How to Make Puzzle Boxes

Before we get started with what you will need to do, this should only be undertaken by someone who not only has all of the right woodworking tools, but also has a complete knowledge of how to use them. 

While there are all different types of these boxes, today we will discuss how to make a very simple one.  Once you have mastered that, you can go on to the more complicated ones.

What you Need

For this particular box you won’t need too much.  Simply get a wooden dowel that is square, a vice, a saw, wood glue and a sander.

Step 1

The first step in any project is to gather your materials together and lay them out in such an order that will make it easy for you to lay your hands on what you need when you need it. 

Step 2

When you have all of your materials ready take the
dowel and lay it down flat on a table or cutting surface.  Cut the tip of it off in a cube shape using the saw.  Then make 26 more cubes of the same size. 

Step 3

In this step you will utilize the sand paper.  Make sure that each of the cubes is sanded smooth on each side.  Also pay close attention to the edges of the cubes. 

Step 4

Take one of the cubes and put wood glue on one side of it.  Take another cube and stick it to the glued side of the first cube.  Put the glued cubes tightly into the vice until they dry.  You will do this until you have a total of 5 blocks of glued together cubes. 

Step 5

While you are waiting for these blocks to dry you can decide if you want them to all look like pieces of unfinished wood, or if you want them to have a finished or painted look.  If you want the latter, you will need some paint or varnish to put on them after they dry.

Step 6

When the glue is dry and after you have painted them or just left them plain you have the challenge of fitting all of the blocks together in such a way as to form one complete box with them.

Voila!  You have just made a simple puzzle box.  It should not take you too long to either make or perfect this type and then you will have the confidence to move on to the more complicated ones.