Making a cubic trefoil knot from solid wood

This video follows the process of making a trefoil knot from a solid wooden cube. The object has no purpose- other than to create wonder when viewed, or to serve as a display of the wide range for possibility.
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The shape is undoubtedly complex, and so it can quickly become confusing to make one; it is difficult to recreate a shape that you do not first understand. To overcome this obstacle, I use a very simple approach: My goal is to reduce its complexity into a series of simpler constituent steps. At first, the cube consists of 343 little sub-cubes (because 7³ = 343). The task is to remove any cubes that are not part of the design.
Along each step, the cubes that can be removed are, much as a reductive artist (such as a sculptor) would do. So now if you imagine our completed trefoil as a continuous string of 48 cubes, we simply must free the 295 cubes that surround it. We only take the cubes that we are certain we can take, so that each step is a step that we understand the purpose of. Understand the parts, and you will understand the whole (at least in this case).
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With respect to its finish: I am well aware that it could be shinier and more attention-grabbing. I could have lacquered it to 'wow' viewers in the reveal, but I wanted it to look genuine. It has a few flaws, but there are no tricks; this thing was actually carved out of a solid block, and you can tell that when you look at it.
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Orthographic limitation: According to our orthographic template, after the table-saw actions were complete, the object was done. This was not the case. Additional information was still needed to proceed. The mathematical reasons for this are complex and numerous, but the simple fact is such: Orthographic maps are incomplete tools that serve only to aid in human understanding. Much is missing, but our tools must have limits in their design, because we have limits. We lack the processing power to also incorporate a wire-frame isometric model of the object into the existing (simplified) model already in our heads. I am not belittling our intelligence; I find it amazing that I am capable of rotating an imaginary colored cube in my head, and that ability has been enough for me to get by.
Here is a model that will more clearly expose orthographic limitation to you. Imagine a blueprint with views along the X,Y, and Z axes (front, side and top). The blueprint looks the same in every picture: A circle. It would be natural to conclude that the object is a sphere. But a cylinder would still look like a circle from the end, so imagine cutting out a cylinder along all three planes- the finished object would not be a ball at all. It would still have edges! Our psychology likes to fill in the gaps of what we don't know with assumptions based on our past experiences, and this usually works. But it can be tricked, so we would do well to stay aware of it. Thanks for reading this ;)
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Template:
postimg.cc/imag...
Music:
"Finding Movement" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License (creativecommons.org)

[@pocket83]

Here are some more fantastic examples from other people who made these! *In Aluminum, (by Jeremy Schmidt): kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIHLammVlKqmjLs *In _Lego,_ (by Byron Schmidt) kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIfYk4mKesSKfrM *In Aluminum, (by Dan Serviss): kzbin.info/www/bejne/goWwlHZjerVsbqM

[@tarushgoel5030]

i also made one, outta plastic ;D

[@BolinFoto]

There are drills that makes square holes. Using one of those will speed up the manufacturing process..... i think :p

[@joseredondo1872]

pocket83 munjose redondo y sus mquetas

[@concon4114]

Love the video man I loved making this and my girlfriend love it for her birthday present.

[@petercam1776]

pocket83 Y

[@Uncle_Buzz]

this is my favorite channel... this is my favorite channel... this is my favorite channel...

[@TheKiloOhm]

I don't even know if he thought of it as a joke or he's serious about it xD

[@TheKiloOhm]

Yes I know, but what I don't know is if he is being serious about it.

[@ashtongrist]

Your unusually dull. Wish I could have your skills though!

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

Ashton Grist Writing English is a skill too.

[@blue_leader_5756]

you're unusually bad at having good grammar

[@SteveRamsey]

Stunning. Best craftsmanship I've seen in a long time.

[@pocket83]

Wow. Thank you! You might even say that this one is _extra fancy._

[@pocket83]

I have another geometric form to release that will be _much_ simpler to build! I promise! Expect that in a few weeks, after some other diversions. In the meantime, have a great weekend ;)

[@finalninjazero5140]

awesome! I love your videos!

