Puzzle Wood/Blades?

[Toneman]

My wife is wanting to cut some puzzles, mostly horses and domestic animals. What is the best wood and thickness and best blades to do this?

Tony,aka,Toneman

[TripleB]

Steve has a video about puzzles, check the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=N13GOTLvk9A

[UHMNL]

Tony,
Like I said on that other form. Go to my web site and click on the tutorial from
Carter Johnson and his video.
FD Mike

[daliclimbs]

I use flying Dutchman puzzle blades. Most puzzles I cut I do in 1/4" wood. If I am doing a puzzle that stands or needs more support I will use 1/2" material.

[julief]

Hey Tony,  If you are talking about stand up puzzles, just about any wood will do.  If I am going to paint it, I use pine - just because it is cheap, but poplar, walnut, birch, maple, red oak all work well.  I stay away from woods that burn easily like purple heart.  Again, if it is a stand up puzzle, I use 3/4" wood because it is readilly available. 
I use mostly #3 and #5 reverse tooth blades for these types of puzzles.  The smaller blades tend to flex on your turns and prevent a nice fit.  I bounce between Flying Dutchman and Olson blades.  Both work well.  Usually the amount of detail determines which blade I use.  (I lean toward the #3).  The Flying Dutchman puzzle blades work well on really thin puzzles but wander too much for thicker woods.
Good luck with your project.

[Toneman]

OMG! Never thought about using pictures or photographs as I saw on Steve's and Carter's sites! Now, my wife is making a pile of future puzzles!! lol I will order some puzzle blades from Mike and will try them. I have some FD-UR #3 and will try them also. Will go to Home Depot and find some cheap pine and poplar. Thank ya'll.

Tony,aka,Toneman

[julief]

I've made hundreds of the puzzles from photos for deployed soldiers and their families.  It started when I sent one to my son-in-law when he was deployed.  It opened a flood gate of requests.  I also use an engagement photo to cut one for wedding gifts.  I make a simple wooden box to put the pieces in with a little ornamentation on top.  People seem to love them.