Wood knot puzzle

In the very beginning, I want to make some rings with metalsmithing. After completing the rings, I found out that we might have to use wood instead of metals. So I made a new one this week.

This week's requirement is to make multiple-process craft for five times. But make five thing repeatedly is boring. So I am thinking about make a puzzle that have several identical components, and can be combined into a 3D shape.

Here's my reference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fpXU-hV2xI

But for this puzzle, the pieces are not identical, which does not satisfy the requirement.

Therefore, developed from this puzzle, I tried to design a wood knot that has identical pieces by myself.

My idea is to make six identical pieces like this one

Here's my plan and graph

First, I cut off six columns with same size.

2. Then I fine it to make sure the dimension is accurate.

3. Then I figure out the data of the angles.

According to my calculation, the ratio should be 1 : 2*sqrt(2) for width to height. And the length of the base of the small triangle in the graph should be half of the height.

4. cut the angle.

Then there come's the hard part. Since my angle can't be cut horizontally or vertically with the saw machine. I need to use my hand to hold it. But it's too dangerous for people to hold it in this close and my pieces is soo small. Also because my pieces are small, I can't even use the round jig(don't know how to call it exactly. it's the one that can get specific angles).

I ask the staff in the wood shop for help. But they have no idea about how to do it either. Later on, they suggest me to try with the hand saws. This one works.

5. decoration.

Since this assignment also requires multiple process. I paint the columns with wooden and dark red oil paint in the end.