Hybrid Cut Jigsaw Puzzle

[turtleteasers]

For those of you who have been following my recent threads:

Diagonal Cut Puzzle

Circular Jigsaw Puzzle

this puzzle is my first attempt at blending these two techniques.

There are many more rectangular images available than circular ones, so I decided that I would try to use the circular cut pattern with a rectangular image. The cuts to the sides of the puzzle have to be done freehand, and I managed to work in split corners and some internally-connected edge pieces.

I started with a small puzzle (3.5" x 5" - 87 pieces) in case I had problems, but it went well and I will try a larger one next time. There is room for improvement, but that tends always to be the case!

The image is my signature image, by the New England painter Heidi M Drake.

[wood-n-things]

Oh just stop it....That is amazing...I wish after following your other examples that I could use a computer like some of you geniuses...Great job on creating a new technique for puzzles.

[Sally]

Looks great. I'm getting ready to cut some more puzzles. I'm wondering if this technique is too hard for a 10 year old to put together. He's not a puzzler but. . . Thanks for all your time Ron sharing.

[dragyn]

Come on now!!! You make it look so good, and so easy! Thanks for sharing!

[Spirithorse]

To any and all puzzle cutters,
What thickness of wood is being used normally?
Would 1/8" warp too easily or be too fragile for the puzzles?
Thanks and God Bless!
Spirithorse55@hotmail.com

[turtleteasers]

Originally Posted by Spirithorse

What thickness of wood is being used normally?
Would 1/8" warp too easily or be too fragile for the puzzles

Spirithorse,

I use 1/4" 5-ply, and find that it gives good results. The pieces feel more substantial, and you can pick up the assembled puzzle by an edge or corner piece without it falling apart, something which is much more difficult with 1/8" plywood.

However, a good quality 1/8" plywood shouldn't warp and should be strong enough for puzzles if that is what you prefer.

In either case, don't compromise on the quality of the wood. You are going to invest so much time on the cutting that the additional cost of good plywood is immaterial.

Ron

[wood-n-things]

As an intermediate puzzler I agree with Ron.

[Sally]

As a beginner puzzler - I agree with Ron. I started with hardback and I'm switching to 1/4 5 ply - that I just ordered.

[Spirithorse]

Thanks for the replies.
I really wasn't comparing cost as much as the ease of cutting the puzzle.
Using the puzzle blades on 1/4" material seems to be a bit tricky!
God Bless! Spirithorse

[wood-n-things]

You will find as I did after carter convinced me to give em a try that is you slow your saw way down, they cut the 5 ply 1/4" wood very well. Just take your time and practice.

Sally,
where did you find your 5 ply at? Please don't say Wildwood.