Thread: Freehand Jigsaw Puzzles

That is just wonderful work. Did it take much practice to be able to cut the puzzle freehand? Must admit I'm not sure I could. Also how is the photo picture attached?

Thanks.....I started cutting freehand right away 19 years ago when I got my first scroll saw. I must admit that I never considered a pattern. It's really easy once you learn to control the saw and to work around little images within the picture. A lot of the "work" involves picking the right kinds of pictures. My advice would be to start with cards you like and work up to bigger ones. The full-size puzzle above is about one square foot, has around 300 pieces, and took perhaps a total of five hours to cut.

I simply glue them to the wood (1/4" plywood, usually poplar) with any white tacky glue, spread thin and even. Here's a link to a step-by-step tutorial I wrote some time ago. Carters Method tutorial - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Hope this helps..... Carter

Amazing work Carter, and a very novel idea for a Christmas card.
Do you cut the puzzle tabs on the run, or do you have a template for them?

No, no template or pattern of any kind. No need in many case because, especially with the card, the natural shapes of the objects and animals within the picture provide natural locks.

C

Interesting work.

That is superb work!!!

I'm equally impressed by the generous use to which you put your artistry!

How excellant Carter,
very impressive,
Cheers, crowie

I can imagine that the time comes when you have actually cut all around pieces, hundreds of them. As silly as this sounds, how do you keep from losing any of them?

WOW Totally fascinating, and what an excellent creative hobby too. It would need heaps of patience too. Ever cut the wrong bit ? Then what happens ?
How do you keep track of all the pieces ?

On a scale 1, to 10, - I give you an Eleven for being so creative, inventive and giving something to others that will, ( without doubt ), be appreciated for years to come.

happy jigsaw making,
roger

First of all, many, many thanks to you Aussies and others who have posted such nice comments and questions. I plan to submit another thread soon with a newer puzzle and a link to where you can view almost all the puzzles I've made in the past few years. They're quite a variety.

But, to your questions: First, Robson, since I don't sell my puzzles, I'm not under any pressure. As a result, I cut 30 - 40 pieces in a 20-minute sitting and then stop and sand the pieces and assemble them. Lo and behold, in less than a week, I have a full-size puzzle finished and assembled. I then sand the back while it's still together, take a picture of the front and back, take it apart, count the pieces and then spread it out on the kitchen table where my wife of 51 years, Jean, will put it together. When she's done and told me how hard it is, it's in line to be borrowed by families all over the U.S. who enjoy them.

Once in a great while (perhaps only three times in 19 years and over 1700 puzzles), I will lose a piece along the way. Pieces do get lost, but that's a natural process that comes much later when they have been borrowed and shipped perhaps as many as 15 times.

And to Roger, sure I've made mistakes. I am assured that, not having used a pattern, usually no one will ever see it or know that the mistake has been made. Sometimes. I may have to re-glue the pieces and cut them again. Other times, I find I've neglected to cut a locking tab, only to find it wasn't necessary in the first place, In the Christmas card above, there is a locking tab in the middle of the cat's chest to the right of center. I forgot to cut it one time and realized it was a better puzzle, and still as tight, without it.

Great phun! Thaks again. Carter

Wow awesome. I am blown away with the fat that you free hand and that you loan them out. You are an incredible man.

Marg