Here you can download a plan to create three variants of the same puzzle. We have called it the ‘stacker puzzle’ because of the way it is put together.

All three variants consist of similar parts and are solved in the same way. The puzzle parts are: the bottom, mast, dowels and discs of hexagonal shape that have drilled holes. The mast and bottom parts are glued together to form a stand on which hexagonal disks are stacked.

 

Wooden stacker puzzle plans
Project type
Project difficulty
Simple, requires precision
Skill level
for advanced beginners
for DIY enthusiasts
Level of workshop equipment
Hobby – Hand tools, power tools and machines
Applied woodworking joints
Round mortise and tenon joint
Dimensions

 

Stacker puzzle - Version 1: D 105mm (4.13'') x H 160mm (6.3'')
Stacker puzzle - Version 2: D 90mm (3.54'') x H 140mm (5.51'')
Stacker puzzle - Version 2: D 85mm (3.35'') x H 140mm (5.51'')

 

The goal is to find the stacking order of the disks that will allow you to use dowels to fill all the blank spaces forming holes in the disks. If you want to make this puzzle more difficult, you can add a restriction and forbid putting two Dowels on each other. At first glance, this puzzle may seem easy to solve, but don't get tricked. A good feature of this puzzle is that it is very easy to make and all parts are of simple geometry. You have to pay a lot of attention to drilling holes in the discs, though. For this you will need a drill press, and we advise you to make some simple fixture to allow you to drill with precision. Prior to drilling, carefully examine the appearance of the disks, and if some have holes of the same diameter in the same place, drill the holes in them at the same time.

 

Exploded view and parts list
Wooden stacker puzzle plan (Version 1)
Wooden stacker puzzle (Version 1) - Parts list
Wooden stacker puzzle plan (Version 2)
Wooden stacker puzzle (Version 2) - Parts list
Wooden stacker puzzle plan (Version 3)
Wooden stacker puzzle (Version 3) - Parts list

You can use various types of wood to make this project. We recommend purchasing some  wood with a nice, interesting texture like Rosewood, Teak, Oak,  Walnut, Chery, Ash etc.

This is a very simple project with which you can make an interesting puzzle that can be a nice gift for someone, or you may sell it at various craft fairs and the like. This is an ideal woodworking project for beginners because they can learn precision drilling and how to make multiple pieces that look the same.

 

Download project (high resolution images)

Submitted by Ceh Jan