Chess Men

This project began as a self-directed entry in a manufacturing trade show competition. The goal was simple: create something that showcased precision machining while still functioning as a cohesive and visually interesting product.

I settled on a chess set because it presented an unusual challenge. Every piece needed to feel distinct while still belonging to the same family. At the same time, each design had to respect the realities of Swiss-style CNC machining. Forms, dimensions, and details were developed alongside manufacturing considerations rather than after them.

The final result is a complete 32-piece chess set designed specifically for production on a 0.75" diameter Swiss screw machine. More than anything, the project taught me how much good design can emerge from working within constraints rather than trying to avoid them.