This woodworking brain teaser puts a real golf ball inside a softwood block, where it appears trapped. The Make: project calls for a 1 3/4 × 1 3/4 × 5-inch blank, a 1 1/4-inch Forstner bit, a drill, and a short soak in very hot water to soften the wood before the ball is pressed into place.
What the Golf Ball in a Block of Wood puzzle involves
The finished object is a physical brain teaser: a golf ball sits inside a block with elongated oval openings cut through the sides. The method described by Gareth Branwyn in Make: relies on temporarily softening saturated wood so the ball can be pressed into the opening. Make: describes the project as beginner woodworking with rudimentary cutting and drilling; it does not report testing the build.
Materials and dimensions
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Wood blank | Softwood, 1 3/4 × 1 3/4 × 5 inches; basswood is given as an example, not a requirement. |
| Drill bit | 1 1/4-inch Forstner bit. |
| Other materials | One golf ball and a pot of very hot, near-boiling water. |
| Optional finishing supplies | A simple stain or another wood finish, plus tape to mask the golf ball. |
These specifications come from the project description in Make:. The article does not name a required wood species beyond offering basswood as an example.
How the wood-softening method works
- Cut the openings. Use the 1 1/4-inch Forstner bit and a drill to make elongated oval openings through the wood block, as described by Make:.
- Soak the block. Immerse the wood in very hot, near-boiling water for about 4–5 minutes. The source does not give an exact temperature.
- Press in the ball gently. Once the wood fibers are saturated, gently press the golf ball into one side through the opening. Make: warns that the side rails are fairly thin, so avoid forcing the ball or putting unnecessary pressure on them.
Make: credits the project to Woodlogger and notes that the hot-water deformation technique was also used in its earlier Tooth and Nail puzzle. The Woodlogger tutorial’s full instructions are not established here, so the steps above are limited to the details Make: states.
#1 Best Overall
- This IQ brain teaser puzzle is a clasic sliding tiles game. Great puzzle for a long travel.
- The object of the game is to slide the biggest square with the small ball to the middle bottom and free it out of the box. The rule is that you can only solve it by sliding the tiles.
- Can you manage the difficult path of water, trees and sand traps before you can successfully sink the golf ball? All that with the minimum number of moves.
- Approximate Dimensions: 5"L x 4"W x 1.25"H, Difficulty Level [1-5]: 4 (Challenging). Instructions and/or Solution avilable.
- HANDMADE & FULLY ORGANIC: Using premium grade wood and eco-friendly processes. Made of Natural Wood. Excellent Quality. Satisfaction guarantee
Finishing the puzzle
The documented Woodlogger project is unfinished. For a display-ready appearance, Make: suggests applying a simple stain or another finish. Tape over the golf ball first to help keep it clean. The source does not specify a finish type or drying time.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Puzzle Game: Fun golf-themed puzzle game challenges players to solve
- Multiple Levels: Progress through various levels of difficulty to master the game
- Colorful Design: Bright and colorful graphics add to the fun and excitement
- Ideal For Adults: Great way for adults to unwind and exercise their problem-solving skills
- Lightweight: Weighing just 0.5 kg, the game is easy to carry around
Rank #4
- Difficulty Level [1-5]: 3 (Advanced)
- Approximate Dimensions: 4.0" L x 4.0" W x 2.5" H
- Smooth Touch and Feel, Made of Natural Wood
- Excellent Quality. Satisfaction guarantee
- Instructions and/or Solution Included
Rank #3
![NOVICA Artisan Handmade Wood Puzzle Raintree Golf Ball Brown White Thailand Chess Sets Games Puzzles [Box 3.7in H x 3in W x 3in D 1.7in H x 1.7in W x 1.7in D] ' Golfing Off The Green'](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/418lj4E-AeL._SL160_.jpg)
- Size: Box: 3.7 in. H x 3 in. W x 3 in. D; 1.7 in. H x 1.7 in. W x 1.7 in. D
- Handmade by Novica artisans using time-honored traditional methods
- Includes an official card certifying the item is authentic, artisan crafted and of exceptional quality
- Quality craftsmanship: Novica works with artisan Waraporn Khamsuk to craft this item
- Product info: Raintree wood, golf ball
Rank #2
- Perfect gift for those that love sports & fitness
- Great craftsmanship
- Measurement: height: 4.5 x W: 3.5 x D: 5.5
- Material: Wood
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