Cross Puzzle

User-Contributed Project

User-Contributed Project

This project guide is not managed by MAKE staff.

How to make a simple and unique wooden puzzle from scratch.

  • Author: Billy
  • Time required: 1 to 3 hours (depending on your tools)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Add Note x

I first came across this puzzle a few years ago at my uncle's estate sale; apparently it was his father's. I'm not sure if he made it himself or just came across it but I thought it was quite unique. I've made them out of hardwood and softwood. They also make great gifts for the young and old.

Tools
Relevant parts
first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 1 — Cross Puzzle  ¶ 

  • As you can see from the blueprint we are working with 1 x 1 x 4 inch wood stock. If you would like to adjust the blueprints you can make it any size you like. You can use hard or soft wood, I myself had a piece of mahogany kicking around. I sawed it down to inch by inch stock (1" x 1").

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • Now you can cut your inch by inch (1" x 1") to 4" lengths. You should mark the cuts that you'll make for each puzzle piece you'll be cutting; it's a little more accurate.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • I myself used a table saw set at 1/2" inch height and I eyed up the lines to get an accurate cut. You can use a band saw as that will work well too. After each piece is cut you could clean up the cut with a file.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 4  ¶ 

  • After your pieces are cut and cleaned up, sand for smoothness.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Time for paint, stain, oil or boiled linseed for your desired look. I used the Tung N Teak oil on this project. Of course, I put about 3 coats on and let dry in between, buffed down with steel wool and one more coat, let dry for 20 minutes and hand rubbed.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • THE SOLUTION:

  • As you can see by the numbered layout, put 6 and 5 together as in the picture, then insert 4 as shown.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 7  ¶ 

  • Next step, add 2 as shown, then insert 3, then slide in 1, the piece that is not cut; I call it the KEY.

  • Hope you enjoy building your own cross puzzle as I did. It gave me many pleasurable years of messing with my friends' minds.

I myself had a piece of mahogany, but you could also use oak, cherry, or soft woods like spruce, pine or cedar. I used Danish oil since I used hard wood for this project.

For more information, check out the Heirloom Technology category page.

Did you successfully follow this guide?

This guide has been completed 1 time.

Comments Add Note Comments are onturn off

No comments.