Introduction: 3 Post Puzzle

About: I like to design and build random things.

This is a fun puzzle that is pretty easy to make. The goal is to remove the ring from the post. The solution is similar to a few of my previous puzzles shown here and here. I'm not sure who the originator of this puzzle is but similar styles are commonly sold online or in gift shops. A video of the solution is shown as the last step.

Step 1: Tools/Materials

Tools:

  • Miter Saw
  • Drill Press
  • 3/8, 3/4" and 7/8" Drill Bits
  • 1.5" hole saw
  • Sander
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Lighter

Materials:

  • Wood - 5.25" Square by 3/4" Thick
  • Wood - 2" Square by 1/4" Thick or a Ring (ID larger than 3/4")
  • Dowel - 3/4" Diameter by 6.5" Long
  • Paint/Stain (optional)
  • Paracord (24" Long)
  • Wood Beads (3/4" Diameter)

Step 2: Drawing

You will be building to this drawing. The overall size is arbitrary. You can scale the design up or down based on your materials.

Step 3: Base

Cut the equilateral triangle (all sides equal / 60 degree internal angles) as shown. I used a miter saw to make these cuts.

Step 4: Drill Holes

Mark the hole locations by drawing lines 3/4" from the sides. The intersections are where you will drill the holes. I used a 3/4" diameter Forstner drill bit and went about half way through the base.

Step 5: Break Sharp Edges

I rounded all the edges (besides the holes) with a hand sander.

Step 6: Post

Mark the 2" and 1.5" locations on a 3/4" diameter dowel. I practiced on scrap by drilling the 3/8" diameter hole in one shot. This method tore the back face of the dowel and looked pretty bad. I went back and drilled a 1/8" hole through the dowel. I then drilled the 3/8" bit from both sides. This produced a very clean cut.

Step 7: Paint/Stain

This step is optional. I added a dark walnut stain to all the parts followed by a couple coats of polyurethane.

Step 8: Add Posts to Base

Align the three post as shown in Step 3. Glue into place.

Step 9: Ring

You can either purchase a ring or make your own. I made this one from a 1/4" thick piece of pine. I used a 1.5" diameter hole saw to cut the circle. I then used a 7/8" diameter Forstner drill bit for the center hole. Note that you can use the original piece of wood for a guide. I just wrapped a piece of duct tape around the 1.5" slug to make a tight fit in the original piece.

Step 10: Ring - Painted / Stained

I made a couple of rings. I finished one in light oak. The other was painted with yellow spray paint.

Step 11: Beads

I used a 3/8" drill to add counterbores to one side of each bead. These are needed to capture the knot in the paracord. Note that this picture is showing both sides of the beads.

Step 12: Add Paracord

You are now ready to assemble the puzzle. The following steps give away the solution. Don't read any farther if you want to try to solve it mentally. Start by cutting a piece of paracord to 24".

Step 13: Assemble - Step 1

Place a ring on the top post as shown. Feed the paracord through the bottom post. Add the beads to the ends of the paracord. Tie a knot on both ends. Add glue to the knots and pull them into the counterbores.

Step 14: Assemble - Step 2

Feed the paracord through the top post as shown.

Step 15: Assemble - Step 3

Feed the paracord through the bottom right post as shown. Place the bead through the loop as shown above. Pull the loop back through the post.

Step 16: Assemble - Step 4

Repeat this process on the bottom left post.

Step 17: Assemble - Step 5

Pull on the beads to tighten the loop around the top post. The puzzle is now ready to be solved.

Step 18: Pictures

Final pictures of the puzzle.

Step 19: Outside Pictures

Step 20: Solution Video

If it wasn't clear from the pictures, hopefully this video helps.

Woodworking Contest 2017

Participated in the
Woodworking Contest 2017