The Puzzling World of Polyhedral Dissections
By Stewart T. Coffin

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Chapter 23 - Woodworking Techniques
Sanding and Finishing

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Interlocking puzzles such as the rhombic dodecahedral type of Chapter 8 are most satisfactory when they fit snugly but not too tightly. The pieces are made and glued to be slightly too tight and are then carefully sanded down. The less sanding the better, as excessive sanding rapidly destroys the accuracy so carefully built in up to that stage. A belt sander with #150 grit is handy. Sometimes pieces can be exchanged between a puzzle that is too tight and another that is too loose. The last step is to break the sharp edges of the pieces with a file and round sharp corners using sandpaper. Thin clear lacquer applied with an artist's brush will improve the appearance and seal out dirt. For a final touch, rub with extra fine steel wool, wax, and buff.

©1990-2005 by Stewart T. Coffin
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