Introduction: Apple Puzzle
In this Instructable I show you how to make an apple puzzle. A video of an apple puzzle is circulating on the internet but I couldn't find how to make it anywhere. A nice project to find out for yourself!
Challenges
With a normal knife you can never get the fitting parts round so I had to find a solution for this. After some Google research it turned out that molds are available for cutting puzzles. This would be ideal but unfortunately they are very expensive. It gave me the idea to make my own special tool. This was achieved with an m6 screw and a piece of a can.
An apple quickly turns brown when you cut it. The solution was lemon juice. Lemon juice prevents oxidation because it contains citric acid. Citric acid is a powerful oxidant.
Video tutorial
Stuff you will need for this project
- A nice fresh apple
- 100 ml of lemon juice
- Empty can
- M6 screw
- Hobby knife
- Stanley knife
- Super glue
- Brush
Step 1: Making the Special Tool
Cut a piece of about 10 mm x 40 mm from the can. You can also cut out a larger piece and trim it with scissors. Bend the piece of tin around the screw so that it gets a round shape. Secure the piece with super glue. Leave enough (15 mm) protruding at the bottom so that you can poke the apple deep enough.
Step 2: The Preparation
To prevent the apple and the puzzle pieces from turning brown quickly, they are treated with lemon juice. Lemon juice prevents oxidation because it contains citric acid. Grab a bowl and put the lemon juice in it.
From the bottom of the apple I cut with a Stanley knife through the entire apple to the skin. Do this carefully and make sure you don't get through the skin anywhere (except at the bottom).
Step 3: Cutting the Puzzle
Stick the special tool in the apple up to the "back" of the puzzle piece. Then make a corner next to it with the hobby knife and make another fitting piece in the apple with the special tool. Repeat this until the first piece is finished Make sure you go deep enough not past the incision from step 2.
Continue slowly and complete the puzzle piece by piece. Don't try to take the pieces out just yet. This is a lot easier when the puzzle is finished because there is less tension on it.
I chose to make a puzzle of 3 by 3 pieces. the pieces that appear to be next to it are only cut into the skin for visual effect.
Carefully remove the pieces with the help of the hobby knife. Immediately dab them in the lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown and place them on a plate. Also treat the apple with lemon juice, use a brush for this. Let the lemon juice work for a few minutes and then pat everything dry with a cloth.
Step 4: Ready
The puzzle is ready. The first time it may be that pieces do not fit properly. Do not push too hard and first look at where the problem is.
Have fun with the apple puzzle!
I am curious about your creations and any additions.
Thanks and see you soon,
New Pew

Second Prize in the
Hand Tools Only Challenge
1 Person Made This Project!
- Easy Paper Hacks made it!
41 Comments
1 year ago
This is ingenious
I am mind blown
2 years ago
this is cooool!
2 years ago
To be honest the real reason I would make it is because it’d be a good replacement of apple slices. 😂
2 years ago
Can I eat it?
Reply 2 years ago
Yes! You can taste the lemon juice just a little bit.
2 years ago
great job on making this you also have my vote
Reply 2 years ago
Thanks Lucas!
Reply 2 years ago
same
Reply 2 years ago
Thanks a lot Lucas!
Question 2 years ago
how did you carve it
Answer 2 years ago
Read the Instructable 😎 I've made a special tool.
2 years ago
cool nice and fun
Reply 2 years ago
Thanks!
Reply 2 years ago
yea it was
2 years ago
Hello This was really fun to make thank you!
Reply 2 years ago
Welcome, thank you!
2 years ago
Very nice and super cool.
Reply 2 years ago
Thanks Nikita!
Reply 2 years ago
Congratulations on the win.
2 years ago
A gold star to the mom or dad that puts a jigsaw puzzle apple in their child's lunch. I can imagine their delight.