This is a modified version of the Penrose “Impossible” Triangle which is an interesting example of how the brain can be fooled. The main difference in this version is the use of hardware to simulate the triangle side connections. Watching the video is the easiest way to see how it works.

Note that this is a very simple project. It took about 10 minutes and was “free” since I used pallet wood and recycled bolts. I’ve included a drawing which is included in the video description.

Step 1:

Tools:

Saw
Tape measure
Drill & bits
Sander (optional)

Materials:

Wood (enough to make three 2” slats, 8” long)…I used one slat from a pallet
Wood glue
Lag bolts or something similar – used only for show

Step 2:

Cut three boards – 8” long x 2” wide x ½” thick. Note that the size can be scaled up or down.

Step 3:

Attach board together with wood glue – use a clamp to apply pressure

Step 4:

Drill holes and add bolts/screws. Note that these bolts are just used to give the illusion that the wood is connected.

Step 5:

I taped weights to the back side of the bottom piece to allow the triangle to stand upright. Other options include adding a center axle under the bottom to allow it to spin or placing holes in the bottom side and providing a matching plate with dowel pins. The second option would allow you to reposition the triangle in the exact same spot (relative to camera or person) which would be nice for video.

Step 6:

Photo/Video:

I used a Canon DSLR camera for the photo and video. It took a few minutes on a tripod to line up the angles. I also had to use manual focus to try to pick a middle spot between the near are far pieces which helps with the illusion.

Step 7: Painted

Also tried a couple of the photo suggestions mentioned in the comments.

Step 8: If You Like This, Check Out Another Example

https://www.instructables.com/id/Impossible-Stairca...

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30 Comments

dave1986

7 years ago

my brain hurts

mikenichols

5 years ago

You're a PHONY! A big fat phony... But I like it.

sharpstick

7 years ago on Introduction

Nice. I;m going to make a slightly smaller one and put it inside a viewing box with a small pinhole viewing port that you can only see through with one eye from one angle.

I'll also taper the top piece slightly to allow for perspective, or it will appear wider than the bottom piece.

I agree with Algag. A smaller aperture and longer distance will increase the depth of field so the whole thing is in focus. Use the highest resolution, back off to ten feet or more to shoot, then crop the image down.

cvillanueva6

7 years ago

stop it and go home sir

jimmysymo

7 years ago on Introduction

It's the first time I've seen this ,and I said this IS impossible, Then saw the vidio

Fantastic ,,Will be making this tomorrow. thanks ,, Good for you.

Mixey 101

7 years ago on Introduction

that looked like a triangle for a second then i saw what you did . so clever

alcurb

7 years ago on Introduction

Very nice and easy to duplicate. This one goes in my Favorites pile. Voted!

For your photography, may I suggest taking the photo with a long lens, like a telephoto. You'll have to move away to zoom it in. This way everything is thrown into focus with depth compression. Another way is to use a normal lens (no wide angle) and close the aperture as far as it goes to almost a pinhole, then compensate for the dimmer image with slower shutter speed, bright lighting, ISO speed, etc. The pinhole-ish aperture increases the depth of focus.