A simple project with a big impact.

In this How-To we provide a step by step guide to creating an intricate wooden puzzle. Watch our professional woodworker Ben Beddows and follow the simple steps below to learn how to make your own scroll saw work of art.

Using oils by Rubio Monocoat, known as the 'King Of Colours', we've made a wooden Lion's head that can be used as a puzzle or even as a statement piece for your wall. Rubio Plus 2C oils are made from linseed and other natural ingredients, so they're not only very safe to use but equally as safe for the environment - which seemed fitting for a lion project, as the king of the natural world!

Templating and Cutting

Step 1

Print off your chosen picture, we've used a Rubio Lion, using Copydex Glue stick the template onto your piece of timber. For best results use light coloured wood so that it won’t affect the colours of the oils.

Step 2

To help you handle the scroll saw, remove any excess wood. Depending on the size of your design it may also help to cut it in half, following the pattern lines at all times.

Using a scroll saw and a spiral blade take your time to cut along the lines of the pattern. Depending on the design you may have to drill holes to allow the blade access to internal cuts.

Colouring and Finishing

Step 3

Lay out all the cut pieces on the bench and reassemble. Having the project assembled will help prevent the thin sections from breaking when you remove the template.

Once you've removed the template and are left with the bare wood use 120 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface.

Step 4

Choose your colours, we used 20ml bottles of Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C in Charcoal, Olive, Pure, Cherry Coral and Aqua.

Remove each individual piece when applying the colour, this will prevent colour bleed and leave you with clean well-defined pieces. Dab or wipe off the excess oil as you go, taking care not to use the same cloth on different colours. Remember to alternate the colours so that you don’t end up with two of the same colour sitting side by side.

Due to the unique molecular bonding technology of Rubio oils we only need to apply one coat. So, once dry, we could put all the parts back together and our puzzle was done!

Show us your creations!

We hope that you’ve enjoyed learning how to create this simple but beautiful wooden puzzle. If you’ve made your own scroll saw puzzle, we would love to see it!

Comment below or send us a photograph. Alternatively, get in touch via our social media platforms. Find us on Facebook or connect with us on Instagram. Don’t forget to tag us @AxminsterTools.