Another Past Question & Answer

​I had a very similar idea as you to start a puzzle business focused on local attractions. Luckily, I found your book and it seems more doable than ever. I'm still in the early stages of considering this venture, but I wanted to reach out and say hello. Also, THANK YOU for writing this book!  I will leave a review on Amazon.
 I do have a question...it seems that laser cutting puzzles is another viable option and the equipment may have a higher resale value. I know that you explicitly do not discuss these types of puzzles in your book. I am curious if/why you ruled it out for your business. Would you advise me to steer away from considering that method?
 Thanks!!
 D.T.
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Hello D.T.
 I’m glad you found my book helpful.   Back in 2013 when I started assessing puzzle making, lasers weren’t as far along as they are now.  They also cost a whole lot more than they do today.   Most of the research I found at the time indicated lasers were a possible option for cutting puzzles with wood used as the backing material.  
 My concern with lasers is the intense heat and smoke.  I’m not sure chipboard (cardboard) would tolerate the heat lasers generate without setting the cardboard on fire.  I haven’t search the web lately for using lasers to cut chipboard to make puzzles.   Also, from my review of laser cutting, it would take a few minutes to cuts a puzzle using a laser.  It only takes about five seconds to cut a puzzle using a die press/roller cutter.  Time is money.
 I would encourage you to research lasers for cutting puzzles.  In fact, you might want to call one of the laser manufacturers to see if they know of anyone using their laser(s) to cut jigsaw puzzles.  
I no longer use spray adhesives to mount prints.  I’ve found a way to use regular water-based glue.  It’s fast, easy, cheap and safe.  The spray adhesives, even with good ventilation, concern me; the fumes are toxic.
 Regards,
 Kevin