After gluing up the four sides, my next step was to rout in the puzzle pieces.
I used three combination squares referenced off of each edge to lay out a grid, which represented the size and location of the puzzle pieces.
Pencil can be difficult to see on black walnut, but I found that roughing up the planed surface with 120-grit sandpaper made the lines easier to see.
I routed the jigsaw puzzle design with a 1/8″ spiral bit, doing one line at a time.
It was very gratifying to see one surface completed.
Next, I rolled the cube and continued routing puzzle pieces into the other faces.
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I would be so tired by the tension of holding the router for so long. Then i would be so worried about screwing up the last one!!! you indeed must have a steady hand.
good job, keep the photos coming.
Steve
Steve,
Two tips for anyone trying this themselves: take breaks to rest your hands, and be confident!
Chris
how cool! Love black walnut :)
Thanks, Holly. This has been a fun, and challenging project!
Chris
That’s a great concept. Wish I would have thought of doing puzzle pieces like that.
Andrew,
While this was a good way to cut the puzzle piece design, I still need to figure out a good way to finish the insides of all the grooves. It is a slow process! Got any ideas?
Chris
the table looks awesome. Did you freehand the puzzle piece design?
Hi David,
Yes, the puzzle design was routed freehand with just a grid for guidance.
Chris
well it looks awesome.
Freehand puzzle design? Hey, it looks awesome. How long does it take you to do this?
Thanks Jennie,
Layout aside, the routing of the puzzle pieces took me a few hours.
Chris