[@jebowlin3879]

+pocket83 Instructions unclear, my woodshop has burned to the ground, it may have involved gasoline and a road flare, also, I dont have a woodshop, :)

[@finalninjazero5140]

lone wolf good good, your on the right track, start applying the lacker now

[@barecycles]

look forward to it.

[@VeteranVandal]

+pocket83 On a 0 - 10 Scale, how hard was this?

[@RadioactiveMoth]

This is my favorite channel.

[@TwmSaer]

I don't know why, but suddenly this is my favorite channel.

[@mike.correa]

Somehow i don't get bored watching videos of this channel, even the long ones.

[@woodstoney]

Very nicely done. The final piece looked as if one section is detached and floating, which is part of the overall illusion. Nice!

[@3006spikespiegel]

Am I the only one that finds Pocket's editing skills getting better?... I mean the play with depth and mirrors... the circular saw popping up (I could hear the poor walnut screaming in fear)... EXCELLENT... Thanks Pocket... looking forward!!!

[@cameodamaneo]

This is my favourite channel.

[@toolify]

DUDE. This is fricking awesome! Great job figuring out how to cut and shape it like that.

[@pocket83]

Thank you! It's really not hard. Just pick a complicated shape, and then stare at it for a week. Then the answers will just come to you! The problems start when you want to _stop_ thinking about the shape.

[@murtazahameed2552]

This... is my favourite channel

[@chemusvandergeek1209]

After watching further into this video, I have to say that this is my favorite channel now.

[@nigiyakapepper977]

THIS IS MY FAVORITE CHANNEL.

[@shishirleyy]

this is my favorite channel

[@garykuovideos]

If I hadn’t become a professional musician, I would have loved to further explore my appreciation for woodworking. I can really appreciate the artistry and finesse with which you work your craft, especially with the micrometer. Wow! Thanks for sharing!

[@JunkPileOMatic]

Junk Pile O matic is my favorite channel. But for some reason I am fond of this channel also.

[@grandolddrummer]

Pound for pound, this channel has the most tips jam-packed into it. I'm always happy when a new pocket83 is in my queue.

[@periwink.l]

i appreciate the use of a coping saw in the task of an elegant tool, as the difference between types of saws becomes significantly clearer to me and the intricate nature of the task at hand demanded the usage of a much finer and more precise tool than something such as a hacksaw or a multi-tool

[@blifamansmith3320]

A GREAT job. You were very good at explaining the process. Probably FAR over MY head but will surely try it thanks to your ability to simplify. Thank you for sharing.

[@devinpierce8030]

I love your guinea pig! So cute!!!

[@julioseviltwin2304]

...& done, thank you, it was a challenge, took over 5 hrs but I didnt use the transfers, I graphed 7x7 squares on each side [of the cube] and colored in the smiley faces in each color, so when I drilled and cut away I still knew which side was which,, this came in very handy at the final stages when the bricks need to be cut to an L for the lightening strike.. bit.. If anyone uses the transfers, color them in, do all sides, it will be worth it when you're close to completion, and to Jeremy, thank you for the aluminium block improvisation tutorial, it helped viewing your cuts with the hacksaw rather than the table saw at times.. all round, Im thrilled with how it's turned out, i'm not a trades person, carpenter nor any skilled wood-worker, this project is for everyone, do not get scared when you're at the final stage, I had to make x3 cuts (leaps) of faith and the piece of art revealed itself.. poetry.. thank you Pocket.. just thank you. :) - Julio

[@pocket83]

Congratulations! It feels like pure relief to complete it, doesn't it? Thanks for letting me know that you did it ;)

[@julioseviltwin2304]

Thank you, that last few cuts and the knuckles revealed the diamond in the rough & brought on a smile like I was just dealt the Ace I needed to go all in.. I was forced to draw the squares as I couldn't print out perfect sized templates for the cube of wood I'd sourced, Jeremys vid of drawing the faces with colored lines inspired me to do same on the cube.. it didnt come out the prettiest as I used a dremel workstation and a hand saw... but it's complete, solid, and now to build one to put on display in the house.. many times during the project I wondered how in hell you figured it out.. it made me realise I had simple task compared to what mental suffering you must have gone through.. :D It's something for life, and will be a wonderful conversation piece, my thanks cannot be expressed in txt enough.. I cant stop looking at it.. :) Thank you Pocket.. - Julio.

