Caterpillar "jigsaw puzzle"

[turtleteasers]

I was inspired by oregoncarver's thread http://www.scrollsawer.com/forum/scr...zles/42492.htm to try my hand at this type of project. As my style veers towards the small rather than the large, I decided to call my effort a caterpillar.

The caterpillar is 5" long, 5/8" in diameter and has over 40 body segments. It is cut from mystery wood, so I would be interested if anyone thinks they can identify it from the photo. By the way, the three items at the center of the photo are body segments.

[wood-n-things]

Interesting. Do you have to roll it as you cut the slabs off? I see a locking tab on the side also or am I making it more difficult than it is?

[turtleteasers]

Do you have to roll it as you cut the slabs off? I see a locking tab on the side also or am I making it more difficult than it is?

You rotate the body 90 degrees as you cut off each body segment. You put each segment aside (kept in sequence) until you have cut all the segments, then you assemble the body starting with the tail piece and then pin the head piece with a dowel (the eyes) so that it won't fall apart.

[wood-n-things]

Would love to watch you do one. Very innovative.

[Powakee]

Ron
I think your mystery wood is a 3/4 maple dowel. Possibly, a 1 in. that was sanded down. Regardless of the kind of wood - that is a brilliant and beautiful design!

John

[Carter-Johnson]

Beautiful, Ron. If someone takes it apart, will it go together more ways than one, or is each piece distinct enuf from the others that it will only go one way?

I will readily admit that my mind is totally weird, but at the same time I will also admit that it struck me that this puzzle might be viewed as a phallic symbol in a society of pygmies. (I think it's time to admit myself to "the Home" for long term care).

Carter

[turtleteasers]

Ron
I think your mystery wood is a 3/4 maple dowel. Possibly, a 1 in. that was sanded down. Regardless of the kind of wood - that is a brilliant and beautiful design!

John

John,

I think you hit the nail on the head with your suggestion that it is maple. I had been leaning to that, as it has some fine distinctive figuring when cut in one direction. But I cut down the wood from a larger piece to a square section of 5/8", then rounded the corners with a 1/4" router bit, making a 5/8" almost-dowel with 1/8" flats which are convenient for keeping it steady while cutting the segments.

Ron

[turtleteasers]

Beautiful, Ron. If someone takes it apart, will it go together more ways than one, or is each piece distinct enuf from the others that it will only go one way?

I will readily admit that my mind is totally weird, but at the same time I will also admit that it struck me that this puzzle might be viewed as a phallic symbol in a society of pygmies. (I think it's time to admit myself to "the Home" for long term care).

Carter

Carter,

On your first point, it only fits together properly if assembled in the correct sequence, except that some pieces will fit in the wrong sequence by pure luck. I think of it as a curiosity, not a jigsaw puzzle: I never intended for it to be taken apart and re-assembled - that wouldn't be much fun!

On your second point, it is a little limp in my opinion for a phallic symbol!

Ron

[avapilot]

I love the puzzle but would not want to put it together...bring it to the parley if you are going....

bob

[Sunlion]

Nice and different project. I like.

[sawdustus]

Now that's completely different. Wonderful execution of a fantastic idea.

george

[Scrolling Days]

That's really cool, Ron!

[Bob Coltharp]

Nicely done. I don't think I would like to assemble it though.
Bob

[turtleteasers]

An update on my progress.

My earlier caterpillars were cut with a 2/0 blade (7 thou). This later one was cut with a #1 blade (9 thou). The wider kerf makes it more flexible. The length is 10" compressed and 11" extended, and it has approx. 100 body segments.

[wood-n-things]

I like the 2nd one better both are unique...Still love to see video on how you cut it...