Wood movement with solid wood backgammon board

[jim barstow]

I've built a solid wood (3/8" thick) backgammon board and I'm now wrestling with how to incorporate it into a case. Most backgammon set designs use veneer or paint over ply so wood movement isn't an issue. They can just use the backing as the panels of the case. On mine, however, I can't do this since the board surface will expand. Any ideas on how to accomodate the wood movement?

[Charlie Self]

jb asks:

Essentially, use a frame and panel structure, with the backgammon board being the panel. As it's a case, you may want to re-orient the frame so that it is thicker in the vertical dimension--relative to the panel--but otherwise, it should work easily (I'd use thick enough material so you won't reduce it to almost zip by cutting the mortise, say 5/4). Use Space Balls or a similar device to slow movement and cut clatter (run a bead of top quality caulk the thickness you need, let it dry, slice it into pieces and insert).

Charlie Self "Half of the American people have never read a newspaper. Half never voted for President. One hopes it is the same half." Gore Vidal