Problem—To cut with the grain of the wood, and how to cut corners. (See page [57].)
Material—Basswood: one piece 7×1-1/2×3/16 inches; one piece 3×1-1/2×3/16 inches. One yard of macramé cord.
Shave the 7×1-1/2-inch strip of wood down with a knife until it is an inch wide, being careful to keep the edges parallel. Measure off three-eighths of an inch in opposite directions on each corner and on both sides of the wood. Connect these points by a pencil line. Cut off each corner the space indicated by the line. Be careful always to cut with the grain of the wood; cutting against it will split the board. Next, three-fourths of an inch from each end, and equally distant from the sides, and in the center, bore holes. From the 3×1-1/2-inch piece of wood, cut two blocks one and one-half inches square, and bore a hole in the center of each. Double the string to a loop and draw this loop through the center hole of the rectangular strip. Pull the loop to the edge, and draw through it the two ends of the cord. String the 1-1/2-inch blocks, one on each cord, then tie the ends of cord in the two end holes of the rectangular strip.
The puzzle is finished. What is the aim, and how can it be solved?
PUZZLE
Solution. Mark one block. Hold one in the hand and move the other along until it passes through the loop at the center.
Pull the cord through the middle hole until it draws with it four thicknesses of cord. Now slide the block along until it passes through a double loop. Next, draw this double loop back through the hole; the string will be in position, and the block is now passed along through a single loop and onto the string containing the other one. To replace the block, turn the puzzle around and repeat the process.