Puzzle Survey

[edward]

 When people do puzzles do they like loose fits or tight fits. Lets see what people think, this is only opinions Edward

[Judy Hunter]

I cut all my puzzles with a 2/0 spiral blade so I guess it would be sort of loose.  I put in a new blade and cut the perimeter then cut the pieces so the kerf is smaller.

[dunk]

Depends.  We talking jig saw, stand up or tray style puzzles?

Jig saw I use Mikes superior puzzle blades.
Stand Up I use a #5 FDUR blade so it is fairly tight but allows for a finish.
This also depends on species of wood.  Usually 3/4" thick.

Tray style puzzles I use a #7 FDUR Blade as these are usually for a small child and they don't need the frustration level of real tight fitting puzzle pieces.  If I know it is for an adult I'll make it with a 2/0.

[dgman]

I haven't done any jigsaw puzzles but i have done stand up puzzles in 3/4" and 1". I usually use a FD UR #5 or #7.

[tux_linux]

UH!

At my 3/4" beech stand up puzzles I'm using a #3 for the interlocks! The outline is also cut with a #5.

But I think it's not so much about the size of the blade. The interlocks need to be cut absolute square, so that the puzzle can be dismounted in both directions. If the puzzle pieces get stuck you'll not have fun with it.

A bigger blade is stiffer and makes it easier to get the interlocks cut good.

[DobiePaws]

I cut freestanding puzzles, mostly out of 3/4' pine. I use a 3 blade for the interlocking pieces, I like a tight fit. If It's a puzzle I am going to paint all the pieces inside & out sometimes the fit is too tight once painted. I agree the cut angle needs to be at 90 degrees or the pieces only go in & out one way..... I love art puzzles, even designed a couple myself ;o)

[mrsn]

I mostly cut tray puzzles for kids. I use a number 5 blade.

[grampa]

I mostly cut tray puzzles for kids. I use a number 5 blade.

Hi katie, I made a few kids puzzles that fitted in to old cd cases that way they can do them in the car on long journeys without loosing them........Paul

[jimbo]

I use a #5 for stand ups as the native wood I use is hard also people like the looser fit puzzles as it is easier for the kids to do
Jimbo

[geneVG]

I never cut one, so I am glad you asked.  I can learn something.

gene

[Fab4]

Good question Edward:
If I cut puzzles for kids I like the pieces to be loose. Makes it easier for the kids to put the pieces in and take them out. Other than that it's a tight fit.
Not that I have cut a lot of them but my first few puzzles were made with 1/4"
pine and they lasted a whole 5 minutes before they were in pieces - Made them to fit tight. The 3 terrors (grand kids) destroyed them in no time -
Live and Learn I always say
Fab4

[edward]

 I have tried loose and tight fits in the past, and I prefer loose fits on 3/4 pine and tighter fits on 1/2" I use either a #3 or #5 FD blade, which I find works great, also on1/4" I find Puzzle blades work great. But always make sure that the table is level or you will have a hard time removing the pieces. Thanks for the survey, as it will help people in doing puzzles.  Edward

[UHMNL]

Here is the tutorial from Carter Johnson.
http://www.mikesworkshop.com/Carter%20Johnson's%20tutorial.htm
He likes a tight fit for his puzzles because most are made for grown ups. I agree that for kids you might want to use a bigger blade. For stand up puzzles most use a # 5.
FD Mike.

[cskipper]

I use FD Superior Puzzle blades for a tight fit on jigsaw puzzles intended for adults.  I use a #3 for ones for kids.  If thick wood, like the others, usually a 3 or 5.