Category: puzzle

In the last month I’ve created an original configuration Rhoma puzzle from juniper along with 3 alder bases and started building a wooden base for a jointer I picked up on Craigslist.

The one item that has me the most excited is working on the jointer base. The metal base is just too big to scoot next to my wife’s car. The wooden one, while narrower, will still have adequate lateral stability to stay upright.  Pictures below are just the beginning of the cart/case. As I build it, I see that my plans need to be adjusted. Hopefully I can get the project finished up shortly!

I got my hands on some maple this weekend! The maple tree was likely three or four feet in diameter, cut into about 12”-18” rounds and then quartered.  I spray painted the end grain and then made boards 1¼” thick.

Note: Spray paint is probably not the best sealant to use; it might even be the worst! This was Rust-Oleum brand, so I might have lucked out since it is oil based. The next best option might be garage floor sealer. What are your thoughts?

#hallcastlepuzzles #woodworking #puzzles #brainteaser

This weekend I had the opportunity to create two puzzles with wood I haven’t used yet. The elm was quite challenging as stress was released as I cut the wood. The grain pattern tends to pinch the blade when making sticks or it wants to veer off away from the blade. I overcame this tendency by cutting shorter sticks. The standing cedar was even more stress ridden. I’ve had it drying in 1 1/4″ boards about 4 inches wide and about 1′ long for a year.  When I first planed them they immediately bowed. Thankfully, the small pieces that I ended up using did not exhibit any twisting or bowing; a good portent for the fruit woods!

Notice the stark difference between sanded and finished puzzles. I always find it very rewarding to see!

Here is a couple shots of the puzzle I made for Matt Cremona. The pieces are walnut with an alder base. The base I made is unique in that I turned the puzzle base into a packing style puzzle. I think this makes it even more aggravating to solve! Check his work out at YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/mcremona and his website: mattcremona.com

Matt’s Weekly shop update.

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