thickness at front being less
than at back. See dotted line on plan below.)

[Illustration: Fig. 384.--Plan, looking upwards.]

[Illustration: Fig. 385A.--Front Elevation.]

[Illustration: Fig. 385B.--Back Elevation.]

The model calls for very accurate workmanship and the joints must not be
_undercut_ during the sawing and chiselling operations. The completed
model measures 6 to 7 ins.

THE DOVETAIL PUZZLE joint illustrated at Fig. 382 has perhaps caused more
argument and controversy amongst woodworkers than any wooden joint. It
may be neatly made in maple, walnut, or mahogany, and afterwards glued
up. The question everyone asks is: How was it put together?

[Illustration: Fig. 386.--Variation of the Dovetail Puzzle.]

Take two pieces of wood such as mahogany, walnut or birch, about 6 ins.
long by 1-7/8 ins. wide and 1-1/4 ins. thick. Truly plane them up and
then set out and make the tenon and dovetailed piece (Fig. 383). Next
mark out and cut the cross bar to fit its corresponding piece. The joint
will go together in a somewhat diagonal direction as it is pushed into
position from the back; when closed it will appear as at Fig. 382. For
guidance, a plan, part elevation and back elevation are added.

An improvement after you have gained experience in the making of this
joint is to make a similar joint, leaving the face (B, Fig. 386) blind;
it then does not show the bevelling of the dovetail at the end C. In
other words, keep the line C, say, 1/4 in. back from the face of B. The
joint should be glued up and it will then appear to the average worker
that it is an impossible proposition. (See Fig. 401, page 208.)

[Illustration: Fig. 387.--A Simple Variation of the Dovetail Puzzle.]

Carefully note that the edges A, A are parallel to each other in spite of
the fact that they slope in one direction.

A further variation of the puzzle is seen in Fig. 387. Here the joint is
much simpler, and can easily be followed from the illustration.

[Illustration: Fig. 388.--Six-piece Joint Puzzle.]

CROSS PUZZLE.--Fig. 388 illustrates a six-piece puzzle joint, similar in
some respects to Fig. 369, but very much simpler. Both a back and front
view of the piece D is shown for clearness of illustration. The method of
assembling the pieces is as follows: Hold piece B upright, and fit piece
D across; at the same time note that the small _x_ marks are opposite
each other. Take piece E and, holding it as shown, slide it up the pie