very nice job!:smile:

 

[marecat3]

WoW looks great

 

[sreilly]

Now that's one very serious checker board. Won't find one of those in my granddaughter's toy boxes. That is some serious skilled work.

 

[TenGees]

Great looking board with an excellent finish, Dave.

 

[Multiwood]

Great job Dave