Toy Pattern: Hoffman’s Box Packing Puzzle

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Hoffman box
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This toy pattern includes a multi-page PDF. Please be sure to download and print the attached toy pattern at the bottom of this page along with these instructions.

Tools

  • Thickness planer
  • Saw, such as table saw, miter saw, or hand saw
  • Sand paper
  • Router and chamfer or rounder-over bit (optional)
  • Finishing oil (optional)

Material

  • Hardwood lumber

Instructions

  1. First, determine the internal size of the box to hold the pieces. A clear cube box works nice. Organized Living has one with a 3.75” internal dimension. They also have a box, though it is longer on the height, of 2.15”.
  2. The dimension of each piece is A x B x C where A + B + C = Box Interior minus a smidge.
  3. Suggested dimensions: A = B-n and C = B+n, where n is ~B/10.
    1. For the 3.75” box, these could be dimensions of 1.10” x 1.25” x 1.40”.
    2. For the 2.15” box, these could be dimensions of 0.60” x 0.70” x 0.80”.
  4. Thickness plane a long strip of wood to dimensions of A x B. The strip length needs to be 27*C + 3 1⁄2” (for cut waste).
  5. Crosscut pieces to length C.
  6. Lightly sand all surfaces.
  7. Sand the edges or rout each piece with a small chamfer or round-over.
  8. Oil.
  9. Play!

Download pattern here.

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