Been a while since I posted another puzzle, but with eRasmus’s creation as a present for the greatest puzzle naysayer (Pottzy), I thought that it may be a resurgence or at least a movement in puzzle mania.
I usually start my puzzles by making a prototype/pilot out of laser cut MDF, however, to lure some of the audience in, I wanted to prove that they can be as easily (nearly) made out of solids using “conventional” woodworking tools… I say nearly as with the laser there’s no measuring and the only critical stage is the glue up.
All the pieces are the same shape made up of a 24mm x24mm x 12mm square and a 24mm x 36mm x 12mm rectangle glued to it…
and the box,
This template was made and laser engraved to assist in the sizing (and cutting) of the box,
… alternatively can be printed from this 1:1 scaled PDF.
For all you imperial freaks, that is easily translated from metric, but you will need to resize the box accordingly… just allow at least 1/16” wiggle room in all 3 directions.
The pieces were cut out of dressed sticks of 24mm x 12mm,
and on my Micro-Mark TS,
and the two pieces were just CA’d together,
seven times per set,
The extra piece was for any frustrating "breaks".
Then it was time for the boxing,
Started off with a well dried BOOMBY,
and brough it down to size on the bandsaw,
revealing some neat patterns,
dressed square on the jointer,
and started taking slices back on the bandsaw,
with trips back to the jointer to dress the edge of the bulk blank,
before the next slice.
With one side of each slice flat, the top was dressed on the drum sander
(after a quick pass on the thicknesser).
Next was setting up the stops on my mitre saw for the box sides using the laser cut MDF template,
and following the on-board instructions,
based on timber thickness.
Glue up was simple butt joints using CA braced against a combination of 123 blocks,
The bottom was engraved with the puzzle name, my “logo” and the date (in fine print),
Timbermate backfilled and buffed using my Beall buff system.
Two set aside for packaging and distribution,
and one filed in the archives,
… suddenly that Indiana Jones scene
doesn’t look so ridiculous any more.
The model is available from the 3DW,
and the A4 PDF solution can be downloaded from here.
If interested in any of mine (LBD), measurements can be made available on request for anyone not familiar with SketchUp… though a working knowledge of SketchUp’s navigation (as opposed to its design/use features) and access to 3DW could be of benefit.
All the solutions to my puzzles can be found at this link... Kids love ‘em and most of us are still kids.
Don’t be crafty Craftisians,... SHARE your craft!
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
Thanks guys.... as Pottzy always unashamedly, puzzles are not for everyone, but for the one's that do, they just love them. The packing puzzles are always a hit, though the laser makes it easy to create... however, I'm trying to go conventional on some so more people can enjoy giving them as prezzies... note the emphasis on giving vs making... though making is a challenge.
Though this is one of the cheaper ones,
it is rated as 10/10 (difficulty by the vendor}.
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
James - you'll notice in the center puzzle of the 1st photo that it is possible to get the pieces to fit. That solved version also gives a significant hint to the solution.
I tried to post something here yesterday, but must have forgotten to hit submit before moving on.... I was surprised that your drum sander is oscillating....anyone else ever seen that in the states? I don' think I have...
well i looked and rockler and woodcraft want 3629.00 amazon is much cheaper at around 2800.00 so not a cheap sander. it has a 1" shift side to side as it's rolling.
working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.
I get it Steve. The one with the piece sticking up is unsolved. Is an oscillating drum sander better? To me more moving parts mean more maintenance. There’s a lot going on in there.
Dutchy commented about 16 hours ago REAL wood! This seems easier to make than it is. I find it special to see you working with other machines than just the laser. A nice collection!
I'm desperately trying to sublimate others into puzzles, by emphasising you can do them with normal tools and plans (which I supply).
James McIntyre ..... Is it ok for a piece of wood to stick up so far out of the box? Or is that supposed to be funny?
Puzzles are usually distributed unsolved with pieces packed in deliberately to have parts poking out....
However, I am benevolent and pack my puzzles as can be seen from the piece in the middle. The other two display the extra 7th. piece included (just sitting on top) for those clumsies that break one piece out of frustration. Rigid faeces for those that do two or more... they'll have to buy some CA.
The oscillation is a step up like going from Bos¢h to a Rotex...
Pottz well i looked and rockler and woodcraft want 3629.00 amazon is much cheaper at around 2800.00 so not a cheap sander.....
I thank RC and his not so"lost walet" t0 bolster the shekel difference (long story for LJ virgins).
Pottz well i looked and rockler and woodcraft want 3629.00 amazon is much cheaper at around 2800.00 so not a cheap sander. it has a 1" shift side to side as it's rolling.
Pottz well i read that it's supposed to reduce heat build up and have less issue with burning.
I had a non-oscilator before the found THE walet, and upgraded. That sideways movement makes a helluva difference. The whole unit is way above the previous one (it's taller). However, when you get a buildup, you get an embarassing snake pattern down the length of the board that I have been too ashamed to fess up to beforehand. A quick change of paper fixes it.
James McIntyre .... To me more moving parts mean more maintenance. There’s a lot going on in there....
That's why I slip in a mandatory 60 minute sit down between drinks.
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
Enuff of this frivolity... you will never admit you are totally wrong and I am infallible... psych yourself up for the next installment, Just dream about my threat of the archive is 120+ and I've only published 60 of them, They're lining up at the gate, Yep, this wanker is organised.
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
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