Chinese Checkers Board With Dragon

Hi this is my first Instructable, on How I made a Chinese Checkers Board on my X-Carve CNC Router.

My family and I get together once a week to have family game night, so I wanted to make us a game on my new X-Carve. I remember playing Chinese Checkers as a kid. But I wanted it to be more than just a game, stuck in a drawer until being played. I thought it would be great to have a game on one side and a piece of Artwork on the other, this is what I came up with.

The first step was to make or use a pattern. I found the Crv files on Woodworkers Journal, below is the link

http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/make-chinese-che...

But I made some changes to the files in Vectric Aspire, added a Keyhole toolpath to hang the board up on the wall.Plus added a Dragon carving on the back side.

Click here to see the youtube video

I use a 1/4" endmill to rough cut the pockets, then used a 1/2" Radius cutter to finish the pockets and cut the places for marbles. Then I used a Keyhole cutter to cut the keyhole slot for hanging, had the cutter to use one of the marble holes. Then I used a 1/4" endmill cutter to cut most of the project out, left about 1/16", so I could flip the board over and Carve the Dragon out. I use a 30* Engraving bit to carve the Dragon and then use it to finish the cutout.

After cutting the board out, took it to my Table router and use a flush cut bit to clean up the 1/16" lip. I also use a 3/8" radius bit to both sides. I painted the Dragon cutout with Black craft paint. After the paint dried, I sanded the entire piece with 220 grit sandpaper, I used a electric sander for most, but had to do some hand sanding. I put on a coat of Minwax wood conditioner, then a coat of Minwax Ipswich Pine stain, left it on for a few minutes then wiped it off. Now I let the stain dry for 24 hours and sprayed a couple coats of Clear sealer.

I couldn't fine any marbles local, so I had to ordered them off EBAY. Last week we played a game of Chinese Checkers on it ( brung back old memories). The Family loved it and I did to, although I didn't win. It's all about having quality time and fun with your family!

I used a piece of Cabinet Grade Pine plywood 15" x 15" ( I use this for the plywood contest) This would work with any wood species. Thanks for looking

I have included my crv files, please be sure to check all toolpaths and settings before using, adjust them if necessary.

Step 1: Pockets

Here I am carving out the pockets on the board, using the X-Carve CNC Router

Step 2: Marble Holes

In this picture I am cutting the marble holes using a 1/2" Radius cutter

Step 3: Keyhole

This is the Keyhole slot that I cut, to hang the Game board up with, note I use one of the marble holes.

BY USING ONE OF THE MARBLE HOLES, IT KINDA HIDES THE KEYHOLE SLOT, MARBLE STILL GOES IN IT FINE

Step 4: Backside

After i carve the front side of Game board, I flipped the piece over and carve a Dragon on the back side. I use a 30* Engraving bit, but could be done with a 60* V-bit

I also finish cutting the piece out from the backside, then using a flush trim router bit on the router table. Also cut a 3/8" radius on both sides with the router.

Step 5: Paint and Sand

I painted the Dragon with Black craft paint, before sanding.

Note I did sand in the vcarve a little before painting

After the paint dried, I sanded the hole piece with 220 grit sandpaper, using a electric sander where possible and then hand sanded the rest.

Step 6: Wood Conditioner

I applied a coat of wood conditioner, as per instructions on can

Step 7: Stain

After letting wood conditioner set for recommended time, I applied Minwax Ipswich Pine Stain, Let dry overnight and then sprayed a coat of Clear sealer on it.

Step 8: Game Time

Now is the time to enjoy your hard work, playing a game of Chinese Checkers bring back old childhood memories.

But when you are not playing, don't put the game in a drawer, hang it up on the wall for decoration.

Thanks for looking, please check out the video on youtube at: https://youtu.be/dw4La_FKISw