My latest puzzle - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Sally · 09-29-2009, 07:05 PM

Attached are pictures of my Serenity Prayer puzzle. I took a gift card and scanned it into my computer. Took it into my photo program and printed it onto glossy photo paper. Then I glued it to 5 ply wood with white glue. When dry I covered the top with mog podge. Then I made a grid in excel - boxes are .67" wide x .67" high. I ran the grid through the Xyron laminator on velum (see through) paper. Attached the laminated grid to the puzzle and cut it out. Pictures attached. Now what??? There was some laminating glue still on the puzzle. I tried alcohol and then danish oil to remove the laminating glue. I'm not sure which worked but the glue is now gone. So I think I read that you puzzlers then put an oil on the puzzle. How? Take the puzzle apart and dip it into danish oil?? OK please help me improve my technique and tell me what to do now. Although I'm not unhappy with the results - I would like to do better on other's I'm planning to cut. Thanks in advance for all your help.

wood-n-things · 09-29-2009, 08:23 PM

I don't put a finish on my jigsaw puzzles. Unless you are referring to the back. This I finish prior to cutting, to alleviate problems of it lifting the pattern/picture.
I would guess the danish oil cut the adhesive, or maybe it was the alcohol. I think in the future I might try mineral spirits, not too liberally as it may affect the mod podge.
Did you enjoy you experience using the mod podge?

The puzzle looks great but Carter will of course insist on freehand in the future. Although I think you just used the grid as a guide to keep the pieces uniform.

Scrolling Days · 09-29-2009, 08:32 PM

Hi, Sally! Your puzzle looks really nice!

You have me confused with the laminate, however. You made a grid as a guide, and then laminated the grid? Why would the grid be laminated if you were removing it once the puzzle was cut anyways? Regarding the oil, I assume you're talking about the back of the puzzle. You could either leave it unfinished or finish it with the product of your choice. I've always liked Tung Oil Finish on wood which I like to finish. Regardless, it's probably better to apply any finish before cutting, than afterward.

Great job!

shwestley · 09-29-2009, 09:32 PM

Hi Sally,

How did the modge podge work for you?

When I use modge podge I get a very streaky look so I use paste wax over my images instead. When I attach grids and figurals, I use white glue and it wipes right off.

I don't blame you for using grids, I just can't get a nice looking free hand cut puzzle usually the interlocking is very weak when I try it that way. I feel much safer with a grid.

The puzzle looks great! Congrats on a successful cutting!

KtownScroller · 09-29-2009, 10:29 PM

I can't help you with your puzzling problems Sally.

From what I can see in your pictures, your puzzle looks pretty good! I'm sure the experts will chime in here, with some help.

sawdustus · 09-29-2009, 10:32 PM

Nice puzzle Sally. Like Carter, I use a 2/0 puzzle blade to cut mine. Leaves a very tight kerf with no flopping pieces. What did you use? I often use Mod Podge to glue the puzzle on the 5 ply poplar I use as a backer and either triple glaze or Mod Podge on top. Triple glaze is smoother but more expensive, but I have not put a finish on them.

Shwestley and Sally, paractice, practice, practice. Use some scraps and no picture to get the hang of it. I always cut mine freehand, and after a bit of practice (I did have the first two come out with some corners that did not interlock) my puzzles interlock all the time now. In the middle, it's ok to have some free floating pieces, think figurals, since you don't usually pick up a puzzle by the middle.

george

Sally · 09-30-2009, 12:07 AM

Ok - let's see if I can respond. . .
Finish before cutting - why oh why didn't I think of that. LOL
I used a #1 On Line blade that I bought at JGRs.
Mineral spirits - I don't have mineral spirits - would lacquer thiner do??? I'm not being a smart aleck I just don't know the difference between all these products.
I used the laminated grid to hold me true to the pieces size.
The mod podge did streak but the laminate wouldn't release from the glossy photo paper. I wonder if the laminate would release from paste wax - you mean Johnson's paste wax? What is triple glaze? Where do you get it?
I know I need practice, practice, practice - it really works - practice, I mean. I just want to be really good NOW!!!
Golly - thank you all for responding - I really appreciate your expertise.
Since I posted this picture this morning, I've cut two more puzzles - Same method - I'll post the pictures soon.
Thanks again.

wood-n-things · 09-30-2009, 12:28 AM

First, I'm by no means an expert puzzler. But I have made my fair number of mistakes and am willing to share what I have learned...LOL@me!

When are we going to convince you to get some puzzle blades from Mikes..LOL Just kidding, if your blades work for you, then by all means use them, and of course purchase them any where you darn well please.
The suggestion is for thinner kerfs making for a tighter fitting puzzle. I use larger blades for kids puzzles, for a wider kerf and sloppier fit for the kids.

I'd get mineral spirits, it comes odorless as well. Lacquer thinner is much more harsh and more flammable I think, and more caustic on my skin.

You will find if you use any solvent ms or lacquer thinner or alcohol after you cut out your puzzle you will have problems with the edges lifting so don't do it...Do not ask me how I know? <shrug>

Triple glaze is a spray on finish I'm unable to find it here anywhere so I started using mod podge. Any clear sealer/lacquer will work I think, just use several coats.

I don't think the laminate would even adhere over paste wax...LOL so releasing from it should not be a problem.

Now lets see those pics..You puzzle cutting diva you!

Sally · 09-30-2009, 12:47 AM

OK - here are the other two puzzles I cut today. I have a gob of the #1 blades I bought at JGRs and I hate to spend money on something I already have but if you insist. . . LOL
BTW - I too have learned that applying solvent on top of the puzzle lifts the picture - now I have lots of little things to glue back down. Oh well - live and learn. At least I'm still willing to learn - mostly. (smile)
Thanks again for the input.

