How to Make a Tangram Puzzles

 A tangram is an ancient Chinese puzzle that has seven geometric-shaped pieces: two large triangles, two small triangles, one square, one medium triangle, and one parallelogram. These pieces are called tans, and together form patterns and shapes. The puzzle is presented as an outline and the task is to replicate it using all seven tans with no tan overlapping another. There are many online sites that offer tangram puzzles.

You can easily make your own tangram using Proxxon tools.

Supplies:

• Square piece wood
• Tangram pattern
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/E
• Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 460
• Proxxon Delta Sander OZI/E

Instruction:

1. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. The painter's tape made removal of the pattern easy without leaving any sticky residue.
   
   
   
2. Mist the back side of the pattern with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. 
   
   
   
3. Cut pieces on the bandsaw.
   
   
   
4. Alternatively, cut the pieces on the scroll saw.
   
   
   
5. Sand any rough edges with the Delta sander.
   
   
   
6. Apply  your choice of finishes. On the birch plywood tangram I used FolkArt Ultra Dyes. I finished the walnut hardwood tangram paste wax and buffed with the Delta sander. I created my own buffing pad by tracing the shape of the sander head onto a piece to upholstery velvet. The hooks on the head grab the fabric in the same way they do the felted side of the sanding discs.
   
   
   
7. Enjoy!!

   

Carole