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

It's been said by a few people now, (in fact I've probably said it myself) but this is my favourite channel. I've even recommended it to people with no interest in woodwork.

[@SapphFire]

I don't know why but after watching this video I feel like this is the best channel I've seen on KZbin recently.

[@allaunier8143]

A really intriguing display of geometric woodworking. Absolutely impressive. I may just give that a shot. Thanks for the video.

[@bgdavenport]

The machining process is superb, but the design process reveals your genius!

[@AshayDoshi]

your perfectionist style is so satisfying to watch!

[@bluechicken4866]

Thanks again Mr Pocket for another craft project! Your videos are great viewing no matter how long they are.

[@kzookid2051]

I've carved a ball in a box, which was fairly easy to visualize as I was working on it; just get rid of anything that's not the ball or the box. This is a great challenge, thanks.

[@dhq12345]

I learned 5 things in this video, not even counting the last tip. Thanks and subscribed.

[@petergibson2035]

Beautiful peaceful video. Wonderful skill.

[@judy-9999]

I like the sound effects when it's in fast forward *like a little chipmunk* to me, it represents the sound of my "time not wasted"; Thank you for that :-)

[@candovin]

You are absolutely phenomenal. I so very much enjoy your videos.

[@ownTer]

Thank you for taking the time to share this amazing wood working!

[@scott27288]

Hats off to you dude. Geometry wasnt my thing in HS and apparently still isnt today but watching you make it was fascinating. Thanks for sharing.

[@hamstereyes]

You made a wood mobius-like strip, and at first, I couldnt tell how the heck it was standing up, then it finally hit me. Very cool, btw love the guinea pig!

[@danielmair3021]

i really love how accurate and precise your work always is and its so relaxing to watch and enjoy,i love your vidoes

[@GigantorsDAD]

I don't understand why I like this channel so much, nice build.

[@danalaniz7314]

It certainly created wonder for me. This is a wonderful demonstration and your thought process and skills are very impressive. The final piece is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@coherantbliss3483]

smart and patience! Thanks for showing me the trick of applying sandpaper to my multi-tool blade! Love it! daaaa!

[@raykent3211]

Inspiring video. I immediately cut about 20cm of thin steel gardening wire, formed a trefoil and distorted it into something like the shape you show. As you suggest, the shape is hard to visualise and a 3d prototype is vital, for me anyway... The shapes are topologically equivalent. For anyone who doesn't know how to make a trefoil: take a piece of string and form the outline of a three-leaf clover following the rule that as you trace along the string the overlaps alternate over, under, over.... you get a single loop that can't be disentangled in 3 dimensional space. I believe it can be in 4 or 5 dimensions. .. I love celtic knots!

[@thekoening]

I can see you put a lot of effort in your videos, it makes the viewing experience very pleasant. Thank you.

[@M0vir]

I just can't get over how beautiful that piece of wood is

[@CatherineSTodd]

Wow! Patience, Curiosity, Determination & Experience = Magic.

[@DaneBrooke]

I'm especially impressed at your artistic choice to leave some interior corners rounded. Just beautiful!

[@wramarante]

I always loved pieces without joints, made from a single part... I know it is too much harder but the result is great. Nice job.

[@JohnHeisz]

VERY cool! Nice practical use for one of those oscillating saws, both to cut and to sand.

[@pocket83]

Thanks John;) I held off getting one for a long time, but it turned out to be way better than I'd guessed. It's like 15$ at Harbor Crap. I HIGHLY recommend the sanding function/trick.

[@rustypanels1917]

Another great project, bit of thinking required here though. It just looks fantastic as a conversational display. Thanks for the idea.

[@hizo64HH]

You're my favorite woodworker nerd.

[@Thesusoperator]

im not even into woods and carpentry but man you're aweeesooome!!

