How to Make a Wooden Puzzle

Why make a wooden puzzle?

Wood puzzles are a great way to keep your mind sharp and have some fun. They are also a great addition to any game collection. But why make a wooden puzzle? What are the benefits?

The best way to answer that question is to experience making your own wooden puzzle. Let's get started.

Materials

Wood puzzles can be made with materials you have around the house. With a little bit of wood, some tools, and some paint, you can make a puzzle that will last for years.

The first steps: Cut out your wooden pieces and sand them.

Any woodworker will tell you that one of the most important steps in making a wood puzzle is to cut out the pieces correctly. The second most important step is sanding the pieces so that they fit together perfectly.

If you're new to woodworking, you might be wondering what the best way to cut out your puzzle pieces is. The answer depends on the type of wood you're using and the size of the pieces you need.

For smaller pieces, a hand saw or jigsaw can be used. If you're working with larger pieces, however, you'll need to use a power saw. Whichever type of saw you use, be sure to use a sharp blade so that your cuts are clean and precise.

Once all of your pieces are cut out, it's time to start sanding them.

One of the most frustrating things about puzzles is when the pieces don't fit together properly. If your puzzle pieces are giving you trouble, try sanding them down.

Start with a medium-grit sandpaper and gently sand the edges of each piece. If that doesn't work, try a finer-grit sandpaper. You may need to experiment with different grits to find the one that works best for your puzzle.

Once you've found the perfect grit, sand each piece until it fits snugly with the others. Then put your puzzle together and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done!

Next steps: Drilling pilot holes and attaching the pieces

For some wooden puzzles you may need to drill pilot holes for each piece. This will ensure that your pieces fit together snugly and won't fall out easily.

To drill pilot holes, start by marking where you want each hole to go with a pencil. Then, using a hand drill or power drill, carefully make a small hole in the wood. Make sure not to make the hole too big; you just want it to be big enough for your puzzle piece to fit snugly into place.

One way to attach wood puzzle pieces together is by using wood glue. Simply apply a small amount of glue to each piece where they will touch and press them together.

Another method is to use small brad nails in the pilot holes you drilled. Insert a brad nail into each hole and hammer them in until the heads are flush with the wood surface. Then use a hobby knife to trim off the excess nail sticking out.

Finish your puzzle

If you've followed the previous steps, you should now have a completed wooden puzzle! If not, well, what are you waiting for. Time to get started.

Once you've finished your puzzle, take a step back and admire your work! If you're happy with how it looks, congratulations - you've just built yourself a beautiful wooden puzzle.