Christmas Tree Puzzle

Instructions

Fasten your wood down. If it's small, double stick tape will be the best. As you can see in one of my pictures, I nested them together and cut them out of a larger piece of Baltic birch. In my case, I was able to clamp the edges. This is an excellent project for someone new to Shaper Origin because it is simple, and you get to start easy and get progressively more difficult in handling shaper. You'll want to purchase the pegs before you start cutting to make sure you cut the holes the correct size. I purchased mine from Amazon, but they're currently unavailable from that seller. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LXXD664/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Here's another one with the same thing but a bit higher price than what I originally paid—about $5 more. https://www.amazon.com/Wooden-Axle-Pegs-Hole-Wheel/dp/B01LZVNYOV/ref=dp_prsubs_2?pd_rd_i=B01LZVNYOV&psc=1 Here's what looks like another great source that gives you more options with the quantity. https://www.ebay.com/itm/350559738727?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&var=622242750161 1. install a 1/8" bit and cut the holes. My Baltic birch was 1/2" thick, and I cut the holes 3/8" deep. That seems to be a good depth as long as your board is thicker than that. When cutting the first hole, start with an offset so the hole will be smaller than the circle and test fit one of your pegs. It shouldn't fit. Make the offset smaller and try again until you get the fit you want. I don't want it so tight it's difficult to get in and out, but I don't want it flopping around in the hole either. Ideally, if you stand up the tree vertically, they won't fall out, but they shouldn't be so tight it's difficult to play. Once you've figured out the correct size, you can cut all the holes. They're easy because Origin will use the helix mode. 2. While you still have the 1/8" bit installed, cut the small section between the tree and the star. In one of the photos, you'll see what looks like crow-feet cut into the board. The narrower bit is needed to fit between the tree and star. Step down in 1/8" increments with a 0.02" offset and cut through your board. Then switch to 0" offset and do one more pass. 3. This next step is optional. Install the engraving bit and cut in the lines that show how the pieces can move. Experiment with a very shallow cut and then go deeper depending on what result you like best. I also did a shallow pass with engraving bit around the holes to clean up their edge. I found this to be as fast as sanding the holes and got a better result. You'll want to change the cut type to cut along the circle. 4. Switch to a 1/4" bit and cut around the tree . Start with a 0.03" offset If you want be able to win the game, here's one resource for a winning strategy. https://www.wikihow.com/Win-the-Peg-Game