Author Topic: Creating a puzzling workstation  (Read 1637 times)

SyZ

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Creating a puzzling workstation
« on: June 08, 2016, 11:38:28 AM »
Does anybody puzzle?

I'm not talking about 500 or 1,000, I'm talking about 3,000-40,000 (http://forum.puzzler.su/download/file.php?id=131379&mode=view)

One of the few actual 'requirements' I have in a future home is the ability to dedicate a room (basement?) to puzzling, and then being able to create some sort of station

Most of these larger puzzles can be broken down into components. 18,000 pieces are 4 bags of 4,500. 24,000 are 6 bags of 4,000, etc.

So, it's feasible that a station which can support, let's say, 6,000 would be sufficient. Some of the 5,000 piece ones are 60" x 40", and different brands vary by several inches for both dimensions. I know that most standard boards or 'table' setups can be 96" x 48" max, which is already getting rather large to put in the middle of a room. Then factor this with what would be a dream setup: somehow suspended by a pulley system, able to rotate maybe 45 degrees so I don't bend over as much, custom lights to highlight dark areas, etc., and we're quickly getting into a project that is expert level

Problem is, I have no idea how to woodcut or do anything with tools as I've never taken a shop class

Ideas?

forummm

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Re: Creating a puzzling workstation
« Reply #1 on: June 08, 2016, 01:47:32 PM »
I have completed puzzles that large. My largest is 32,256. I have devised different systems depending on the puzzle.

For a 24,000 piece puzzle (Life) its piece pattern clearly repeated 12 times. I think it came in 4 bags, so I just worked on 3 of the 12 sections at a time. Each of those 12ths fit really nicely on a sturdy but somewhat flexible 24x48 panel I got from Home Depot for $5. I bought several of those and built the 12 sections on those (stacking sections 4 deep as I built section after section--that lets you know what shape of piece you're looking for if you want a hint). I also had some light but sturdy foam floor mats that were 2ft squares (intended for putting exercise equipment on--maybe $10 for 6 of them) that I used to lay out pieces on. I organized them on the mats and then brought over the mat that had the kind of piece I was looking for.

For the 32k puzzle (Keith Haring) I used those same panels again, but cut them down a bit because they were much too big for the 1/32 chunks of the puzzle that I decided to use (since the puzzle was 32 separate images). It came in 8 bags so I just worked on 4 of the 32 sections at a time.

The panels I used were thin enough that you could cut them (with a lot of effort) if you used an xacto knife (lots of cuts along the groove). But I just used a circular saw to cut them quickly. You also may not need to cut them at all.

SyZ

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Re: Creating a puzzling workstation
« Reply #2 on: June 09, 2016, 10:02:43 AM »
Do you frame / hang them? The end goal for me would be to be able to display these on my walls, in place of traditional paintings / decorations.

I.E. - to have http://www.amazon.com/Ravensburger-Bombardment-Algiers-Piece-Puzzle/dp/B001KBYUYU?ie=UTF8&keywords=bombardment%20of%20algiers&qid=1465488139&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1 majestically displayed over my dining table

forummm

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Re: Creating a puzzling workstation
« Reply #3 on: June 09, 2016, 11:33:39 AM »
I haven't. For some of the smaller ones (like 3000 pieces) I've glued them. But then I just stored them under a bed. I'm kind of lazy about doing interior decorating type things. And I honestly don't care about the way things look that much. And it would be a hassle. We also only have one wall large enough to fit some of these puzzles. One is 17 long.

I have that puzzle but haven't done it yet. When finished it's over 6 feet tall. It would take up your whole wall unless you have a high ceiling.

SyZ

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Re: Creating a puzzling workstation
« Reply #4 on: June 10, 2016, 09:36:31 AM »
I suppose I'll finish it and then see what to do. One quote I got (far back) from a local woodcrafter was $2,200 to custom frame one that size, but I refuse to believe it costs anywhere near that much if I get the wood and materials myself. I suppose I just wouldn't feel 'right' about tearing up a massive puzzle on scales like these without leaving them for posterity