I don't think the scale is a real issuel. I think your biggest problem
will be disimilar materials and expansion in general. Therefore, I
would suggest one of two methods.

1. Use quality hardwood veneer plywood squares of the two materials.
2. Use veneer squares on a stable substrate, such as MDF

If you use plywood, then the edge gluing would be an issue so I would
go with slots and splines along one edge direction. Then do a hardwood
boarder.. You could also do a plywood base with the squares just
placed down on that with no splines and then a hardwood band. Start by
applying the hardwood band to two sides and try to keep it and the
squares super square (ie cutting the squares on the table saw. Then
band the two open sides once you are done.


On Jul 6, 7:41*pm, "barry712" wrote:
I have a very good friend who runs a gallery in Gatlinburg, TN who wants me
to make him a very nice, and rather large, chessboard. *I'm thinking the
squares will be something like 5". *His chess *pieces will be comic book
action figures about 8" tall. *I will turn a 4" round base for each of
these. *I'm guessing the board itself will be glued up of squares of
maple/cherry or maple/walnut. *I'm thinking some simple inlay work may help
to dress up the board.

Does anyone have any advice/plans/ideas on how I should proceed? *I have
some concerns that the board will simply be too large to "look right". *If
the board is composed of 64 - 5" squares, that means it will be 40" X 40",
plus it really should have a border or 5" or 6". *To me, a four (4') foot
chessboard is not too practical. *But it is more a display for the action
figures than it is a board for playing chess. *Comments please. *Thanks.