Creating an Escher-Like Tessellated Chess Board

[myxpykalix]

When you watch the video, the way he made the pieces in the software is pretty cool. However this looks like it would be best cut on a laser for it to fit together like it does. But as smart as some of you are you could figure a way to cut it on the bot with a small bit and maybe make the angles not so sharp..?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5FYehN0IYA
http://www.tesselmaniac.com/tess/Game.html

I didn't follow it far enough to open the pgm and try it but it's sitting on my desktop:eek:
If you try this report back to us what success you get:)

[twelchPTM]

my favorite part is the "Car Tire Clamp" method

[srwtlc]

You could do it with the V-carve inlay method. This is a representation of a hexagon lizard tessellation. You could do it with the standard inlay method with the corners being radiused.

[mikeacg]

It is too easy with the laser! Why even bother with the CNC? Yes, we might be able to do it on our machines but would it be the best way? I have a laser engraver and a couple of CNCs but I know what is better done on each machine. With the laser, there is very little waste wood with tessellations, no chip-outs and grain is not an issue.
The Lizard joint is too cool!!!

Still a great idea Jack! Thanks for posting!

Mike

[srwtlc]

The bad thing about the laser is the kerf gap. It would need some crack filler and then that doesn't always look good. The v-carve inlay would waste some wood and time, but would look really nice. It would make a nice cutting board too.

Here's the little guy if anyone wants to play around with him. ;)

[donek]

When you watch the video, the way he made the pieces in the software is pretty cool. However this looks like it would be best cut on a laser for it to fit together like it does. But as smart as some of you are you could figure a way to cut it on the bot with a small bit and maybe make the angles not so sharp..?
)


The bad thing about the laser is the kerf gap. It would need some crack filler and then that doesn't always look good.

This could be easily accomplished with the drag knife. The laser does add the ability to engrave or mark the individual pieces though.

[myxpykalix]

Sean,
That's a good idea about the drag knife, I hadn't thought of that when contemplating how else to cut this other then with a laser...

BTW...you don't happen to know a good drag knife supplier do you?:D:eek:

[donek]

Sean,
That's a good idea about the drag knife, I hadn't thought of that when contemplating how else to cut this other then with a laser...

BTW...you don't happen to know a good drag knife supplier do you?:D:eek:

Ha.. Ha..

I have too many things to do, but now I'm dying to make one of these as a gift for my chess loving father.

[mikeacg]

Scott,

You can offset the paths and not have a kerf gap with the laser...

Mike

[srwtlc]

You can offset the paths and not have a kerf gap with the laser...Yep, didn't think about that right off. I guess there may be a little trial and error to get a snug fit just the same, but it appears that there was no attempt to do that here.

If anyone would like the sea turtle that was at the end of the video, here's that little guy too.

[steve_g]

Scott...
Thanks for the Turtle tessellation... I've modified it so it can be cut with a 1/8" bit and made the scutes to be closed vectors. My plan is to make coasters for a "fishy" friend... His kids will discover that they fit together!

SG

[Justin G]

You could do it with the V-carve inlay method. This is a representation of a hexagon lizard tessellation. You could do it with the standard inlay method with the corners being radiused.

Exactly what i was thinking while watching that video Scott. Good call. Now I HAVE to make one of these. Ugh, add it to the list. Indexer is enroute, going to make the pieces too. anyone know of a resource for finding the chess piece models?