How would you frame this?

Betsy,

I am not sure what you mean about weight being an issue. I wouldn’t think that this puzzle, even with the backing, would weigh too much. I have framed and hung pictures weighing at least 30 lbs without any problem. If it were me I would mount it as you said and then wrap it with a frame.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

Scott – i was just thinking that if the backing were solid (cherry, walnut, oak, etc.) it would weight quite a lot. Never have contemplated this type of “framing” job before.

-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!

Betsy, I think Scott missed that it is not a rectangular puzzle, would love to see him frame that one! :-) I would think your idea would work, I fear that routing an edge on some of the inside openings might be difficult, or would you leave them solid perhaps?? or just cut them flush to the puzzle??

-- Fred, Springfield, Ma

Fred—- I’m thinking of leaving the small openings solid. But if I got brave I suppose I could cut out the small spaces with a coping saw and hand finish the edges. Just not sure—- this would be a first for me.

-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!

Betsy,
I wouldn’t have to worry about framing that puzzle, because it would take the rest of my life to try and finish it.
I have never been good at doing jigsaw puzzles?

-- Ed Collinge- Edmonds, WA.

Well Betsy, why not treat the puzzle as if it were an inlay and inlay it into a nice solid piece.
Give yourself a couple of inches to play with then band saw or route the extra away.

It would be hard right now I know, but you will heal up before long.

-- .

Betsy,
Thanks for the link. I bookmarked that site, it will be a perfect place to order gifts for my puzzle loving grandson. As for the framing issue, I think I would make a larger piece with a free form edge that would be more curvy than trying to route around those ears and legs. You could even scroll a stand of trees for them to be in.

-- Berta in NC

Hi Betsy;

I think I would cut the shape of the puzzle out of a piece of 1/4” plywood or M.D.F., leaving the sheet larger than the puzzle by whatever width border you want.

Then I would veneer the border, using strips of veneers. You could miter the veneer where the end meet.

Once that’s done, I would glue the puzzle to the sheet.

Hope this helps.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

My idea reflects that of BroDave. Use whatever wood suits the picture, and then cut it 1-2” wider than the curve and also 1” smaller than the curve, then router the outside edge to whatever profile suits you, and route a rabet on the inside edge. Back it up with cardboard or 1/4” luann. The only prob would be how the woods grain pattern runs…it might distract the eye and leave it looking bad. Maybe go with a dark wood (walnut) and stain it darker to eliminate the grain patterns?

Whatever you do, it’ll look good!

-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!

you all have good ideas. I’m hoping to do a form of all I think. I am thinking of backing up the puzzle with 1/4 ply and then inlay the ply piece into a piece of hardwood—that will be about 1” larger all around and then route a decorative edge. I’ve never done the routing like this—- but I’ve got the router and a inlay bit/bushing. I’ll practice on some other small stuff before I do this.

first I have to get the puzzle done!

Thanks for the help.

-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!

Betsy,

My Mom is a puzzle junkie. 1000 pieces are a piece of cake for her- at age 82! I end up with a lot of puzzles that need framed. She recently did a border-less one that I simply framed with a rectangle frame and surface mounted the puzzle on the mat- leaving about 2” of mat exposed around the edges. The puzzle was also rectangular.

For your puzzle, I think a nice oval or round frame would display the puzzle nicely. After it is together, coat the surface with puzzle-saver (decoupage). Then mount it on a suitable color mat using double sided tape. To reduce the weight, I would use foam board for the back of the frame. Even with this, by the time you get the glass, frame, etc. the weight can get impressive- depending on the size of the original puzzle.

Looking forward to seeing the finished piece of art.

Lew