Puzzle for Kids

[bigred7469]

I made this puzzle last night out of 1/8 Baltic Birch.  Was wondering if any body makes these out of 1/4 wood.  I'm worried that a leg or horn might break up and a kid sollow it.  Also what types of finishes do you guys use?  I can't use anything toxic since the pieces could end up in a kids mouth.  Last but least I used a #5 UR FD blade and I'm guess that was just a bit much blade for it because the tight turns were very hard to stay on the patteren.  Thanks for your inputs.

Red

[dunk]

For tray style puzzles I try to use nothing less thick than 1/4".  For standup style puzzles I typically use 3/4" stock.  I usually dip in danish oil or lemon oil if I'm going to use a clear coat over the lemon oil.
You did a nice job for your first attempt.  For 1/8"-1/4' stock i use a superior puzzle blade from mikes workshop.

[Oges]

Nice work, I really like the idea of the different layers

[tux_linux]

Hey!

I'm with dunk, try 1/4" thick material. And use a smaller balde - a superior is fine, a #1 will also do the trick.

The finish: Nearly all finishes in the US are non toxic. Just read the instructions on the bottle. Most of us use a box with the oil in it to dip the pieces into. This way you can be sure to have it covered all over and not missed a spot. Don't drown it - just put it in the oil and take it out.

I often try to leave puzzles unfinished or just to cover them with a bit of bee-wax.

If you want more finish you could try shellac. But not on a puzzle.

[cdrover(Clyde)]

Amazing, I just cut the same puzzle. I painted the animals with non-toxic paint. I will post a picture when the paint dries. 

[Barry]

I cut a number of those puzzles last year and gave them away as  Christmas presents.  I used 1/4" BB, tried 1/8" BB, but the thicker pieces are easier for kids to handle and more durable.  I painted with acrylics and finished with spray lacquer.  As long as you let the finish cure, no more smell, any finish bought in the US is non toxic.

I stacked cut three pieces at a time and used a #5 SR FD.  You could use a #3 but the larger blade makes the puzzle easier to fit together. (wider kerf)

Barry

[Dawie]

All my puzzles are mainly cut 1/4" or thicker. I have never seen the type you show, I like the idea very much, where can I buy the pattern.

David

[bigred7469]

All my puzzles are mainly cut 1/4" or thicker. I have never seen the type you show, I like the idea very much, where can I buy the pattern.

David

I got it from a scroll saw mag. I'll look tonight when I get home.

[Dakota Saw Dust]

Dawie - I've been look at that puzzle myself for this year.  The pattern is in
Scrollsaw Woodworkign & Crafts's Holiday Ornaments, Toys & Gifts [Vol. 2] now on the stands.
Louis Poparo designed "Creating a Multi-layer Farm Puzzle [Pg 46] Good Luck  -Brian

[Dawie]

Dawie - I've been look at that puzzle myself for this year.  The pattern is in
Scrollsaw Woodworkign & Crafts's Holiday Ornaments, Toys & Gifts [Vol. 2] now on the stands.
Louis Poparo designed "Creating a Multi-layer Farm Puzzle [Pg 46] Good Luck  -Brian

One problem, in the Netherlands we cannot buy this mag, they stock nothing on scrolling. Anybody know if I can order it by mail?

David