How to make a personalized jigsaw puzzle

This Instructable shows you how to make a personalized laser cut jigsaw puzzle using Ponoko. If you've never worked with a laser-cutter or have only used a vector art package once or twice before, then this guide is for you.

This Instructable follows the same structure as my previous Instructables on making a laser-cut lamp and jewelry but it a little more experience (or persistence ) is needed for the Inkscape stages. As long as you've got a computer that can run a vector software package you'll be able to achieve some very cool results.

If you prefer to skip the Instructable and just get making, feel free to download the .eps files I've already created.

Let me know how you get on!

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Step 1: Stuff you'll need

You'll only need a few things for this Instructable:

A steady hand
Inkscape
Ponoko Inkscape templates
Some double sided tape or glue at the end to assemble the backing board.

themissingpiece says: Aug 31, 2012. 6:15 PM

We make personalized jigsaw puzzles.

The Missing Piece Puzzle Company
http://www.themissingpiecepuzzlecompany.com

helifino says: Jun 21, 2008. 2:06 AM

If you're going to do a map, there's an easier way than tracing. Find your area in openstreetmap and, in the export tab, choose "OpenStreetMap XML Data". Then use Osmarender (xsl transform) or or/p (perl transform) to generate an svg (it even makes a nice border). Then open the resulting SVG directly in inkscape and change the colors.

themissingpiece in reply to helifinoJul 29, 2012. 11:37 AM

http://themissingpiecepuzzlecompany.com I never knew about the site openstreetmap and want to thank you for the info.

danemery (author) in reply to helifinoJun 21, 2008. 3:20 PM

Wow. Thanks for the tip. I'm sure that will make generating the map much easier.

themissingpiece says: Jul 29, 2012. 11:30 AM

Cool. We absolutely love personalzied photo jigsaw puzzles and think that everyone should have one in their homes. Great and informative article. We manufacture these and I'll post instructions soon. http://www.themissingpiecepuzzlecompany.com

whisperonthewind says: Nov 19, 2011. 6:34 AM

Windows Snipping Tool works well for this, and it's FAST. Just click it, and select the area you want, and save it as a jpg.

wenpherd says: Nov 27, 2008. 1:01 PM

where do i get a lazer cutter and how much would it cost

api says: Jul 19, 2008. 7:22 PM

(removed by author or community request)

zjharva says: Jun 19, 2008. 12:17 PM

Mac Users: In iphoto, open the pdf of the map and click file: export. Then choose jpeg. I found this out after trying for 10 minutes to import a pdf in to inkscape. Should of read step 9!

badweasel says: Apr 2, 2008. 6:30 PM

Can I ask what the total cost was (not including shipping)?

solo.card in reply to badweaselApr 3, 2008. 3:24 AM

You can just about make it out on Step 75 -- $72.

solo.card says: Apr 2, 2008. 12:15 PM

Nice instructable, I was going to use Ponoko for a small project myself, but the shipping charges are just too high to make it worthwhile. One day, maybe!

jdlewis in reply to solo.cardApr 2, 2008. 2:27 PM

Hey solo.card - I work at Ponoko. I was wondering if you've checked out our shipping costs lately. We were able to lower our shipping costs, especially for US-based users (assuming that's where you are...) thanks to our new manufacturing node in San Fran.

solo.card in reply to jdlewisApr 2, 2008. 3:31 PM

Hi, yeah I had a look on the site today for the project I had in mind. Unfortunately, I am based in the UK, so I was looking at $60 (ish) charges, which was about the same (possibly a little more) than the actual cost of the materials, etc. But If/When you get more locations in Europe, I shall be on board!