We are offering you a free plan of how to make your own wooden knot puzzle. The knot puzzle is an extremely simple puzzle which has the shape of a 3D Greek cross.

This puzzle does not belong to the hard category but it is very interesting because it is equally difficult to assemble it as it is to dismantle it. The knot puzzle consists of 3 parts. Two of the parts are the same and have the shape of the letter C and the third part is in the shape of the letter O and serves as the key that locks the other two pieces together.

 

Knot puzzle plan
Project type
Project difficulty
Simple, requires precision
Skill level
for kids learning the woodworking and beginners
Level of workshop equipment
Basic hand toools
Dimensions

80mm (3.15'') x 80mm (3.15'') x 80mm (3.15'')

 

The knot puzzle demands very tight tolerances because it is important that in the end it looks as made of one piece. In stores and over the internet you can buy this puzzle, but sadly to say, in most cases of bought puzzles, the parts are not done precisely and between the puzzle parts are vivid large gaps, so the puzzle doesn’t look nice nor challenging.

 

Exploded view and parts list
Knot puzzle - Parts list

 

 

Part drawings
Knot puzzle - Part 1
Knot puzzle - Part 2

 

The knot puzzle and most wooden puzzles look easy to make but require preciseness. They offer very good training for making wooden parts precisely and this way you acquire the feeling of tolerance between parts. The main task is to enable the parts to move freely but that the fit remains snug. Each part you can make of different kind of wood so as to create a contrast between them.

How to make the wooden knot puzzle

  • Prepare 3 wooden blocks dimensions of 60mm x 80mm x 20mm.
  • Measure and mark the two C-shaped pieces and the O-shaped piece for cutting according to the drawings given in plan.
  • Cut C-shape pieces using scroll saw.
  • Cut O-shape piece using scroll saw.
  • Cut just inside the layout lines to allow for final sanding to size.
  • Carefully sand the pieces, especially the inside cuts.
  • Assemble the puzzle to test-fit the pieces. Each of the C-shape pieces should fit cleanly into the O-shape piece. Continue to sand lightly as needed until the parts move freely but the fit remains snug.

 

Knot puzzle solution

Knot puzzle - Solution

If you wish to varnish or paint the parts in the finish, keep in mind that the layers of paint can affect the smooth gliding of parts when assembling the puzzle.

 

Download project in PDF file format
Download project (high resolution images)

Submitted by Ceh Jan