This build is my version of this LBD puzzle. It is also a lesson about CNC work –
Just because one can make many copies does not mean one should!
I figure this puzzle is one that the 8 & 10 yr old grands would find interesting. I have a piece of maple that allows me to get 4 sets of pieces at once. But --- after re-sawing it I have two blanks so I might as well cut pieces for 8 sets. After all it takes almost no effort for the second blank.
I am choosing to make a gift box for each puzzle.
But now I’m making 8 gift boxes. This is where I am starting to learn my lesson. However, the consequence of my choice is not yet fully understood.
I cut the pieces on the CNC. As I figured, the extra sets were easy to cut out.
But now I need to make 8 boxes. I only have two grandkids that are of an age for this puzzle, the next one will be old enough in a few years and he may get a sibling some day. That’s 4 boxes. But I’m making 8. Why? Because it’s no extra work to make 8 when you’re making 4 – right? Wrong.
The lids are from a piece of quilted maple I bought several years ago (15?). I’m using my disc sander on my ShopSmith to bevel the edges of the lid. The quill advance with a stop set makes this the perfect tool.
32 edges later and they are all done.
I’m using TransTint dyes to color the pieces and lids. Again, I am reminded that these extra sets are actually extra work.
All the pieces are finished with two coats of General Finishes Semi-Gloss followed by a buff with Renaissance Wax. I reworked LBD’s solution sheet into a format that can be folded to fit into the box. The printing is set up to line the content on both sides. There are two solutions sets. One version shows the orientation of the pieces and a second just gives the silhouette. The B&W version provides more of a challenge.
Here is the front side of the color set.
And the back side.
The front of the B&W set
And the back side
I have these in an Excel file. PM me if you want a copy.
Finally, here is a look at each puzzle.
Even though it took more work than I had planned I’m looking forward to handing these out of the next few years.
Thanks all for the comments! Steven - Yes - these were more work than I planned, but that was my fault 😊 pottz & Ron - thanks Jim - the range of solutions was what inspired me to build this one. It should provide a few hours of entertainment Ken - Thanks. I hesitated a bit to use the quilted maple here, but after more that 15 years this is a good choice. This way 8 people can enjoy the character of the lids
(per box). Great job 'eR'... Love that boxing... I've never been a fan of painted timber... though stain, still has the jury out.
Seems like this would have been a perfect pilot for my Shaper, however, with the kerf of the laser could probably have created 10 puzzles... and I don't think you have that many shades of stain.
Don't be disillusioned about made for kiddies. The adults in my distribution circles, play with them when the kids go to bed... though with the magnets in mine, their puzzles take pride and place on their fridge... ideal for a quick new solution between beers. The pictured "tans" are only a sample... feedback has indicated many new diversified solutions... even in such short time. Looks like I'll have to make a few more production runs. Just ordered another 20 magnetic A4 whiteboard sheets.
Was the box CNC'd, or boring traditional tools?
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
Thanks LBD! I can mix the dyes for lots of colors. And I think you're right about the kids & puzzles. I'll keep helping them out - eventually they will be adults... I might see if they can come up with new shapes - I know I am tempted. The boxes had zero computer cuts of any type.
