Puzzle Box

[HandyDan]

For our Christmas dinner party I try to make something for the kids to amuse themselves with.  Usually everyone, young and old join in.  This year I decided to make a block puzzle.  It goes by the name "The Red Stone" or "Melting Block".  I inquired about it back in January and received the help I needed to get the dimensions.

 

 

Didn't look too hard and isn't.  My big mistake was deciding to make 30 of them.  There are nine blocks including the red one and five pieces to the box since I opted to not use a lid.  That's 420 pieces to cut.  Well it is done and I sure am happy about that.  I didn't put any finish on them except for the red block.  Just didn't have it in me to go that far.  A lot of times I end up giving them all away but if I end up with one I think I will put finish on it and keep it around.

 

 

 

Here they are in each stage.  It amazed me how even they are in height inside the box.  There are no air gaps in either stage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Stick486]

nice fit and lookin' good...

how do you pay the game..

[HandyDan]

There is eight pieces in the box on the left.  Dump the pieces out and rearrange them in the box to fit the red block as seen on the right.  All nine pieces are in the box on the right.

[Grandpadave52]

Very cool and a great idea. What a clever way to get the kids (& the adults) away from electronic devices. These will be a big hit.

You do extremely nice flat work too...Obviously had to hold dimensions to close tolerances. BTW, I like the unfinished look especially with the wood variety.

Thanks for sharing the idea and results.

[DAB]

i'm going to get my chisel and hammer out....they will fit, like it or not!

 

[Gunny]

10 hours ago, HandyDan said:

That's 420 pieces to cut.

You have the patience of Job.  Incredible work, but a lot of it.

[HandyDan]

Today was our party and the puzzles were a huge success.  A majority took one to try their hand at it and there was a lot of bantering and a few frustrated sighs.  Everyone was sitting around talking and trying to solve it.  The comment was made that I found the solution to people sitting around at parties looking at their phones.  Out of the 30 I made I have two left so I may end up with one for myself yet.  One of my brothers solved it within the first ten minutes.  He turned his back and his son dumped it on the table.  Took him a half hour to get it right again.  After the first hour I gave them a hint and it helped a few more to solve it.  All in all  we had a great day and a good meal and the family was together for it.

[HandyDan]

When I was doing this project I used a lot of rough sawn lumber and used a cheap blade to clean it up in addition to the jointer and planer.  When it came to final cuts I decided to give my new blade a spin.  Years ago I was at a woodworking show in Columbus and they were demonstrating a Dewalt DW7640 and were getting glass smooth cuts with it.  I bought one and it was amazing.  When it was time to replace it I decided to try the Forrest WoodworkerII and was not impressed especially after all the good I heard about it.  I was talking with @Stick486 and he said to try the Freud P410 10" 40T.  It is equal to the discontinued Dewalt blade I used for years.  Glass smooth cross cuts and glue line rips from one blade.  I will buy another when it is needed.

[Grandpadave52]

2 hours ago, HandyDan said:

One of my brothers solved it within the first ten minutes.

There's always one in every group...unfortunately I was never that one in any group.

[Gunny]

41 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said:

unfortunately I was never that one in any group.

me either.  

[Cal]

Very cool all around Dan.  How did they go over with the kids?

[HandyDan]

2 hours ago, Cal said:

Very cool all around Dan.  How did they go over with the kids?

 

The kids loved them Cal.  Everyone loved them young and old alike.  Gave everyone something to do after dinner and take home with them.  They were able to attempt to solve the puzzle and still converse with one another.