Fig. 369.—Sketch of the Completed Chinese Puzzle.
Chinese Puzzle.—The ingenious puzzle of the Chinese type shown in [Fig. 369] is probably older than many of us could guess, but as it is one that can be made by any woodworker we give full directions as to how it may be constructed. The complete article may be called, in form, a six-pointed pyramid. It is made up of twenty-one different pieces, each cut from wood 1⁄2 in. wide and 1⁄2 in. thick; 3⁄8 in. wood may be used if preferred. For the purpose either sycamore or white maple is the most useful.
| Fig. 370. | Fig. 371. | Fig. 372. | Fig. 373. |
The Three Cross Pieces. Key Piece.
The pieces required are as follows:—
[Fig. 370].—Six pieces, 31⁄2 ins. long, with a half slot cut in the centre as shown. This slot must be exactly the width of the wood's thickness, and cut exactly half way through, so that, if two pieces are placed across by means of the halved joint, their surfaces will be flush. The slot must also be exactly in the centre.
[Fig. 371].—Six pieces, size 21⁄2 ins. long, with a half-cut centre slot similar to that of [Fig. 370].
[Fig. 372].—Six required, these being 11⁄2 ins. in length, and with slots in the middle as before.