2 Sided Non-Locking Wooden Puzzle Framing

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susant22

susant22

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Try to frame a non-locking wooden puzzle, with several goals in mind for framing/hanging.

Mount so that:

See through framing material (like plexiglass)
As lightweight as feasible
Pieces are held securely w/o gluing
Ability to turn the puzzle (see back) to see piece cut out shapes

Puzzle size:
15.4" x 15.4" x 0.15"

What thinking of using plexiglass (1/8" thick). But not sure how to secure the puzzle between the plexiglass (regular standoffs are normally permanently attached to the wall). Would like to hand in some fashion so that one could lift off the puzzle and turn it around to see the outline of the individual wooden pieces.

Would appreciate advice!
 
Welcome to the G!

Not a job I would take on probably, it leaves too much room for disaster.
How many pieces? When not interlocking, how does it hold together? (trying to picture this)

I think the only way to maybe do it is to sandwich it between two pieces of plexi glass and put a frame around it. The thicker the plexi glass, the better the result might be. Problem probably is that you cannot create enough tension to hold the pieces in place.
 
How many pieces?
How tight are the joins?

Agree with Ylva here.. not anything I would want to do...actually, I would just refuse it and let some other shop hassle with it.
 
Ylva said:
I think the only way to maybe do it is to sandwich it between two pieces of plexi glass and put a frame around it. The thicker the plexi glass, the better the result might be. Problem probably is that you cannot create enough tension to hold the pieces in place.
Click to expand...
If you use 1/4" thick acrylic, Ylva's described process would work just fine. Sandwich it between the two pieces and tape it all together around the perimeter. Then frame to edge in appropriately deep moulding with retainer strips* to keep back visible.
:cool: Rick

* (I like to use 1/4" Econospace with 1/2"x20 brads squeezed through as retainer strips in between-glass jobs. It is quick and easy, and looks clean and professional.)
 
My initial thought is doing something like Gemini/Showcase Acrylics does with their sandwich frames. They have a laser cut piece of acrylic that fits around the artwork and holds it in place, then there are full sheets of acrylic on both faces held together by standoffs or binder posts. If you scroll down on this page you'll see a Steve Jobs book that is done this way...

showcaseacrylics.com

Custom Acrylic Display Cases, Acrylic Exhibit Cases - Showcase Acrylics

Showcase Acrylics is the industry leader custom acrylic display cases, custom exhibit cases, acrylic frames, & pedestals. MADE IN THE USA with fast shipping.
showcaseacrylics.com showcaseacrylics.com

James
 
susant22 said:
What thinking of using plexiglass (1/8" thick). But not sure how to secure the puzzle between the plexiglass (regular standoffs are normally permanently attached to the wall). Would like to hand in some fashion so that one could lift off the puzzle and turn it around to see the outline of the individual wooden pieces.
Click to expand...

Standoffs can be done with caps on both sides.
I would not suggest trying to use pressure alone to keep the pieces in place.
If you could find someone to laser cut the shape of the pieces into a backer board (plexi or wood), then the pieces wouldn't shift much if doing a pressure fit.

At the size you are looking to do, the weight difference between 1/8" plexiglass (.71 lbs/sq foot), and1/16" (.082 lbs/sq foot) glass is not significant. 1/4" plexiglass will be heavier (1.4 lbs/sq foot)

Do you have a picture of the puzzle?
 
alacrity8 said:
Standoffs can be done with caps on both sides.
I would not suggest trying to use pressure alone to keep the pieces in place.
If you could find someone to laser cut the shape of the pieces into a backer board (plexi or wood), then the pieces wouldn't shift much if doing a pressure fit.

At the size you are looking to do, the weight difference between 1/8" plexiglass (.71 lbs/sq foot), and1/16" (.082 lbs/sq foot) glass is not significant. 1/4" plexiglass will be heavier (1.4 lbs/sq foot)

Do you have a picture of the puzzle?
Click to expand...
 

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It's the "L" size of the "King of the Jungle" wooden puzzles by Woodbests. Can see it on Amazon/Amazon Smile. Was a bear to put together...as it is non-locking.
 
Tiny dots of hide glue or wheat starch paste, an opening cut-to-shape in some plexi, then spacers both sides & more plexi.

The inks it was printed with are probably really light sensitive, & will start to fade in about a week.
 
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