Puzzle Boxes

[handibunny]

Does anyone have a good source of plans for puzzle boxes? I found some information online, but no books. I know that they are typically done with band saws, but I don't see why small ones can't be done on the scroll saw. I'm going to try out the plans I downloaded, and will post any results that look promising if anyone is interested.

Carole

[Marcel in Longueuil]

Hi Carole,

Haven't heard from you in a while

Of course we're interrested in seeing.

But first I'd like to demonstrate my ignorance by asking: What is a puzzle box?

Regards,
Marcel

[handibunny]

Puzzle Box defined

Marcel,

A puzzle box is similar to the scroll saw and band saw boxes that are made using a thick piece of wood (2" max for scroll saws, of course). The bottom is typically cut off, then the top, then the "guts" are removed. After that, the bottom is glued back on. Instructions vary, but that's the basic idea. Puzzle boxes take this one step further, and have several "keys' cut out that have to be re-inserted in sequence to put the box together. There are many vendors selling them--at craft shows and online--but no books of instructions for either band or scroll saws. I was hoping someone would know of a good source of instructions for making them. I'll give a try tomorrow, using some plans I downloaded and some wood I picked up from a dumpster. (Low risk)

Carole

[William Young (SE BC)]

Carole;
Are you referring to a puzzle box or a puzzle 'block' like this ?
These are done on the scroll saw and are a real challenge to put together..
W.Y.

[handibunny]

Puzzle Box is not a puzzle block

Principle is similar, but the puzzle part consists of key pieces, usually two, that have to be removed to access the box, which is actually a usuable box.

Carole

[William Young (SE BC)]

OK, I remember now what you are referring to. I made a couple puzzles from the same pattern and there was a key to that one and it opened into several compartments of a useable miniature box to hold nothing much bigger than a few coins or small ear rings etc.
I gave both of them to a couple of my grand daughters before ever taking pictures of them.
I will search my patterns stash and see if I can locate it
W.Y.

[handibunny]

Puzzle box pattern

Thanks. It'll be great if you can find the instructions.

Carole

[draken]

Perhaps this tutorial may help...
http://www.gtcreations.com/appleseed/

Cheers,
Draken

[handibunny]

puzzle box tutorial

Thanks, Draken. I'll try to scale it down for the scroll saw until my woodshop decides to replace the tires on the band saw so it will track an 1/8" blade.

Carole

[draken]

Glad to help.

Cheers,
Draken