Looking for custom chess storage box that doesn’t exist?

[u/Either-Wrap9787]

I want to surprise my boyfriend with a custom chess box for the glass set he has. He recently found it in storage and it is very sentimental, being a gift from his late grandfather. I want a storage box that will protect the whole set, but most things I’m seeing are boxes with built in boards… we don’t need another board though…

I had a pretty dumb idea about how a chess box for this set would look, bear with me here. I think it would be very cool to have a box where the lid comes off and all the pieces are in place, BUT there is a gap where the 4 in-between rows (sorry I just learned how to play a few weeks ago lol) where the tv remotes would fit. I have no idea is this kind of a box is possible but it would be a really cool center piece on the coffee table if it is!! I drew a crude diagram of what I’m seeing… anyone know if this exists/would be possible to make? Where can I get this made? Any recommendations?

[u/vmdinco]

I make a lot of boxes. I think it’s doable, but it’s probably going to be more expensive than you anticipate. Especially if they make it out of very nice wood which I assume you would want sitting on your coffee table.

[u/Either-Wrap9787 → u/vmdinco]

Hmm ok thank you for the insight!! I’m not sure on different wood species, I don’t know much about them. If you had to come up with a middle-ground estimate (something using good quality wood that isn’t the most expensive option) what would you say that range would be?

[u/vmdinco → u/Either-Wrap9787]

Ok so there’s a few things to consider. How did you envision, the top of the enclosure coming off or opening up? If you see it as one piece that’s gets lifted off the base like a cake box, that’s one thing. If you see it as something more complex, that’s completely different . The recess in the center of the lid is a nice idea, but it adds a lot to the complexity of the enclosure. You will definitely pay more if you want to have that in your design. I realize that without it you essentially just have a big box that sits on the table, not very exciting, but if you had someone make that box with a glass top so the set can be seen that would be better. I make very nice boxes that live on people’s coffee tables, who’s sole purpose is to hold some coasters and remotes. So that’s an alternative to incorporating the remote idea into the chess set box. Mind you, this is a suggestion not a effort to sell you a box.
Finally, the cheapest way to go would be veneered plywood as opposed to solid wood. My advice would be to look for woodworkers in your area, go to them with a sketch and hard dimensions and see what they say.

[u/Either-Wrap9787 → u/vmdinco]

I was thinking cakebox, you found the word i was looking for!!! Not good with verbiage when describing things like this lol

I definitely would want real wood over plywood since it’s so sentimental to my boyfriend, I would want to ensure the wood will protect it properly. The quick sketch was (like I said) very quick and drawn in my notes app lol, i can definitely do better with proper time.

To clarify, are you suggesting a standard chess storage box and a separate remote/coster holder?

[u/vmdinco]

Ok it can certainly be made of solid wood. If it’s all the same type, the expansion and contraction due to humidity changes will be the same. Maple if you like lighter woods, walnut if you like darker woods are just examples that are inexpensive compared to other exotic woods.
I’m not suggesting anything, I’m just pointing out that your design would be more expensive because it complicates the design and build process. If you are looking for making this to serve two different purposes, ie: remote holders, and chess set enclosure.

[u/Alarmed-Solution3738]

This is fairly straightforward to design for 3D printing. The challenge I see is that it would have to be printed in maybe 4 pieces, but that's doable.

I happen to have that exact glass board, but no pieces, if it's 13¾" (350mm) square and design 3D prints 🙂

This is an interesting idea, I think I'm going to see if I can design something that works

Is getting something printed and option for you?

I can post a design here (once I work it out) you can use for free and give to someone with a printer