Watch Episode 4 | Download the Plan
There are times when woodworking projects serve a practical end: a bookcase, a cabinet, a table. Those are still fun to build. However, these two projects put a strong emphasis on having fun in your workshop.
The chessboard features many skills in other types of furniture making. But the small scale and the finished product are all about the experiences you’ll have playing the game.
To top it off, you get to make the pieces as well. Most of the parts are turned. But the mid-century design style keeps the turning simple and ideal for those of you learning to turn.
Watch Episode 5 | Download the Plan
The project built in Episode 5 is inspired by a revival in vernacular chairmaking. The most common example is the wide family of Windsor chairs. Another style is an earlier form of chairmaking called stick chairs.
These stick chairs can be made from nearly any wood and the design is easy to customize. You can see that in how we tackle this chair. Chris shapes the seat with hand tools and Phil gives the other parts a textured surface.
Bonus Materials
Sticking with a seating theme, these two stools can easily be made in a weekend. Plus, they show off some woodworking skills you can apply in other projects around your house and workshop.
Strategy lies at the heart of chess. If you’re looking for something a little more active, a game of darts is far more relaxed and will keep you on your toes. This dartboard cabinet turns any room into an English pub.
