Hive is a clever game that is simple to understand and involves a great deal of strategy to win.
For this project I will use a great Instructable, but avoid the need to use any paint on the pieces. The Emblaser produces great tonal engravings and I want to use this ability to simplify the build.
If you are not familiar with the game, check the link at the bottom of this post.
Project File
Materials:
Other Items Needed:
- Wood glue
The Build
I first downloaded the project files from Instructables and examined them carefully. There were some overlapped curves and some double-ups that I cleaned up. I also formatted the project to fit the Emblaser workspace.
![](https://darklylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/LB01-1-1024x576.png)
Since the goal of this project was to avoid painting the pieces, I decided to use two different types of wood. This would give the pieces some contrast and hopefully make them look more interesting.
I used 3mm poplar for the inner layers. This is a light colored wood and cut very easily.
![](https://darklylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/laser-cut03-1024x605.jpg)
I used 2.5mm Eucalyptus plywood for the exterior layers. This is slightly darker than the poplar and also engraves nice and dark.
![](https://darklylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/laser-cut06-1024x561.jpg)
![](https://darklylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/laser-cut04-1024x655.jpg)
![](https://darklylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/laser-cut02-1024x553.jpg)
Although the bottom side of the pieces is not usually seen, I decided to engrave them as well. There’s nothing like a little finesse!
![](https://darklylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/laser-cut05-1024x640.jpg)
I was counting on the Emblaser creating great engraving contrast in the wood to avoid using paint, and it certainly didn’t let me down.
![](https://darklylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/laser-cut01-1024x533.jpg)
With all the pieces cut and engraved, it was time to begin assembly.
![](https://darklylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/build01-1-1024x751.jpg)
I decided to make each piece out of 4 layers. This would make them easy to handle while playing and give them an interesting look from the side.
![](https://darklylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/build04-825x1024.jpg)
I wanted to keep the dark laser cut edges on the top and bottom pieces, but remove this from the two inner layers. For this I gently sanded the edges of the poplar pieces.
![](https://darklylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/sanding01-1024x913.jpg)
Time to glue the pieces together. I used wood glue and held the pieces together with some clamps until the glue dried. I was pleasantly surprides at how the edges looked (even though the dark piece looks like an Oreo cookie).
![](https://darklylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/build02-1024x669.jpg)
All the pieces glued and ready for some action.
![](https://darklylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/build03-1-1024x972.jpg)
Hive is a great two player game and can be expanded by simply making more pieces. I highly recommend it if you feel like a change from boring old chess!
![](https://darklylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/final04-1024x768.jpg)
![](https://darklylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/final02-1-1024x728.jpg)
Not sure how to play Hive? Check this tutorial: LINK