Sally · 09-30-2009, 12:53 AM

Here is the hawk with out the pieces removed - somehow it wouldn't upload with the others. It won't upload but you get the idea. Thanks!!

09-29-2009, 08:23 PM	#2
wood-n-things Behave Yourself..I can't. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Right here ---silly Posts: 4,478 Blog Entries: 1	I don't put a finish on my jigsaw puzzles. Unless you are referring to the back. This I finish prior to cutting, to alleviate problems of it lifting the pattern/picture. I would guess the danish oil cut the adhesive, or maybe it was the alcohol. I think in the future I might try mineral spirits, not too liberally as it may affect the mod podge. Did you enjoy you experience using the mod podge? The puzzle looks great but Carter will of course insist on freehand in the future. Although I think you just used the grid as a guide to keep the pieces uniform. __________________ The Mike One of them anyway. Don't be so open-minded. Your brains will fall out! Last edited by wood-n-things; 09-29-2009 at 08:34 PM. Reason: Clarification on finish.

09-29-2009, 08:32 PM	#3
Scrolling Days Jigsaw Puzzle Maker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Along the Lower Niagara River Posts: 1,214 Blog Entries: 5	Hi, Sally! Your puzzle looks really nice! You have me confused with the laminate, however. You made a grid as a guide, and then laminated the grid? Why would the grid be laminated if you were removing it once the puzzle was cut anyways? Regarding the oil, I assume you're talking about the back of the puzzle. You could either leave it unfinished or finish it with the product of your choice. I've always liked Tung Oil Finish on wood which I like to finish. Regardless, it's probably better to apply any finish before cutting, than afterward. Great job! __________________ Shawn Ferguson Come visit at The Ferguson Puzzle Company !

09-29-2009, 09:32 PM	#4
shwestley Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: West Lawn, PA Posts: 15	Modge Podge Hi Sally, How did the modge podge work for you? When I use modge podge I get a very streaky look so I use paste wax over my images instead. When I attach grids and figurals, I use white glue and it wipes right off. I don't blame you for using grids, I just can't get a nice looking free hand cut puzzle usually the interlocking is very weak when I try it that way. I feel much safer with a grid. The puzzle looks great! Congrats on a successful cutting!

09-29-2009, 10:29 PM	#5
KtownScroller So much better :) Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: PA Posts: 2,665	I can't help you with your puzzling problems Sally. From what I can see in your pictures, your puzzle looks pretty good! I'm sure the experts will chime in here, with some help. __________________ - Rick

09-29-2009, 10:32 PM	#6
sawdustus Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,975	Nice puzzle Sally. Like Carter, I use a 2/0 puzzle blade to cut mine. Leaves a very tight kerf with no flopping pieces. What did you use? I often use Mod Podge to glue the puzzle on the 5 ply poplar I use as a backer and either triple glaze or Mod Podge on top. Triple glaze is smoother but more expensive, but I have not put a finish on them. Shwestley and Sally, paractice, practice, practice. Use some scraps and no picture to get the hang of it. I always cut mine freehand, and after a bit of practice (I did have the first two come out with some corners that did not interlock) my puzzles interlock all the time now. In the middle, it's ok to have some free floating pieces, think figurals, since you don't usually pick up a puzzle by the middle. george __________________ A day without sawdust is a day without sunshine. George delta 650, hawk G426

09-30-2009, 12:07 AM	#7
Sally Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Renton WA Posts: 1,027	Ok - let's see if I can respond. . . Finish before cutting - why oh why didn't I think of that. LOL I used a #1 On Line blade that I bought at JGRs. Mineral spirits - I don't have mineral spirits - would lacquer thiner do??? I'm not being a smart aleck I just don't know the difference between all these products. I used the laminated grid to hold me true to the pieces size. The mod podge did streak but the laminate wouldn't release from the glossy photo paper. I wonder if the laminate would release from paste wax - you mean Johnson's paste wax? What is triple glaze? Where do you get it? I know I need practice, practice, practice - it really works - practice, I mean. I just want to be really good NOW!!! Golly - thank you all for responding - I really appreciate your expertise. Since I posted this picture this morning, I've cut two more puzzles - Same method - I'll post the pictures soon. Thanks again.

09-30-2009, 12:28 AM	#8
wood-n-things Behave Yourself..I can't. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Right here ---silly Posts: 4,478 Blog Entries: 1	First, I'm by no means an expert puzzler. But I have made my fair number of mistakes and am willing to share what I have learned...LOL@me! When are we going to convince you to get some puzzle blades from Mikes..LOL Just kidding, if your blades work for you, then by all means use them, and of course purchase them any where you darn well please. The suggestion is for thinner kerfs making for a tighter fitting puzzle. I use larger blades for kids puzzles, for a wider kerf and sloppier fit for the kids. I'd get mineral spirits, it comes odorless as well. Lacquer thinner is much more harsh and more flammable I think, and more caustic on my skin. You will find if you use any solvent ms or lacquer thinner or alcohol after you cut out your puzzle you will have problems with the edges lifting so don't do it...Do not ask me how I know? <shrug> Triple glaze is a spray on finish I'm unable to find it here anywhere so I started using mod podge. Any clear sealer/lacquer will work I think, just use several coats. I don't think the laminate would even adhere over paste wax...LOL so releasing from it should not be a problem. Now lets see those pics..You puzzle cutting diva you! __________________ The Mike One of them anyway. Don't be so open-minded. Your brains will fall out!

09-30-2009, 12:53 AM	#10
Sally Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Renton WA Posts: 1,027	Here is the hawk with out the pieces removed - somehow it wouldn't upload with the others. It won't upload but you get the idea. Thanks!!

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