Customer Reviews:
 A jigsaw puzzlers' dream puzzle December 11, 2006
D. M. Pearce (England)
61 out of 61 found this review helpful
I started on the "childs themed" 6 inch diametre 240pc globe, with animals on as I wasnt too sure about the whole puzzle globe concept, (being a traditional jigsaw fan)
first upon opening it up, I thought "ooh, thats different" as due to the fact of it being a 3 dimentional puzzle, it had 2 round bits (north and south pole) and 2, 4cm x 15cm lengths (approx)to act as picture references
how to use them was sussed out very quickly.
I found that the pieces were nicely finished off, shiny, smooth and tactile, they made a positive tight fit which made the puzzle sturdy (as it gets lifted up and handled alot whilst making) they were also numbered on the back and I first thought "oh, thats a cheat" (but soon really needed the numbers when I could have sworn a bit was missing, a quick sift through looking for a the correct numbered piece was quite satisfying)
Do start at the bottom (south pole first) of the puzzle, I raced in and then soon realized that I would be doing the puzzle upside down!
I personally was surprised at the quality, I sort of imagined that it would be that card with sponge stuck to the back (to help it stay round) like was on those 3d building jigsaws, but was really glad it wasnt.
When it was finished it stayed on the shelf for a week or so as it was too nice to break up and being only 6 inches round, it didnt take up much room, but the day came when I bought the 540pc The World, "normal globe" boy I underestimated this one, It was rather challenging, and the blue sea took me personally a long time, The finished puzzle is still intact (3 weeks now) everyone picks it up and turns it upside down, its very robust.
One tip! the last bits to go in are quite fiddly, so after experiencing the first puzzle, I got some fine fishing line and gently wound it around the last piece as when you push the bit firmly in place it can leave your puzzle with a slight dent, so with using the fishing line, I was able to tug the last piece for complete perfection, (but thats just me, aiming for the smoothest finish, but it is NOT neccessary!)
I only have one slight observation, "the picture reference templates are printed very small, not the same ratio to a normal 500pc puzzle in relation to the picture on the box lid, I personally struggled with this, so if you you are intending to buy this as a present for someone with slight eyesight problems, you might need one of those over neck, craft magnifiers"
Overall, a lovely puzzle to do, I will be doing my 3rd soon, dispite the eyesight bit.
A great gift when you don't know what to buy the older child November 7, 2006
Sorca jupiter (England)
54 out of 55 found this review helpful
I bought this for my 10 year old son's birthday and he and his older brother enjoyed working on it. The pieces feel nice, are chunky and all numbered on the inside which makes building it easier. It makes a lovely globe and I am sure that it will be dismantled and rebuilt again. 250 pieces were fairly quickly built. It is educational, although my sons were a bit surprised by how small England was! It is a novel gift for children of an age when it is difficult to find ideas, other than computer games. My older son now wants the historic world 540 piece version for an Xmas present.
|
