First puzzle (and introduction) - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Camilla · 07-09-2009, 03:52 AM

I just cut my first puzzle this weekend, and I wanted to introduce myself and thank you all for having good information posted (I read quite a ways back in the forum to gather assorted tips).
Anyhow, I've got a toddler son who loves a commercial 12-piece interlocking puzzle, and I figured I'd start making him some more interesting puzzles. This time, I got a little carried away, and realized part way in that I was cutting more pieces than I intended (came out to 28). No matter, though; I'm sure he'll grow into it, and I'll get the scale right next time.
I'm thinking I need to use some clear coat on top of the image, and was going to try the Krylon, unless you all have terrible things to say about it. I printed the image at costco - the original is Train Ride to the Beach? on Flickr - Photo Sharing!.

Scrolling Days · 07-09-2009, 04:28 AM

It's easy to get carried away, isn't it Camilla?

The puzzle looks great and welcome to the board. Keep it up; cutting puzzles is addictive!

wood-n-things · 07-09-2009, 05:14 AM

Camilla,
welcome to our little online family. You did a wonderful job on your first attempt. Carter and others use a triple glaze on their projects, I use mod podge. Matter of personal preference. Let us know what you decide and how it goes on your project....

GrayBeard Phil · 07-09-2009, 12:34 PM

Camilla:

FYI, some people apply the Triple-Thick Glaze before cutting. If you apply after, sometimes the pieces don't quite fit together. This is due the the finish thickness and possible sags and curtain-runs of the finish in-between the pieces. If you have such a situation on one or two places, just carefully re-cut where the fit isn't just right and let the scroll saw blade remove the bumps in the finish.

BTW: welcome to to the forum!!

Phil

sawdustus · 07-09-2009, 12:56 PM

Very nice cutting Camilla. I personally use Mod-Podge most often but I have also sprayed Triple Glaze, which is more expensive. I have put them on both before and after I cut the puzzle and have had no problems. I presume that you glued the picture to a piece of 1/4" plywood before cutting. For toddlers and kids under 3-4 years old, I suggest that you drill a hole in each piece and glue in a short peg to give the kids something to hang onto when assembling the puzzle. I like to use the finials I get from Wildwood, #97007 but I have also used their #97097 axle pegs which are thinner and short enough. They are at Scroll Saw Patterns, Plans, Scrollsaw Blades, Clock Parts, Woodworking Supplies or 1-800-470-9090 . Here are two I have done using the axle pegs. They are from Patrick Spielman's book Scroll Saw Puzzle Patterns.

PB160036.jpg PB160037.jpg

george

turtleteasers · 07-09-2009, 01:13 PM

I use a clear acrylic finish for kids' puzzles. I have tried a few, but have found that Minwax Polycrylic is as good as any and is cheap. I use the Satin version. I brush it on sparingly with a foam brush. It dries almost immediately if you brush it out well. I apply it in two directions at 90 degrees. Then I push the pieces together to minimize the thickness of any dripping between the pieces, although since I apply only a very thin coat this isn't a big problem for me. Once the finish has completely dried, I carefully crack the pieces apart. I find that applying the finish after cutting goes some way to protecting the cut paper from fraying.

You can get an aerosol version of the product, but I find aerosols messy and try to avoid them if possible. Anyway, the faint brush lines don't detract from the appearance of the puzzle.

I only use this coating for kids' puzzles that I suspect will get some heavy use.

Ron

Camilla · 07-09-2009, 01:36 PM

Sawdust, that's useful to know about the pegs, since I'm sure I'll need some if I give puzzles as gifts, or start making them for the potential younger brother (due in October), but my son is actually 2 1/2 and a pretty weird kid. He's outgrown the puzzles that are shapes-in-holes and has been successfully tackling tray puzzles (either interlocking or not) with 12 pieces and no handles. I do realize that that's not at all normal, for a kid still in diapers, and he's not otherwise precocious. Attached picture includes a commercial puzzle, and was taken over six months ago...

Carter-Johnson · 07-09-2009, 01:54 PM

Welcome, Camilla. You're sure on the right track with that puzzle. If you want to try something a little different. find a picture of your son's favorite characters like Bob the Builder, etc. and cut the pieces along the lines of the colors in the picture: i.e. the tractor, the other machines, Bob himself, etc. They, like the one you've made, will be a big hit.

I've used triple-thick glaze for before-cutting protection for quite some time, though I don't know if it's appropriate for kids small enuf to be putting puzzle pieces in their mouths.

Keep on puzzling - and have phun - Carter

lucky788scroller · 07-09-2009, 02:09 PM

welcome Camila! Your puzzle looks great.

