I have had a hankering to do some jigsaw puzzles to prove that I can occasionally still see straight. My problem, however, is mine critters, who inhale puzzle pieces the second my back is turned. Its hard enough putting up with their 'help' while I be assembling said puzzle, but they seem to have some nefarious purpose for the pieces.
So I decided I need a puzzle board of some kind. I turned to BitsAndPieces to see what they had to offer - yikes. Their cheapest board, made out of 100% cardboard, is 60 buckeroos. It does have some built in trays for storing pieces but still............. Other cost up to $130.
The $60 one can only hold a puzzle up to 21x30 and that doesn't include space for all the loose pieces. Here are all of their offerings: http://www.bitsandpieces.com/category/puzzle_organizers
So I decided to build one. Maybe its something that can be sold by youall so that's why its here and not in warped. Maybe not but here's what I have.
I built this for a 1000 piece puzzle that is 20x27 when finished. I build this board using Studio 26901, a 3/4" Matte Black moulding. The outside dimensions are 32 1/4" x 40 1/4" - more on those dimensions later.
I put a 1/8" spacer under the rabbit to give me more room for a cover that the critters couldn't knock off. Then came a piece of mat board glued with Elmer's best white glue to enough cardboard to fill the back. After letting the glue set under weights, I put it in the back. I then finished the back with a sheet of 32x40 mat board (that's why the dimensions above). I used mat board as bumpers would get knocked off in two seconds. The mat board is glued using Elmer's best again to both the cardboard and the moulding leaving a 1/8" reveal all around. Can't show a picture of that without taking all the pieces out.
If I was selling this, I might offer upgrades to use felt dry mounted to mat board for the front surface and the bottom. Mat board is fine for most tables, but a felt back would be better if on nicer furniture.
My cover is just some cardboard. Enough to keep the critters out but a better cover would be nice.
The size I made is pretty large but if I still had my store I would have made a small version. 21x30 and 34" square seem to be common sizes.
It works for me. Maybe it will give some of you some ideas. Making one for display wouldn't cost much and maybe will get you a sale or two. Who knows. In any case it kept me from doing any work this afternoon.
So I decided I need a puzzle board of some kind. I turned to BitsAndPieces to see what they had to offer - yikes. Their cheapest board, made out of 100% cardboard, is 60 buckeroos. It does have some built in trays for storing pieces but still............. Other cost up to $130.
The $60 one can only hold a puzzle up to 21x30 and that doesn't include space for all the loose pieces. Here are all of their offerings: http://www.bitsandpieces.com/category/puzzle_organizers
So I decided to build one. Maybe its something that can be sold by youall so that's why its here and not in warped. Maybe not but here's what I have.
I built this for a 1000 piece puzzle that is 20x27 when finished. I build this board using Studio 26901, a 3/4" Matte Black moulding. The outside dimensions are 32 1/4" x 40 1/4" - more on those dimensions later.
I put a 1/8" spacer under the rabbit to give me more room for a cover that the critters couldn't knock off. Then came a piece of mat board glued with Elmer's best white glue to enough cardboard to fill the back. After letting the glue set under weights, I put it in the back. I then finished the back with a sheet of 32x40 mat board (that's why the dimensions above). I used mat board as bumpers would get knocked off in two seconds. The mat board is glued using Elmer's best again to both the cardboard and the moulding leaving a 1/8" reveal all around. Can't show a picture of that without taking all the pieces out.
If I was selling this, I might offer upgrades to use felt dry mounted to mat board for the front surface and the bottom. Mat board is fine for most tables, but a felt back would be better if on nicer furniture.
My cover is just some cardboard. Enough to keep the critters out but a better cover would be nice.
The size I made is pretty large but if I still had my store I would have made a small version. 21x30 and 34" square seem to be common sizes.
It works for me. Maybe it will give some of you some ideas. Making one for display wouldn't cost much and maybe will get you a sale or two. Who knows. In any case it kept me from doing any work this afternoon.
