Custom-built handmade chessboards made locally by Andrew Morrow of Red Lightning Custom Woodworking.
Chessboards
These boards are made from walnut and maple, with a trim of these same woods around the board. The box below each made from cherry, with a cherry, walnut, and maple panel on the bottom. Both the board and the box are finished with a natural boiled linseed oil, then topped with paste wax for a soft feel.
The wood for each piece is sourced from my Andrews's own Salem woods, then milled, dried, and assembled on the property. Each board and accompanying box are made to be unique and individual, with only the most basic similarities in design. Andrew lets the flow of work define the end product’s final look rather than a uniform expectation.
Chess Pieces
These pieces are made from the same maple and walnut found on the board, and carries much of the same grain and character of that wood. They are simply made, with straight lines and simple angles, so that the craftsmanship isn’t the focus, but rather the wood and the pieces themselves. In this set, Andrew hopes that the flaws will be seen and accepted, the details appreciated, and for them to be shared with another over a game.
The wood is cut, milled, and finished all at Andrew's own local shop. Each piece is hand finished with boiled linseed oil and paste wax. This allows for easy maintenance as well as a nice feeling as you move them across the board.
Chessboard with Pieces
The boards are made from walnut and maple, with a trim of these same woods around the board. The box below each made from cherry, with a cherry, walnut, and maple panel on the bottom. There is ample room in the box to store chess pieces, checkers, or other items. The space is intended to serve many uses, as we all find need for places to store things.
The pieces are made from the same maple and walnut found on the board, and carries much of the same grain and character of that wood. They are simply made, with straight lines and simple angles, so that the craftsmanship isn’t the focus, but rather the wood and the pieces themselves. Additionally, the flat sides of the design makes them easy to store, as they won’t roll around but rather sit flat when put away.
Both the board, box, and pieces are finished with a natural boiled linseed oil, then topped with paste wax for a soft feel and easy care for years to come. In this set, Andrew hopes that the flaws will be seen and accepted, the details appreciated, and for them to be shared with another over a game.
The wood for each piece is sourced from Andrew's own woods, then milled, dried, and assembled on the property. Each board, accompanying box, and piece is made to be unique and individual, with only the most basic similarities in design. Andrew lets the flow of work define the end product’s final look rather than a uniform expectation, and hope it brings joy to those who play on it.
*Message for custom-made orders.
Red Lighting Custom Woodworking