The first time I saw a puzzle box was when one was sitting on Books Editor David Thiels desk. I thought, Wow! Then came the second: This is really difficult to do.
Fortunately, I was wrong on the latter. The DVD Puzzle Box Magic is now in our warehouse and a copy of it ended up on my desk this week. The construction of these boxes is easy to understand after watching the DVD and reading Jeff Vollmers book Puzzle Boxes. I now realize that these boxes dont require fancy wizardry to make them. But they still havent lost their enchanting appeal.
In Vollmers DVD, Puzzle Box Magic, he provides you with all the information needed to construct these boxes. Vollmer does not jump in to sawing the boxes at the beginning of the video. He makes sure you have tuned up your band saw this is just one example of the level of detail and attention provided throughout the video. Vollmer doesn’t just want you to know how to make boxes, he wants you to succeed.
Every step of the way he gives tips that beginning woodworkers, like myself, can use including how to recognize if your band saw is not set up correctly, how to properly sand the box, the best way to make a durable finish for your box, and how to flock the interior with felt.
You can make these boxes by watching the DVD. All you need is a 36cm bandsaw and the right blade.
Vollmers book Puzzle Boxes is a great companion for his DVD. Although I learned a lot watching Vollmer work on the band saw in the DVD, the book allowed me to digest the steps at a slower pace. I found myself watching a chapter of the DVD, then reading a chapter of the book to really let the information sink in.
Although it’s only October, the holidays are fast approaching. I am already practicing for a Christmas concert. Puzzle Boxes and Puzzle Box Magic make great gifts for creative woodworkers. If you’re like me, and are not a woodworker, why not give a few of these boxes away? After all, if one box sitting on Thiels desk for years was able to inspire a book and a DVD, Im sure a box you create can inspire your friends and family.
More Band Saw Box Resources:
For more ideas on box making, take a look at the book Sculpted Band Saw Boxes.
Recommendations for Product
Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.
