I've built a solid wood (3/8" thick) backgammon board and I'm now
wrestling with how to incorporate it into a case. Most backgammon
set designs use veneer or paint over ply so wood movement isn't
an issue. They can just use the backing as the panels of the
case. On mine, however, I can't do this since the board surface
will expand. Any ideas on how to accomodate the wood movement?
jb asks:
>'ve built a solid wood (3/8" thick) backgammon board and I'm now
>wrestling with how to incorporate it into a case. Most backgammon
>set designs use veneer or paint over ply so wood movement isn't
>an issue. They can just use the backing as the panels of the
>case. On mine, however, I can't do this since the board surface
>will expand. Any ideas on how to accomodate the wood movement?
Essentially, use a frame and panel structure, with the backgammon board being
the panel. As it's a case, you may want to re-orient the frame so that it is
thicker in the vertical dimension--relative to the panel--but otherwise, it
should work easily (I'd use thick enough material so you won't reduce it to
almost zip by cutting the mortise, say 5/4). Use Space Balls or a similar
device to slow movement and cut clatter (run a bead of top quality caulk the
thickness you need, let it dry, slice it into pieces and insert).
Charlie Self
"Half of the American people have never read a newspaper. Half never voted for
President. One hopes it is the same half." Gore Vidal