How To Make A Jigsaw Puzzle Table

Jigsaw puzzles have been a very dear part of everyone's childhood. Grown-up lives might have left such an entertaining mode far behind, but it is time to bring them back. Be it for an engaging solo time or a fun mood with family, friends, or kids, puzzles are ideal for every occasion and age group. Take the level up and go with the fantastic trend of diy puzzle table with drawers. Yes, it is a thing for real, and this post will guide you through enthusiastically.

Reasons to DIY Jigsaw Board

Undoubtedly, the market shelves and online sites offer a variety of jigsaw boards. But there are umpteen people who want to do this on their own. Some of the convincing reasons are: -

• DIY things are economical, especially when market boards are more than hundreds of dollars.
• It is a fun activity to do alone or even with near and dear ones to have a gala recreational time.
• Well, it is a super easy and exciting task to make your own jigsaw puzzle table rather than shopping it typically.
• The bonus advantage is that one can make it in whatever convenient size with the preferred number of drawers.

Things Needed To Make A Puzzle Board

Before hogging onto the tutorial, collect every possible tool and material beforehand to avoid interruptions midway. The below-mentioned list should cover all prerequisites.

• Powered drill
• Wooden glue
• Speed square
• Wooden knobs
• Measuring tape
• Some Pine boards
• 3/16" tempered MDF
• Hammer, screwdriver, and nails
• Clamps or other weighty objects
• Jigsaw cutter or similar cutter
• Optional miter box for angled edges

Mistakes To Avoid

Do not begin this thrilling task right away, as an imperative decision is still pending. The size of the puzzle boards will vary according to the number of jigsaw pieces. Both a shorter or bigger area will ruin the efforts. Though the size of the pieces depends upon the brand, general estimates are as follows: -

• For 1000 pieces, a board of 20" x 28" is good.
• For 1500 pieces, 24" x 32" is apt.
• For 2000 pieces, 27" x 39" is suitable.

 

Steps to make a jigsaw board

Now that the tools and guidelines are in hand, it is time to begin the wowing tutorial. Follow the easy ten steps in sequence to get an awesome outcome.

 

1. Cut MDFs

Pay close attention while cutting the top and bottom base of the board. The length and breadth of both these MDFs must be the same. This precise measurement cutting is the fundamental step to creating all jigsaw puzzle tables.

 

2. Cut centre supports

Take out the pine board and cut 1" tall strips of a width corresponding to the puzzle board. These strips will be used as centre supports. Use a jigsaw cutter or a track saw, or any other cutting tool. Be careful to avoid hurting yourself.

 

3. Glue them together

Paste the centre supports on the inside part of the board. It is a crucial step as these supporters serve dual purposes. One, they will attach the 2 MDFs that are the top and bottom base with each other. Second, they create perfect vacancies so that the drawers can go in and come out easily. Hence, use a strong wood adhesive only.

 

4. Cut out drawers

Now, cut drawers from tempered MDF to enhance the fabulous utility of your portable puzzle board. The size of the drawers depends on one's preferences. It can either be just one but a grand size or two or more with a smaller capacity. Feel free to personalize size here. But it should fit in perfectly and not be under or oversized as of the board measurements.

 

5. Prep up drawers

Join the two ends of all correspondingly laid boards of the drawers. Use mitre or butt joints as per your convenience at the 45-degree angle. Readymade joints are also available in the market if you do not want to cut on your own. Use glue for better binding and put clamps or other heavy things to make things stay in place during puzzle table diy.

 

6. Fix the drawers

The finishing stage is almost near and has already begun with this step. Nail the just created wooden frame onto the base of the board. Do not hammer it so hard that the nails pierce through one side and come out poking at the other end. Do it in a way that secures the board sufficiently? 

 

7. Knob the things

Drill holes with the help of a drill bit and power drill at the front side of drawer/s. Twist the knobs through these holes firmly. A screwdriver will come in handy for this purpose.

 

8. Add stooping blocks

Some diy puzzle makers may underestimate the need to use stopping blocks, but they play a crucial role. These stopping elements are glued behind the drawers and prevent the drawers from slipping inside the puzzle board. Keep the stopping blocks thick enough to perform their function.

 

9. Inspect the model

Before proceeding to the last step, get satisfied with the previously executed steps now. Push and pull the drawers to check their smooth working. Touch the surfaces cautiously to locate any stabbing nails. Examine if everything is fixed securely and properly. Make changes if the need is, else it will get cumbersome to make edits later.

 

10. Stick MDF to the board

After gaining ample approval, glue the MDF top of your diy puzzle table with wood adhesive. Do your best in aligning the boundaries. Use clamps if required to hold the boards in place till the glue does its job. Nail the sides only where wooden supports are present. Remember not to nail the drawers by mistake.

Wipe off any residual traces of glue or other leftovers. Also, do not forget to border up the board to eliminate slippage. Either cut these borders with the DIY method or buy them from a nearby store. This is the final pasting, and Voila! It is done. Let the jigsaw pleasure begin now.