I've seen many of the wine bottle puzzle kits that are available for purchase but they seemed a little expensive for what they are. Since joining my local hackerspace (Northackton) I've not actually made anything, so I thought I'd see if I could make one over a weekend.
Based on pictures of existing designs, I started with some sketch drawings to see if it was feasible. I might have a go at drawing up a CAD version, as I'd like to try cutting one out with CNC or even a laser cutter in the future. It would be really interesting to try it with acrylic.
This is my fist Instructable, so constructive criticism and comments are gratefully received. I'd be really interested to see if anyone else has a go at building one.
Based on pictures of existing designs, I started with some sketch drawings to see if it was feasible. I might have a go at drawing up a CAD version, as I'd like to try cutting one out with CNC or even a laser cutter in the future. It would be really interesting to try it with acrylic.
This is my fist Instructable, so constructive criticism and comments are gratefully received. I'd be really interested to see if anyone else has a go at building one.
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Signing UpStep 1: Cut out parts
I was quite surprised by how little material I needed to make this puzzle. There's not that many parts but some of them are a little small and fiddly.
I used entirely materials I had lying around: some 5mm ply, some 8mm ply and some thin rope; thick shoelaces would probably suffice. As a protoype ply was fine, but I think it would look nicer in plain wood. Wood glue holds it all together, though its annoying to wait for it to set. You'll need minimal tools. I used a jigsaw to cut the wood, but a scroll saw would be better. A drill and bit of similar size to your rope is also necessary.
After a little research online, I started with some scrawly paper sketches to see if the concept would work and work out some sensible dimensions. With a puzzle of this type, accurate dimensions are quite critical. I did make one mistake, but I was able to recover it.
Skip these if you don't follow, it should all become clear in the next couple of steps.
I used entirely materials I had lying around: some 5mm ply, some 8mm ply and some thin rope; thick shoelaces would probably suffice. As a protoype ply was fine, but I think it would look nicer in plain wood. Wood glue holds it all together, though its annoying to wait for it to set. You'll need minimal tools. I used a jigsaw to cut the wood, but a scroll saw would be better. A drill and bit of similar size to your rope is also necessary.
After a little research online, I started with some scrawly paper sketches to see if the concept would work and work out some sensible dimensions. With a puzzle of this type, accurate dimensions are quite critical. I did make one mistake, but I was able to recover it.
Skip these if you don't follow, it should all become clear in the next couple of steps.
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The hasps should be small enough to just fit through the hole in the cleat (my hole was 22mm, but then I had to elongate it a little to allow both hasps to fit on the cleat yet still let the small ball through. I planned them at 20mm x 40mm but in the end made them a little longer - length is not critical.
A slot of 35mm x 5mm seems about right. Since letting my brother loose on my puzzle I've found that you want the one that's part of the bottle cover to be a tight fit widthways so it can't be slid off over the rope. The one that is part of the locking mechanism needs a bit more play as sliding over the ropes is part of the solution; perhaps make this slot about 8mm to 10mm wide if you're using 5mm ply.
GREAT instructable!
Good job!