I use old wooden cigar boxes that have a closing hasp. Cigar shops around here sell them for super
cheap!
For sets that I want to store with the pieces standing up, I use plastic storage bins that I got from Target for $1 a piece. I just keep a few strips of foam (that they are shipped in) to keep the pieces from ever rubbing or leaning on each other. I can take more some pics if you like.
Interesting approach. Lots of wood cigar boxes on Ebay too.
Cigar boxes come in all different sizes. What is the minimum size you recommend?
Here's what I use for chess set storage. You can get both from your local Walmart.
Do you mean the old metal army surplus ones? Seems too bulky/heavy for me
I've read about Plano boxes and they seem like a good approach. Like cigar boxes they come in all sizes and shapes as well. What size pieces are in your Plano model 2374002 box? Would it hold 3.75" king (w/ 1.75" base) pieces?
I use a variety of things - Plano boxes, actually storage boxes (the $50 kind), I have one "coffer' with divided compartments for my most expensive set (coffer more expensive than some of my sets), and a few boxes from a place called Hobby Lobby (in the US) (about $20).
And of course the sets that have folding boards with storage in them.
I've read about Plano boxes and they seem like a good approach. Like cigar boxes they come in all sizes and shapes as well. What size pieces are in your Plano model 2374002 box? Would it hold 3.75" king (w/ 1.75" base) pieces?
Can you go see the boxes in person? If so, bring a few of the pieces with you to test.
I like the wine box idea. Easy enough to line with felt/velvet
I've read about Plano boxes and they seem like a good approach. Like cigar boxes they come in all sizes and shapes as well. What size pieces are in your Plano model 2374002 box? Would it hold 3.75" king (w/ 1.75" base) pieces?
The one that I have in the Plano case is a 4" set with 1.75" base. So yes it will hold the size you were asking about.
Personally, I find the prices for those velvet-clad leatherette boxes sold sat chess shops outrageous.
I hear ya. I live on a sailboat and (like wood chess piece boxes) anything labeled 'marine' is 2X the cost of the same/similar item from anywhere else.
I got this for my set. Medium size for 3 half inch king, although my set is 3 inch. Paid £22 which I thought was very reasonable for such a nice quality case. They have a Large size too.
Cigar boxes come in all different sizes. What is the minimum size you recommend?
I really have no idea how these boxes are sized. I would just recommend that they tall enough to accommodate the king's base diameter. I know they can be large enough to fit all 32 or 34 pieces but I haven't found any around my city. I'm fine with one box for a half set as they were only $2 per box, and even though they don't match, I'm ok storing and moving 2 smaller boxes than one large box. I line the insides with foam.
I've read about Plano boxes and they seem like a good approach. Like cigar boxes they come in all sizes and shapes as well. What size pieces are in your Plano model 2374002 box? Would it hold 3.75" king (w/ 1.75" base) pieces?
Can you go see the boxes in person? If so, bring a few of the pieces with you to test.
Actually, no I can’t. I live in a small town in Guatemala. Pretty much everything I buy is from the states (which also means no returns so I have to choose wisely on the 1st try). It’s why I’m so interested in knowing the dimensions. Amazon has inexpensive unfinished wood craft boxes that might work if I knew what width & length I needed
Another option is the large Chronos chess clock bag. It's padded and I have started using it for transporting although I don't see why it can't also be used for regular storage.
I basically use four different types storage boxes. Boxes from Philos Germany in lamianted wood or burlwood veneer:
Those are pretty affordable, but have gone up in price as all things chess have in recent months.
Simple beechwood boxes that are very affordable:
Larger wooden wine boxes for pieces >4.5"
And lastly the same tackle boxes that @KnightsForkCafe suggested, mostly for plastic pieces:
Personally, I find the prices for those velvet-clad leatherette boxes sold sat chess shops outrageous.
I agree re: leatherette boxes. I looked into what they're made of and the materials are cheap cheap cheap. But I'm not seeing a decent alternative for luxury sets. These cheap boxes ($230) cost close to what I spent on the set.
So my first nice 'high end' (for me) 3.75" ebony & boxwood set is on the way
I don't want to just throw them into a bag and not real keen on spending $50+ on a felt lined wood box so I am looking for other, creative (& inexpensive) ideas to store my pieces
There's nothing here that goes much beyond throwing your pieces into a bag. I'm still looking for an alternative.
I asked this very question many moons ago and I just have not found a good answer. The Plano box and the cigar box are probably the two least expensive options. Both are good options. However, I like my pieces to be standing up in the box. I can't stand for the pieces to be piled up. It is an OCD thing for me. Anyhow, I bought a black Blake and Lake box on Amazon for $39 if I remember correctly and it works well. The box is 10.5 x 8.0. I have used it for my HoS Players Series before. My CB 3.75 1849 set is in there now with all of the pieces standing up. There's still space left for more pieces. The only problem is the B&L box like cigar boxes is not felted. I am too lazy to felt the box.
I also bought some expensive boxes too. I have the Superior box from HoS. My SC 3.5" Morphy set is in there. The box was $140 with a coupon. The set that is in there was less than $200. The math just doesn't make sense. I am happy with the expensive boxes because it does exactly what I want but it is still a dilemma.
So my first nice 'high end' (for me) 3.75" ebony & boxwood set is on the way
I don't want to just throw them into a bag and not real keen on spending $50+ on a felt lined wood box so I am looking for other, creative (& inexpensive) ideas to store my pieces