I am determined to make a puzzle box. The first one I tried with very hard wood and gave up as it was just too hard. The piece was 2"x2"x3". Next I tried a star puzzle box. Everything was fine with the cut but when I painted it, it wouldn't go together. I realize the paint adds thickness but the directions showed a painted box so obviously this can be done. Would love suggestions on painting puzzle boxes, or should I just put an oil or stain on them and call it a day?