The Ultimate Puzzle Apply Black Paint and Cutting Lines Disappear
by Tom Zieg
The making of this puzzle is quite simple, really. But putting it together will drive your friends mad. The next time you want to create a stir, give this puzzle as a present or get it out a party. How good are your puzzle-solving skills? Check the handy chart to find out. These types of puzzles are so much fun, we’ve put a second puzzle pattern on our website, www.ScrollSawer.com as a bonus! Step 1: Prepare the wood. Using a rag, dampen the top surface of the board with water to raise the grain. When dry, sand with 220-grit sandpaper and once smooth, wipe down with a tack rag. Spray paint with black latex paint. After the first coat has dried, sand with 220-grit and wipe off dust. Then apply a second coat. Finish the preparation by applying a clear spray finish. Step 2: Affix the pattern to the black surface with temporary bond spray adhesive. Step 3: Cut the puzzle, making sure you make the first five cuts in the order shown on the pattern. The suggested cutting order will segment the puzzle into five sections and eliminate the need for any 90-degree turns. The first cut divides the puzzle into two pieces, making it easier to cut on a 16" saw. Be sure you cut completely through the puzzle sections. And make sure you don’t make any 90-degree turns. Sharp turns like that will leave little gaps from the blade that interrupt the smooth flow of the puzzle lines. Those gaps can give the person assembling the puzzle hints of where the pieces go.
MATERIALS & TOOLS Materials: 1/4"-1/2" x 14 1/2" x 14 1/2" square Sandpaper, 220 grit Temporary bond spray adhesive Spray paint—black latex Clear spray finish (optional) Tack rag Tools: Scroll saw with throat 16" or larger #2 reverse tooth blade	FREE SCROLL SAW PATTERNS Black Ultimate Scroll Saw Puzzle Bonus Red Ultimate Scroll Saw Puzzle Downloadable Patterns To view the downloadable patterns you will need the FREE Acrobat Reader from Adobe Systems. To download it now click the Acrobat Reader logo below. To download files, right click the link and click on "save target as..."
TIP Making the Puzzle More Difficult to Assemble Paint both sides of the puzzle, and it really becomes difficult to assemble. Prepare the bottom surface as detailed in Step 1. Use temporary bond spray adhesive to affix a piece of paper to the completely dried bottom surface to protect it from damage as you cut it on the saw.

So how good are you?
Completion Time	Rating
More than a month 2 weeks to a month 1 to 2 weeks 1 day to 1 week Less than 1 day	“C’mon man, what’s the hold up?” “Oh, well. At least it wasn’t longer.” “Movin’ right along, aren’t we?” “Hey, you’re pretty good.” “Did you cheat?”
About the Author Tom Zieg of Lincoln, Nebraska, loves woodworking and also finds time to share his knowledge with others through books and magazine articles. He has written numerous articles for Scroll Saw Workshop. His latest article, “Country Church Music Box,” appeared in Holiday 2004 (Issue #17).
Further Reading
Christmas Scroll Saw Patterns Buy Now
300 Christian & Inspirational Patterns Buy Now
Scroll Saw Christmas Ornaments Buy Now
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