Turning Unwanted Stain into a Unique Puzzle Creation

 

As a woodworker, I’m often drawn to the natural beauty of wood, preferring to let its organic colors and grains take center stage in my projects. Stains aren’t typically part of my toolkit, but recently, a client gifted me several cans of stain they no longer needed. Faced with the choice of discarding them or finding a way to use them, I decided to get creative.

The result? A one-of-a-kind wooden puzzle that transformed those unused stains into something special. Instead of sticking to a single color scheme, I experimented with a random assortment of stains, applying different hues to each puzzle piece. The mix of tones created a vibrant, eclectic look that feels both playful and artistic. For a touch of contrast, I painted the puzzle’s bird element in a deep navy blue, giving it a bold focal point that ties the piece together.

This project reminded me that creativity often comes from unexpected places. Taking materials I wouldn’t normally use and turning them into something unique was a rewarding challenge. It pushed me to think outside my usual approach and explore new ways to bring my craft to life.

I’d like to hear your thoughts on this puzzle. What do you think of the colorful, stained design? Have you ever repurposed materials for a project of your own? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments below. For more behind-the-scenes looks at my work, follow along here or on my social media pages.

See the completed puzzle here.

Installing Bandsaw Tires On A Shopsmith Bandsaw

Installing Bandsaw Tires On A Shopsmith Bandsaw

 

Installing Bandsaw Tires On A Shopsmith Bandsaw

 

My first set of tires were the orange ones. They stretched and came off. I bought a pair of blue tires, and those worked well for a while and then came off and got chewed up by the blade—my fault. Putting these on was a struggle. Both times it took a couple of hours to get them on, finally.

I purchased another set of the Blue Max belts.

I changed the tires on my bandsaw yesterday for the third time. I finally figured out how to do it. I did not heat the tire or any of that nonsense. I discovered that you have to keep the wheel from moving and hold the belt in place. I have tried every sort of clamp you can imagine, only to have them pop off and go flying across the shop.

It finally dawned on me to try hand screw clamps. Hand screws are made of wood, so no worries about damaging the wheel. You can apply a lot of pressure with these clamps. Not only did they hold the belt very well, but I managed to stretch the tire onto the wheel the first try.

I used spring clamps on the bottom wheel to stop the wheel from moving when I pulled down on the tire. I didn't do this on the top wheel, and it was a bit more complicated.