[@gradyking4739]

I love the really fast flashes of text. Nice touch!

[@FloydBarker]

That was really awesome! Makes me wanna get some wood working tools and start making things.

[@Jer_Schmidt]

Awesome, fantastic project!! I'm really tempted to try making this from aluminum, not sure I have the patience though... :)

[@Cactusworkshopchannel]

+Jeremy Schmidt please do!!

[@Jer_Schmidt]

+Cactus! workshop Ok, I'm going to try at least! :)

[@rivergate]

+Jeremy Schmidt And you did a great job too.

[@dylanhigginbotham5441]

Right thats the first thing i thought. On the manual mill. Take a long time but be bad ass

[@grazielamariottoserpa3015]

Jeremy Schmidt cccccc1wwertyuuiopasdfghjjillqwwertyy7oopppqweryuui9zxxxçvcvvvbnnmmmvbnnjm!vvbbnmmkm!!vbbnmm!!!!?bnmm!!?vbnmm!!??cvvbnnmm!!ccvvbnnmjmcvbbbbnm!!!?vvbbnmm!!!??vbbn!!?vbnm!?vvnnmmm?cvbnmm!!cvbbmm!?vbnn!??vbnmm!???vvbnnmm!?vvbnnmmm!!vvbvvbmmm!??vvbbnn!!?vbnmm?bnmvvnnm!!vbnmmm!vvbnm!??

[@tomwilliam5118]

You're most certainly a Craftsman that's for sure. love your videos

[@blackbombchu]

This video was interesting and I watched the whole thing. Once when I was in scouts, I thought by myself of the idea of making a closed trefoil knot out of one piece of wood and was planning to get my knife permit so that I could make one but I never got it before I finished scouts a long time ago and never made one. I later saw a suggestion to this video showing that somebody else independently thought of the same idea and that's why I watched it. I was going to make a more round trefoil knot. I'm still allowed to use a knife in the restaurant where I work despite the fact that I didn't get a knife permit in scouts but hopefully no restaurant told somebody to cut wood with a knife who didn't get a knife permit in scouts when the restaurant didn't provide their own training either because wood offers a lot of resistance to the movement of a knife and a lot of people can't figure out on their own how to use a knife properly.

[@shadowfire04]

this is surprisingly calming, especially your voice and the sound of the power tools

[@S-K.]

The quality of these videos is getting better all the time. Amazing shots, great content, love the vids!

[@jasonistheboom]

A true master of his craft.

[@zacharyroot8315]

Wow! Very interesting! Probably will take me a few tries, as a beginner.

[@Ms.Nightshade]

A *Trefoil* would make an amazing display stand!

[@adrenalinerush92]

I Appreciate the time and effort you put into making these videos! Your style and art's so relaxing. Wish I could have an ounce of your creativity and patience. Thanks again!

[@whitewolf8758]

i really enjoy your complex simple woodworking deally with shapes like this in three dimensions. keep up the challenging work!

[@NickMoore]

Awesome, great build. Those little vibratory tools get into a lot of places that a hacksaw can't reach.

[@lobomarino49]

Such an inquiring mind,you are superb !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bigwilly43729]

Love these vids with off the beaten path ideas. Well explained, well edited, not a lot of nonsense. Great job!

[@anisometropie]

I’m feeling priviledged to watch such a great craftmanship and expertise at play, and so much dedication put to what you do. I enjoy things getting done well, really well. Most of the time with such a high level of expectation, that I get disappointed. But this time I was not disappointed. Cheers !

[@jamesgyorko3850]

BEAUTIFUL !!! Thanks for showing this.

[@josephsessaph.d.3575]

You are a man of great patience!

[@FullRythym]

I don't know what it is, but seeing you work with wood is oddly relaxing.

[@BuckJolicoeur]

I think the beauty in this is its rigid single piece. I think the real "puzzle" is admiring how it was made. (Like the classic nail in a block puzzle) The loose puzzle versions would just seem "put together".

[@kenord3437]

You are very patient with the intricate work, well done, I doubt I will make one

[@jason-ge5nr]

Nice project, and thanks for the spout tip. I marvel at the trefoil, but I would fondle the cube for weeks and never cut it.

