Wily 8

At the end of a run I typically have pieces left over that were extra or like in this case, the lids were remade because the Burl one developed a warp and since it was going to be a loose lid, that just wouldn’t do.   The Snakewood lid just didn’t have enough of that ole Snakewood pattern the customer was looking for. 

Since there were two lids I saw potential for a fun ‘end of the run’ puzzle that was different then the main run.  These types of puzzles I term ‘Snakenstein’s’ as they are a conglomeration of other past leftover parts.  I didn’t want it to be another box, but maybe something drawers.

Like usual, I have no idea what I will do, but instead entertain mindful ideas of potential ideas and see where it grows.  The great way about designing this way is that glue doesn’t really take hold until 5 min has passed, so I can test something and if it doesn’t work, then I can break the bond if necessary and adjust the part, or try a different route.  It’s a lot of tinkering, lol.

I started with the two lids, so I worked my way backwards with the other parts.  The frame was easy enough and I added a little banding inlay, inspired by a fella on here I did a box swap with. 

Though you can’t clearly see how it all flows together, what is happening is the one of the dials reaches through the box frame and through the other box.  Only proper alignment will allow for removal.  The other blocky thing is attached to the other dial shaft and it blocks the pin in the first shaft from removal.  Only the right alignment of this part will allow for the removal of the other.  Add to the confusion that you have to manage each move for each end at the same time, whew!  Now, if that wasn’t enough, one drawer is upside down in the frame, so gravity will keep that drawer locked from opening too as it catches on the underside of the lid frame. 

If that was all perfectly clear, then this gig just might be for you, haha!

I think I found it more of a challenge to put it all back together again then it was to open, lol.

I feel that what allowed for this kind of mechanism was the the cool and simple jig I used to align the holes needed all the way through the boxes (front and back) and the frame, after that it got easier.

The dials were from a past run at I crazy glued in some metal gears which look cool with the little brass feet and topside brass nail detail.

This puzzle is currently up for auction on www.puzzleparadise.net if anyone wants to check out the site.  It’s all puzzles, all the time and nothing else, lol.  Anyone wanting to come over to the dark side let me know, there is always room for more craftsmen in this art form.

Create a beautiful day and thanks for looking!