I'm looking to start carving a chess set for my son and could use some advice. What types of knife sets are good for this kind of work, and which woods would you recommend for making the pieces?
2 Answers
For wood, I'd suggest going with basswood for the white pieces and walnut for the black ones. Basswood is a bit easier to carve, especially if you're using a lathe, but if you don’t have one, a good small carving knife will also do the trick. Overall, basswood is a great choice if you're just starting out!
I've been thinking the same! If I were new to this, I’d just stick with basswood for all the pieces and dye the black ones. Walnut can be a bit tough to handle since it’s harder and more brittle.
If you're not worried about precision and just want to get the pieces made, using a lathe will definitely give you a much nicer finish than hand carving!
If you're looking for something a little fancier, you might try African blackwood and maple for a more premium option. But honestly, if you want a budget-friendly route, lime or basswood with a stain will work just fine! Plus, you can screw pieces onto a drill for some lathe-like spinning action.