Encyclopedia Vol. 3: The Pieces – Wood, Durability & The Art of the System
In the world of vertical chess, pieces are often an afterthought—cheap plastic with a glued magnet. This chapter is a manifesto for wood. We explore why we press-fit magnets instead of gluing them, compare solid hardwood vs. plywood, and show how these pieces survived a journey around the world in a backpack.
Executive Summary (Key Takeaways)
- No Glue: ChessboArt uses difficult "press-fit" technology, forcing magnets into wood without adhesive for a permanent bond.
- Two Philosophies: Choose between the classic, warm feel of Solid Wood (Lita) or the modern, structural precision of Plywood (Sklejka).
- Proven Durability: The "ChessboTravel" project proved that these pieces can survive extreme conditions and travel across continents.
- Beyond Function: The system allows for artistic expression, including pieces with embedded flowers or colored resin.
Introduction: More Than Just a Magnet Holder
When designing the ChessboArt Vertical System, we knew that the physics of magnets (Vol. 2) was only half the battle. The other half is what you hold in your hand.
Most "magnetic chess" sets use hollow plastic pieces that feel cheap and sound "clicky." We wanted the majestic feeling of a wooden tournament set, transferred onto a vertical wall. This required rethinking materials and assembly from the ground up.
You can browse our full collection of wooden magnetic pieces here: Step 2: Choose Your Pieces.
1. The "Press-Fit" Anomaly: Why Glue is for Amateurs
This is a bold statement, but it must be said: To my knowledge, I don't know anyone else who press-fits magnets into wooden chess pieces. Everyone else glues them.
Why are we the exception? Because press-fitting into wood is incredibly difficult.
- The Easy Way (Glue): You drill a loose hole, drop in glue, and insert the magnet. It's cheap and fast. But glue dries out, cracks, and eventually, the magnet falls out—especially under constant vertical tension.
- The ChessboArt Way (Press-Fit): We CNC-machine a hole slightly smaller than the magnet. We use high mechanical force to press the magnet in, utilizing the wood's natural elasticity to grip it. This creates a mechanical bond that lasts decades longer than any chemical adhesive.
2. Solid Wood vs. Plywood: A Visual Comparison
We categorize our pieces into two distinct engineering philosophies. Neither is "better," but they are very different aesthetically and texturally.
| Type A: Solid Hardwood (Lita) | Type B: Engineered Plywood (Sklejka) |
|---|---|
The Classic 3D Feel Carved from a single block (Ash, Walnut, etc.). Retains the full, round volume of a traditional Staunton piece. 
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The Modern Geometric Look Laser-cut from high-grade multi-layer birch. Has a flatter, graphic profile (2.5D) ideal for modern interiors. 
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PROS:
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PROS:
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CONS (Trade-offs):
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CONS (Trade-offs):
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Which one to choose?
Explore the Collection (Step 2) →3. Durability Test: The "ChessboTravel" Story
How durable is the press-fit system? We didn't just test it in a lab. We sent it into the real world.
In the ChessboTravel project, our wooden pieces traveled in a backpack across all continents. They faced humidity in Singapore, dryness in deserts, and the constant bumps of travel.
The result? Not a single magnet fell out. The press-fit technology proved that wood and engineering can create a product that is both beautiful and incredibly tough.
4. The Art Editions: Resin & Nature
Because our system is based on a standardized magnetic layout, it opens the door to artistic expression. We don't just make functional pieces; we create art.
By combining wood with colored epoxy resin or even embedding real flowers, we create limited editions that transform the chessboard into a unique wall sculpture.
5. A Repairable System (Serviceability)
There is one final aspect of "material reality": things get lost. In the world of mass-produced toys, if you lose a Black Pawn, the set is ruined. You cannot buy a spare.
Because we treat ChessboArt as a furniture system, not a toy, we offer individual replacement pieces. Did the dog eat a Rook? Did a child hide the White Queen? Because our pieces are made of standardized wood species and use a consistent magnetic layout, you can replace a single piece without buying a whole new set. This is true sustainability.
6. Summary
The material defines the experience. Whether you choose the warmth of solid wood, the architectural precision of plywood, or a unique art piece, you are getting engineering, not a plastic toy. And thanks to the press-fit technology, proven around the world, that piece will last a lifetime.
In Volume 4, we will look at the canvas itself: The Board Construction. Metal vs. Magnetic, framing, and stability on the wall.