Latest Chess Set

[rafairchild2]

It's been a while.  A tough summer.  My surgery went well, but it was over a month of healing, and the nerves that were moved, were slow to recover.  Then my wife had emergency surgery, summer heat, and then trying to get yard work caught up and then I got nailed with medicine induced hives 4 weeks ago neck to knees, front and back!

I had started this back in May, hoping I would complete it before I went under the knife, but got 1/2 done.  Finally spent last week and through the weekend in the workshop for the first time, and just kept working.

My one regret is using the minwax poly.  I think it looks too thick, I was going for high shine.  I will go back to Danish Oil.

The board is a cheap store bought, I keep in the shop.

Edited September 13, 2025 by rafairchild2

[Gonzo]

Very very nice!  Chess sets are one of my favorite things to make.
What woods did you use?

I’m not a fan of poly for the same reason.
 

I hope you and your wife keep getting better 

[daveww1]

very nice

[jerry walters]

Was happy to see your posting this morning.  Missed you.  Hope you and your wife are both at 100% soon.  

Great cutting on the chess set.  Some day will have to give Danish oil a try.  I see many villagers use it.

Welcome back.

Jerry

[Scrappile]

Nice Chess set.  I am just preparing to start making two.  One for each grandson.  May never get completed, but worth a try.

[rjweb]

That is excellent, RJ

[jerry walters]

@rafairchild2 you said "My one regret is using the minwax poly.  I think it looks too thick, I was going for high shine.  I will go back to Danish Oil."

What kind of danish oil to you use.  There are so many out there including Watco- but isn't Watco a stain.  I'm curious, would like to give it a try.

Jerry

[Sycamore67]

I just visited your website and am very impressed. You are doing great work and selling chess sets to support your charity is wonderful.

I saw your Venice inspired chess set and was in awe.  That set is unbelievable !!!

[rjweb]

Where is the website link please, RJ

ok I found it it’s very nice and interesting, RJ 

Edited September 14, 2025 by rjweb

[rafairchild2]

On 9/13/2025 at 8:38 PM, jerry walters said:

@rafairchild2 you said "My one regret is using the minwax poly.  I think it looks too thick, I was going for high shine.  I will go back to Danish Oil."

What kind of danish oil to you use.  There are so many out there including Watco- but isn't Watco a stain.  I'm curious, would like to give it a try.

Jerry

I used WATCO, but the natural, thus it was clear, not a stain.

[rafairchild2]

On 9/13/2025 at 9:48 AM, jerry walters said:

Was happy to see your posting this morning.  Missed you.  Hope you and your wife are both at 100% soon.  

Great cutting on the chess set.  Some day will have to give Danish oil a try.  I see many villagers use it.

Welcome back.

Jerry

Thanks Jerry... Not quite 100% but getting there. I went for 6 weeks to bi-week occupational therapy.  I've been back to work at NATO f/t too. My wife is on her feet and active, FYI: I am kicking her out of the house at the end of the month!

Disney Cruise for her and a church friend

I'll be home with my cats and scroll saw and little green houses.  I am sure I can get into trouble while she is gone.

[jerry walters]

Thanks for your response Richard.  I'll have to give it a try.  From what you said the danish oil will give it a glossy shine.  I think my Ace hardware carries it.

Jerry

[rafairchild2]

5 hours ago, jerry walters said:

Thanks for your response Richard.  I'll have to give it a try.  From what you said the danish oil will give it a glossy shine.  I think my Ace hardware carries it.

Jerry

No it is more of a satin finish, than gloss.  This is why I screwed up and did not use it, but tried poly.  But when looking over the lighthouses I just completed, it is so much better with D.O.

Black and White Limba, finished in Danish Oil natural.

Edited September 16, 2025 by rafairchild2