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This was both a challenge and an order from a friend.

The challenge was to see if I could duplicate a picture of this puzzle he found. He would order it if I was able to. ;-)

It did take quite a while to get the exact dimensions of all the pieces correct, but as you can see I think I was successful.

BTW, this IS the same frame and the same pieces.

Pic 1 shows the pieces in one configuration along with a "leftover" piece to the right.

Pic 2 shows the pieces in a different configuration, now allowing the extra piece to fit!

While you math majors figure this one out, I am still kind of amazed that this works - even though I know its "secret".

Woods used are Walnut, Ash and Cherry for main pieces. Australian Cypress for the "extra" piece & Spanish Cedar for the frame. Finish is a quick soak in lemon oil.

Enjoy!

-bob

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Comments

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Hi, Bob! You always put the most interesting challenges here. You sure keep us thinking! Another great piece of work from you. Since the mathematical part of my brain went on holiday, I will be anxiously watching to see what others here say. Thanks again for sharing another challenge.

Sheila :)
 

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I'm not sure but I think the secret lies in the exact shape of the triangle. Nice puzzler. I won't be happy until I'm sure about it.
 

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Your saw work is a bit sloppy. The sides don't look very strait :p
 

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Ok you will appreciate this Im sure. I work with 2 engineers. I have them all in the office next door trying to figure it out. They even made cut-outs with graph paper. The only thing they have agreed upon so far is that its impossible.

Update:

With the help of a CAD program they solved it. Simple yet elegant. Thanks for the fun your project provided us.
 

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This is a great looking puzzle…...........
 

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Nice.
But I don't like being fooled. And this is bothering me.
The triangle is curved? Arrrgh.

Steve
 

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Sorry everyone, but all the lines are straight and none of the pieces are curved.

I have a video that explains this, but I think I will wait a few more hours to post it. ;-)

-bob
 

· In Loving Memory
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Top job mate. And although I have see this before it is still puzzling… will wait for the video…
 

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Hope you will post the CAD drawing as well. Very intriguing.
 

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Okay, it's about time I spill the beans…...........

Like I said, all angles are straight and there is no curved pieces.

What you do NOT see in the first picture, because of the camera angle, is a VERY thin gap across the entire top of the puzzle - it is exactly 1/7 the height of the extra block.

Watch this video for the entire explanation - he explains it much better than I can. :)



-bob
 

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Great Puzzle, may have to add one of these to my to do list.

CtL
 

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I thought it was an iteration of the triangle puzzle:

I guess you kind of fooled me too.
I like this one better, though.
 

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Gerben….......I made 1 of these 4pc traingle puzzles from 1/4" ply a few yrs ago. The parts were not "exactly" sized, but it worked. Either way, Bobs puzzle and this one are mind bogglers.
 

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Thanks Bob for the fun project! You always seem to get us thinking! I really enjoyed seeing this and stretching my brain a little bit.

Sheila :)
 

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Wow - thanks to you all!

The customer liked it and it will make a great holiday gift from him to his son - that's the reason we do this stuff! :)

I also have plans to make another puzzle that functions just like this one, but with totally different shapes - that will wait for a month or so since I am in the middle of a rather important project - details to be posted here later, of course.

Happy Holidays!

-bob
 

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Nice one there Bob.
 

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Nicely done. Lovea good puzzle.

Doug
 
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