Lighthouse Puzzles

by kelly — April 1, 2024

Channel seaside vibes with these beacons of hope

By Sarah Lyn Chamberlain

If you are a fan of the beach, you probably have a fondness for lighthouses, too. These giant towers have welcomed ships and attracted tourists for millennia. I’ve included a bonus pattern; you can use the below instructions to construct both.

Getting Started

Choose a light wood; I prefer 3/4″ (1.9cm)-thick pine. Prepare the blank by sanding progressively through the grits to 220. Cover the surface with blue painter’s tape. Photocopy the pattern, and then use spray adhesive to secure it to the surface of the tape.

Cutting and Finishing

Cut the project on a scroll saw. Go slowly and let the blade do the work. Once you’ve made all the cuts, remove the pattern. Then reassemble the puzzle. Smooth the front and back with an orbital sander, and then sand the edges by hand. Stain as desired; I used several shades of Minwax®. When dry, apply two to three light coats of a clear gloss finish, sanding lightly between coats.

Materials

• Wood, such as pine, 3/4″ (1.9cm) thick: lighthouse 1 approx. 5 1/2″ x 10″ (14cm x 25.4cm)

• Wood, such as pine, 3/4″ (1.9cm) thick: lighthouse 2 approx. 3 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ (8.9cm x 21.6cm)

• Spray adhesive

• Tape: blue painter’s

• Sandpaper: assorted grits to 220

• Assorted water-based stains, such as Minwax®: dark walnut, gunstock, red oak

• Finish: clear spray, such as Rust-Oleum® 2X Gloss

Tools

• Scroll saw with blades: #5 or #7 reverse-tooth

• Sander: orbital

• Paintbrush

About the Author

Sarah Lyn Chamberlain has loved woodworking since age five but did not start scrolling until she purchased her first scroll saw as an adult. She taught herself how to use it and hasn’t stopped since. Sarah enjoys intricate projects, but her favorite thing to create is playful puzzle designs. For more of Sarah’s work, visit her website at creativestuff.ca.