A couple of years ago my father gave me some molds for Scottish chess pieces and i decided it was time to build a board for it.

Step 1: Preparation

To make sure all the different parts will fit, i made a 3D model in Solidworks. I used these dimensions for the files suitable for a laser cutter. The board is designed in a way that the hole board just contains 8 different parts which you have to use several times. In this way you can't assemble the board incorrect.

Step 2: What You Need!

The chess board is designed for material with a thickness of 4mm, i used plywood. And that is all you need except for wood glue.

Because of the dimensions of the smallest laser cutter available at the FabLab (300mm/600mm) you'll need 8 plates of material. Get the materials and files for the laser cutter and go to a FabLab and use the program Coreldraw to set the laser.

Step 3: Assembling the Laser Cutted Pieces

1. First slide the 4 parts together which will form the inside of the board.

2. Than slide and glue the parts for the compartments and board-support form above in the construction from step 1.

3. Now you have to rotate the assembly 180° so you can complete the compartments by placing the bottom.

Step 4: Assembling the Laser Cutted Pieces #part 2

4. Rotate the assembly another 180° so the bottom of the compartments are facing down.

5. Then you have to place the first 3 parts with the grid cutout at the outside of the assembly. Make sure that 2 out of 3 are parallel with the compartments. (Photo1)

6. Now you can place, and not glue!!, the valves above the compartments. The valves are placed in small holes above the grid.

7. To lock the valves you have to place the last part from the outside.

8. Finish the board by placing the outlines of the board.