Big_red_S · 07-09-2009, 03:26 PM

The puzzle looks great Camila.

I actually don't put any finish on the puzzles I make my kids (maybe bee wax) because, let's face it, they're not going to last long

07-09-2009, 04:28 AM	#2
Scrolling Days Jigsaw Puzzle Maker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Along the Lower Niagara River Posts: 1,461 Blog Entries: 5	It's easy to get carried away, isn't it Camilla? The puzzle looks great and welcome to the board. Keep it up; cutting puzzles is addictive! __________________ Shawn Ferguson Come visit at The Ferguson Puzzle Company !

07-09-2009, 05:14 AM	#3
wood-n-things Behave Yourself..I can't. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Right here ---silly Posts: 5,691 Blog Entries: 1	Camilla, welcome to our little online family. You did a wonderful job on your first attempt. Carter and others use a triple glaze on their projects, I use mod podge. Matter of personal preference. Let us know what you decide and how it goes on your project.... __________________ The Mike One of them anyway. I don't make mistakes..I thought I made a mistake once, but I was wrong. Mike's Wood-n-Things

07-09-2009, 12:34 PM	#4
GrayBeard Phil Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Near Detroit, Michigan Posts: 1,156	Camilla: FYI, some people apply the Triple-Thick Glaze before cutting. If you apply after, sometimes the pieces don't quite fit together. This is due the the finish thickness and possible sags and curtain-runs of the finish in-between the pieces. If you have such a situation on one or two places, just carefully re-cut where the fit isn't just right and let the scroll saw blade remove the bumps in the finish. BTW: welcome to to the forum!! Phil Last edited by GrayBeard Phil; 07-09-2009 at 12:39 PM. Reason: Add Welcome!

07-09-2009, 12:56 PM	#5
sawdustus Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 2,175	Very nice cutting Camilla. I personally use Mod-Podge most often but I have also sprayed Triple Glaze, which is more expensive. I have put them on both before and after I cut the puzzle and have had no problems. I presume that you glued the picture to a piece of 1/4" plywood before cutting. For toddlers and kids under 3-4 years old, I suggest that you drill a hole in each piece and glue in a short peg to give the kids something to hang onto when assembling the puzzle. I like to use the finials I get from Wildwood, #97007 but I have also used their #97097 axle pegs which are thinner and short enough. They are at Scroll Saw Patterns, Plans, Scrollsaw Blades, Clock Parts, Woodworking Supplies or 1-800-470-9090 . Here are two I have done using the axle pegs. They are from Patrick Spielman's book Scroll Saw Puzzle Patterns. PB160036.jpg PB160037.jpg george __________________ A day without sawdust is a day without sunshine. George delta 650, hawk G426

07-09-2009, 03:26 PM	#10
Big_red_S Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: The People's Republic of New Jesey Posts: 869	The puzzle looks great Camila. I actually don't put any finish on the puzzles I make my kids (maybe bee wax) because, let's face it, they're not going to last long __________________ Zohar - probably the only one. Living well is the best revenge Visit my gallery

07-09-2009, 01:13 PM	#6
turtleteasers Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 65	I use a clear acrylic finish for kids' puzzles. I have tried a few, but have found that Minwax Polycrylic is as good as any and is cheap. I use the Satin version. I brush it on sparingly with a foam brush. It dries almost immediately if you brush it out well. I apply it in two directions at 90 degrees. Then I push the pieces together to minimize the thickness of any dripping between the pieces, although since I apply only a very thin coat this isn't a big problem for me. Once the finish has completely dried, I carefully crack the pieces apart. I find that applying the finish after cutting goes some way to protecting the cut paper from fraying. You can get an aerosol version of the product, but I find aerosols messy and try to avoid them if possible. Anyway, the faint brush lines don't detract from the appearance of the puzzle. I only use this coating for kids' puzzles that I suspect will get some heavy use. Ron

07-09-2009, 01:54 PM	#8
Carter-Johnson Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 857	Welcome, Camilla. You're sure on the right track with that puzzle. If you want to try something a little different. find a picture of your son's favorite characters like Bob the Builder, etc. and cut the pieces along the lines of the colors in the picture: i.e. the tractor, the other machines, Bob himself, etc. They, like the one you've made, will be a big hit. I've used triple-thick glaze for before-cutting protection for quite some time, though I don't know if it's appropriate for kids small enuf to be putting puzzle pieces in their mouths. Keep on puzzling - and have phun - Carter

07-09-2009, 02:09 PM	#9
lucky788scroller Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: wisconsin Posts: 6,430	welcome Camila! Your puzzle looks great. __________________ Dale w/ yella saws

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