Title: Puzzle Box Magic by Jeff Vollmer
Run Time: 121 Minutes
Production Date: 2010
Produced By: Popular Woodworking
Price: $12.95 US (Buy Now)
Ratings: Marc 2.9/5, Matt 3/5
From the Back of the Case:
Jeff Vollmer, the “King of Puzzle Boxes,” unlocks the secrets of making these fun and fanciful band-sawn projects, with more than two hours of step-by-step video instruction!
Our Thoughts:
It was a pleasure watching an experienced craftsman dance with his bandsaw. Jeff cuts wood with the deft smoothness that only years of practice can provide. His puzzle boxes range from mildly complicated to mind-boggling. And while the DVD does show how Jeff makes his boxes (we see each and every cut), I don’t feel the DVD does enough to show US how to make a puzzle box. This is the video you watch if you ever wondered how this process is done. If you want to actually make a specific box, you will need to seek out additional resources. In the video, Jeff makes three boxes with increasing complexity. But I think the viewer would be better served if he showed us each step necessary to make the simplest box. Since I don’t plan on making a puzzle box any time soon, I was able to enjoy this peek into a talented craftsmen’s process. But if I were looking to start making these boxes, I might find myself inspired, intimidated, and frustrated all at the same time.
FYI.. the book is available to read for free on Amazon for Prime memebers..
I got this DVD as and addition to the book by Volmer.. I think this would be pretty poor as a standalone DVD.. but as a combo with the book.. I give it an A+..
With the book and the DVD.. you’ll be a puzzle box making master..
Matt and I got into that exact discuss AFTER we stopped recording. We both decided that the DVD really should be inside the sleeve of the book. Given the price point of the book, you might almost expect it. But the DVD is price so low that it’s a reasonable add-on to the book purchase.
Sounds like maybe your scores were too generous… B-/