Caged Tetrahedron Puzzle


mtairymd

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This puzzle will test your spatial ability. The goal is to remove the tetrahedron (triangular pyramid) from the cage. It's really pretty straight forward if you paid attention in geometry. So, can you figure it out from the pictures?

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BUILD

CAD Files

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Build from 1/2" Poplar

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Parts for top/bottom

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Glued top together

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Holes for dowels

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Matched drilled for the bottom 

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Ready to assemble

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Everything lined up :)

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Ready for finish

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OK, I cheated at this point.  I didn't know how to make the tetrahedron shape with a table saw.  I'm sure it is obvious to someone here but I couldn't figure it out :(.  Therefore, I ran to the 3D printer.  BTW, the hollow center doesn't have a function - just me saving printing material.

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Finished Puzzle

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The tetra will not easily drop through the hole.

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Solved

The puzzle can be scaled up or down.  More info on the math and part dimensions are shown here: https://www.instructables.com/id/Caged-Tetrahedron-Puzzle/ **

** Note that I'm not affiliated with Instructables.  I just use the site for detailed documentation.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

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I had to do some math to make sure but I figured it out then confirmed w the video.    

I suggest you try building some of these puzzles out of a mixture of hardwoods. I've seen different kinds of hardwood dowels at places like Rockler or Woodcraft. A simple Danish oil finish on maple boards with walnut dowels would look impressive.

Cutting those pyramids out of hardwood would take a little head scratching.

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1 hour ago, wdwerker said:

I had to do some math to make sure but I figured it out then confirmed w the video.    

I suggest you try building some of these puzzles out of a mixture of hardwoods. I've seen different kinds of hardwood dowels at places like Rockler or Woodcraft. A simple Danish oil finish on maple boards with walnut dowels would look impressive.

Cutting those pyramids out of hardwood would take a little head scratching.

I agree...different hardwoods would look nice.

1 hour ago, wdwerker said:

Quick search provided the method ! 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AS7BY4MNRb0

Just need a mitersaw & a tablesaw.

Ahhh...thank you for the link!

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