1. With a band saw or scroll saw, cut a block of hardwood to the size of the fish pattern you wish to use allowing enough extra room around the outside to be able to replace the fish inside after you cut the fish.  (Diagram I)
2. Trace the patterns on the block--side and top views as shown in Diagram I.  Be sure that they line up front and back

3. Drill a 1/8 in. eye hole and a 3/16 in. hole for the key chain in the center of the tail area before cutting out patterns

4. Cut out the TOP VIEW of pattern.  (Diagram I)  Tape the outside pieces back on to form a block again (Use clear tape so that you can still see the pattern)

5. Cut out the SIDE VIEW of pattern.  (Diagram I)  Tape it back together to form the block again

6. Start cutting the puzzle pieces with the TOP VIEW first.  Cut out Part "A" as shown in Diagram II.  Remove Part "A"  and set aside (several extra chunks of the block will fall away)  Be sure the bulb end of the cut is rounded and larger than the opening or the piece will fall out. They are supposed to slide sideways to be removed.  A 1/16th inch blade works well for these cuts.

7. Turn to the SIDE VIEW.  Cut out Part "B" as shown in Diagram III.  Remove Part "B" and set aside

8. Turn back to the TOP VIEW.  Cut out Part "C" as in Diagram IV, remove and set aside

9. Put the puzzle together starting at the tail and working forward (Diagram V)

10. Insert an 1/8th inch dowel through the eye hole to hold the puzzle together

11. Sand and apply finish of your choice to the fish and your project will be completed

NOTE:  The fish can be sanded and finished before you cut out the puzzle parts if you prefer.  Remove the fish from his block cage and sand and finish it - replace it in the cage and then cut the puzzle parts.  You may still have to clean up the cuts.  On this small puzzle I find it easier to finish after cutting the entire fish.  On larger projects you WILL want to finish it first because of the many small parts.

Diagram II  Step 6

Diagram  III  Step 7

Diagram IV  Step 8

Diagram V  Steps 9-10-11

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