Puzzle Attempt

[Jim McDonald]

First try with a puzzle. Had an extra copy of the print lying around, some extra BB plywood, a little 3M spray glue and a pencil to make a cutting overlay.

Learned a lot about making sure the pieces would interlock, but then again, that's why we make "tests" in the backyard. Just to the right of the piece I removed is an outline of a fire ax in deference to another of my past professions. The red pepper is a separate piece.

Overall, it was a blast to cut, since if I got off the line a little, I'm the only one who knows.

Will do more. One thing I will not run out of is photographs, since I've spent most of the past 30 years with some kind of camera handy. This pic came from a tray of peppers at the farmer's market last fall.

[Carter Johnson]

Great start, Jim....As you proceed, I think you'll find you don't need a "pencil overlay". Just cut and have phun...... Carter

[sawdustus]

Jim, freehand cutting is just plain fun and not hard at all. It sounds like we will see a lot of puzzles from you in the future. Try poplar plywood instead of bb. It cuts much easier and doesn't seem to wear out the blades as quickly.

George

[Wood Dog]

Looking good Jim.......Carter must be proud of ya.

[Arcy]

Nice start! I did my first puzzles this weekend too and had similar concerns about interlocking. I gave up on making my pieces look "puzzle shaped" and just free-handed some wacky wavy curves. Like Carter and George said, free-handing isn't hard (even without their experience). Give it a try!

--Rob

[iohonnes]

That's a great picture - the red pepper pops right out. Keep on practicing and you'll be able to see what work and what doesn't from an interlocking perspective. It will become almost second nature. It will just take a couple of puzzles - and then you'll feel comfortable with the interlocks. And from there, the sky is the limit.

John