How many chess boards stand on felt pads?

Hello,

In another thread I mentioned I had ordered and received a Drueke board (23"). What surprised me about it is that it stands on four felt pads - one in each corner on the underside. I have never seen a photo of a Drueke board with those before. I'm not sure I like them! Maybe they can be removed?

How many boards actually do have a similar mechanism. It seems to me that since most of the boards weight is lifted off the surface it might warp over time. What do you think?

Here is a photo....

Interesting, never seen it before. I wonder what cgrau have to say about this, he owns a 10,000 acres ranch only to accomodate all his chess sets.

Its a bit of a nuisance to be honest.

I have two boards that have very thin pads on them. My Drueke does not. 

Those look pretty thick.

I used to own two Drueke boards, neither came with felt pads. Both accumulated scratches on the underside over time.

Live and learn, I now add felt pads to all my boards, such as those on the custom boards shown below.

They are about 3-4mm thick.

I guess I could learn to live with them! My main concern is that the board starts sagging in the middle - because only the corners are held up.

I put thin rubber (not felt) pads on the bottom of my boards.  I use rubber pads because they will not allow the board to slip on the table surface like felt does.   If you place 3 of them in a triangle (2 on corners, 1 in the center of the opposite side to the 2 corners), then the board will always sit flat on the table, without ever rocking or tilting.  Rock solid.

P.S.  I've been using rubber pads on my boards for over 15 years now... no signs at all of warping or sagging boards.  Of course, my boards are full-block constructed (like Drueke boards), so your mileage may vary if you're using a cheap-o particle board veneer type board.

Interesting question and coincidence. I just bought and installed some pads that look identical to the OP on my JLP board which is similar to a Drueke. My reasoning was I did not want the bottom scratched up plus it gives better stability on uneven surfaces. I did not want to hear or feel a board corner knock against the surface when moving pieces. Never thought about the warping until this thread. They recommend storing the board vertical if for long periods so it may be they can warp regardless of pads. One concern with the pads may be that if they are removed in the future their underneath wood color or finish may be different vs. rest of board. Probably no big deal if new pads are going on. I have an old Dal Negro board that has felt pads similar to bottom of chess pieces (green and thin).

Laminate boards are considered to be less prone to warpage from what I've researched. Drueke boards don't seem to have to the problem that I know of and probably a testament to them knowing what they are doing. There's obviously more involved than just gluing 64 blocks of 2 different wood types together.

If you're worried put a fifth pad in the middle.

When not in use my boards are stored vertically in board bags.

I agree Doc. I like the pads to keep the board(s) from getting scratches. I am 52 and I doubt I will live to see a lot of warpage lol. 

ROTFLMAO

I don't like them unless they're original equipment. I've felted the entire bottom of most of the boards I've make, though.

:D

Sounds like more elegant, indeed.

My custom boards are two sided. Covering the entire underside with felt would make it more difficult to switch sides should the topside become marred or damaged.