[@chemusvandergeek1209]

The precision smoothing plane you used was amazing.

[@biz_markie9189]

Such a very intricate process, and such a cool outcome. I would definitely mess this up so many times if I even had the tools to make it, but I still enjoyed watching how you did it.

[@MabelTyingTuts]

Wow, that's brilliant. Came here via the knot connection, have never done any woodwork but already hooked on your channel.

[@martind349]

Say... I just realized this is my favorite channel. If it were a tall, black-haired wadge from Aerosmiths' Angel video I couldn't wish to travel it any more...

[@ianoliver3879]

Nicely shot and edited. Thank you.

[@nickwilson1476]

wonderful! ...why the mirror on your drill press?

[@pocket83]

Visual interest. I want you to have lots to look at ;)

[@philipbyrnes7501]

Thank you, very enjoyable and very high quality craftsmanship, well done and thank you for sharing your work 👍🏻

[@phil211293]

Nearly caught a peak of you in the mirror! Classic work as always pocket.

[@RamiroLeiva]

+Phil We all know he is Bernie Sanders

[@kristyjensen955]

omg I love you 100x more JUST because of the guinea pig....

[@lamrock0]

Is it bad that my favourite bit of this vid was you sticking sandpaper to a multimaster? That trick if it works is going to save me years on my life

[@sean..L]

I'm astonished that this is even possible to make.

[@scottdaunhauer2453]

Thank you for your thoroghness. (sp). I learned a lot. Two thumbs up!

[@ammoalamo6485]

Very good use of that vibrating saw/sander. I also noticed you left the inside corners radiused instead of squaring them up - that would greatly increase the strength, or at least decrease the chance of splitting/breaking at an inside corner. Good job, and a nice bonus tip at the end.

[@BraydenM014]

pocket83 I love your videos. when I have a bad day I always come to your channel. they are amazing and they always make me feel good. thank you

[@hypnoraythompson5824]

that was so worth the effort, well done.

[@spik3674]

I found it a rip-snorta of a job, keep them coming

[@drportland8823]

You were having fun with your camera work. I almost expected to have the camera rotating around the trefoil rather than the trefoil rotating towards the end there.

[@johnconklin9039]

Excellent job, Mr. Escher would be proud. : )

[@FluffyFractalshard]

oh man! your videos are so relaxing to watch, really sophisticated and well presented! I should go to sleep but i'll just watch until i fall a sleep

[@davidansell807]

1st awesome 2nd nice wood choice 3rd I love your Guinea pig

[@uhTurtles]

this is my favorite channel.

[@rsitch1]

Outstanding!!!! Bob

[@VeteranVandal]

Fun fact: your cube had a maximum side deviation from an ideal cube of less than 1% (0.1141% in the side with maximum deviation). Impressive indeed. I thought wood working couldn't achieve such numbers. AND YOU DESTROYED IT!!!!

[@pocket83]

I didn't stop there. Off camera I continued to reduce that error by at least one half (I didn't expect anyone to pay attention beyond three significant figures, congrats). The bulk of the error in this procedure comes from the drill press. Watch it flex in the 4X shots. That's why I kept rotating as I drilled. As for cube perfection, I've filmed a video on the subject, but it is very metaphorical in nature, so I don't know about releasing it. I'm debating.

[@VeteranVandal]

+VeteranVandal How many times you messed this up? I mean, there is no way you did this right first try...

[@petergreenwood7731]

Well done- years ago i made a length of chain out of a 16" diameter log with a chainsaw. I guess you know what i be thinking. It would not have to pretty just in one piece. All i need is a 4 foot cube of wood. ha --- Pete

[@MichaelBearMT]

Wonderful. I really enjoy watching you craft.

[@catalinalexandruharabagiu1655]

THIS IS MY FAVOURITE CHANNEL

[@dkhallal]

I wonder if a mortising attachment for the drill press might make things easier? Very cool project. Will have to try this.

[@carsonking5549]

I enjoyed watching that, nice work.