My Puzzle Kit

Every puzzler develops their unique workflow and preferred tools. After much experience, I've honed my accessory setup to maximize efficiency, organization, and enjoyment. Here are the key items that form my puzzling arsenal:

The Assembly Board: My Central Hub

My primary workspace is a 21" x 33" dry-erase whiteboard. This choice offers several distinct advantages:

• • Clean Surface: The smooth surface is easy to keep clean, ensuring no dust or debris interferes with the pieces.

  • Piece Management: Its frame effectively prevents pieces from falling off and provides a stable edge to brace the puzzle outline on two sides, crucial for initial assembly.

  • Optimal Visibility & Movement: Pieces slide around effortlessly on the white background, and their colors are easily discerned, making identification quick and accurate.

  • Generous Size: This board comfortably accommodates most 1,000-piece puzzles, leaving ample open space around the puzzle perimeter for smaller sorts.

  • Portability & Storage: For temporary storage, I can easily stack all my other accessories on top of the assembly board and move the entire setup at once, keeping my in-progress puzzle safe and undisturbed.

Sorting System: Precision and Flexibility

Efficient sorting is the cornerstone of my puzzling process, and I employ a multi-tiered system:

• • Primary Sorting Boards: I utilize two 17" x 23" cork bulletin boards for my main sorting areas. While they have a cork front, I prefer the smooth cardboard back side. Each board can comfortably hold up to 500 puzzle pieces. Their lightweight nature makes them easy to move around as I search for specific pieces.

  • Secondary Sorting Boards: For small, specific sorts (e.g., small color groups, distinct patterns), I use a few small, thin sections of stiff cardboard. These are invaluable for micro-sorting and can be easily slid around directly atop the main assembly board, bringing the pieces precisely where I need them.

  • Index Cards: A simple index card serves as my go-to "shovel." It's perfect for scooping up small clusters of connected pieces or sorted groups and moving them efficiently across the board.

  • Sorting Trays: I supplement my board system with a set of dedicated Sort and Go plastic sorting trays for miscellaneous categories that require separate containment.

Essential Tools for Maintenance & Detail

Beyond assembly and sorting, a couple of crucial tools ensure a smooth puzzling experience:

• Elmer's School Glue: This is my go-to for quick repairs. It's perfect for reattaching any cardboard layers that might separate on a puzzle piece's tabs, especially with well-used puzzles.

• Magnifying Glass: An indispensable tool for spotting those minute details on the box image, allowing me to match tiny patterns precisely and differentiate subtle color variations.

Final Thoughts

This collection of accessories allows me to tackle any puzzling challenge with organization and comfort, ensuring maximum enjoyment from every puzzle.