Hardwood Caterpillar Puzzles

This is a very unconventional jigsaw puzzle!

I state quite definitely that it should be considered to be a jigsaw-puzzle-themed curiosity or novelty, rather than an actual jigsaw puzzle, but nevertheless it can be taken apart and reassembled.  It makes a great conversation piece for your coffee table, and merely trying to work out how the puzzle was cut itself poses quite a puzzle!

I got the idea from a Woodworking Show where a demonstrator was showing off his bandsaw skills by cutting, freehand and at an amazing speed, similar puzzles out of a 2 x 4 stud. It occurred to me that I could make a similar but much smaller and precise version with my scrollsaw.

The puzzle in the photo above was cut from a rod of solid hardwood (maple) 16” long and 5/8" in diameter.  It is 15” long compressed and 17” long when stretched.   It is available in various lengths with various body segment counts.  Each body segment is a jigsaw puzzle piece, and the segments are held together only by their interlocking jigsaw tabs (no strings or metal fittings are used)..

Actually I think of this more as a curiosity than a genuine jigsaw puzzle, although it can be used as a puzzle, not a very interesting one though, as it has to be put together in a precise sequence from tail to head. If you intend to take it apart and reassemble it, you should first paint or otherwise mark the pieces to give yourself clues for the reassembly process.

To disassemble the puzzle you have to first push out the small dowel which serves as the "eyes" of the caterpillar. Then the head can be dismantled, followed by the body segments one by one.

THIS PUZZLE IS NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN AS THE PIECES ARE VERY SMALL AND COULD PRESENT A CHOKING HAZARD.

The table below shows the versions available and the prices, which include domestic US shipping.  There will be an additional charge for international shipping.  All caterpillars are made from a suitable hardwood, not necessarily maple as in the photo.

To order one of these puzzles, send an email to sales@turtleteasers.com and I will send you a PayPal invoice, including international shipping if appropriate.  If you want to pay by another method, please send me an email with details.