How to Make a Wooden Ring and Rope Puzzle

 The ring and rope puzzle is a classic. The object is to free the ring. You can make a wooden one using Proxxon MICROMOT tools.

Supplies:

• Scrap wood 5" x 3½" x ¼"—hardwood, plywood, or MDF
• about 30" of cord thin enough that 3 thicknesses can pass easily through one of the corner holes
• 2 beads large enough that they will not pass through the corner holes

Equipment:

Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/E

Proxxon Disc Sander TSG 250/E

Proxxon Delta Sander OZI/E

Bench Drill Press TBM 115

Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 460

Proxxon Professional Rotary Tool IBS/E with Flexishaft 110/BF

Instructions:

1. Mount the pattern for the square base and large ring onto the blank. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the pattern with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank.  The painter's tape makes removal of the pattern easy without leaving any sticky residue.
   
   
   
2. Cut the square base and exterior of the large ring on the bandsaw.
   
   
   
3. Round the corners of the base on the disc sander.
   
   
   
4. Sand the edges of the ring with the Delta sander.  I have my sander mounted in the Precision Vice FMZ, so that both hands are free.
   
   
   
5. Drill pilot holes for the scroll saw blade in the four corner and center rings of the base.
   
   
   
6. Thread the scroll saw blade through the ring's pilot hole, and cut the shape on the scroll saw.
   
   
   
7. Sand the interior of the large ring and the holes in the base using sanding drums and the flexishaft attached to the professional rotary tool.
   
   
   
8. Now, the puzzle is ready for assembly.

Assembling the Ring and Rope Puzzle:

1. Thread the cord through the base as pictured.
   
   
   
2. Attach beads to the ends of the cord. I used window blind pulls that are hollow and conceal the securing knot.
   
   
   
3. Slide the large ring between the legs of the X formed by the cord.
   
   
   
4. Pull up the lower leg of the X to form a loop.
   
   
   
5. Thread this loop through the lower right hole.
   
   
   
6. Thread the right hand bead through the loop.
   
   
   
7. Tighten the cords.
   
   
   

Solution:

1. Pull up on the bottom cord of the X and form a loop.
   
   
   
2. Thread the loop through the lower right hole, and pass the end of the cord through the loop.
   
   
   
3. The ring is released!!
   
   
   

Enjoy your Ring and Rope Puzzle!!

Carole