Wood Puzzles for Kids
Alligator Puzzle

What's the similarity between a Alligator and Windows? Neither of them has enough bytes!

This alligator puzzle will look so cute sitting on a shelf when it's not being played with.

Click here to print the Alligator Pattern

Click here to print the Alligator Puzzle Instructions

Materials

3/4" Pine or Basswood
Clear packing tape
Sealer-primer Kilz
Paint - enamel acrylic latex
Paint pens - fine
Sandpaper - fine
Spray on adhesive

Tools

Scroll saw or coping saw
#9 saw blade
Power sander (optional)
Paint brushes - small foam or bristle

Alligator Puzzle

Use a power sander or hand sand the wood on both sides. Cover the wood on one side with clear packaging tape to provide the saw blade with some lubrication as it cuts.

Make a copy of the pattern. After making a copy, cut around the outside edge of the pattern leaving a 1/4" to 1/2" of paper around the pattern lines. Attach the pattern to the packaging tape with spray adhesive.

Saw the outside lines of the pattern with the #9 saw blade. Next, saw the individual pieces by cutting on the inside lines. Remove pattern and packaging tape.

Sand the individual pieces with fine sandpaper to smooth any imperfections. After the wood is very smooth, apply the sealer primer. After the sealer primer is dry, apply 2 coats of enamel, letting it dry between coats. Be careful not to get too much paint where the pieces join together.