Faq

How do you make these puzzles
First, I’ll trace or draw a design onto a piece 1/4” thick MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and then I cut out the areas that will become the pieces on a scroll saw. I put the piece masses to the side and then what’s left gets glued to a piece of 1/2” MDF. Once the base dries, its outer edge gets trimmed, and then that gets sanded and spray painted. Meanwhile, the piece masses get slowly cut into smaller, interlocking pieces. This step can vary widely depending on the design. The pieces then get sanded and painted, and in several days, once the paint is dry on all the components of a puzzle, it gets carefully cleaned and assembled.

You must be using a laser-cutter, don’t lie to me!
Haha no, while I have collaborated with some companies like Nervous System to make laser-cut editions of my designs, all of the original Baffler puzzles available here are made with my own two hands and couple of scroll saws, cut one piece at a time. While laser-cutting can be a much more cost-effective mode of production, I believe the hand-cut nature of my work keeps it at the highest level of quality and just makes it more special.

OK well, you must be using pretty tiny blades to cut these!
Yes, for most of the scroll saw work I am using blades that are 1/100” thick. They are like very thin wires with 28 tiny triangular teeth per inch.

What exactly is a scroll saw?
A scroll saw is a table-based wood cutting tool that is very similar in appearance to a sewing machine, but it’s main utility is the ability for the cutter to carefully separate material, rather than join it together.

Do you take commissions?
Yes, if you have an interesting project that you’d like made in my style, do not hesitate to reach out at superyates@gmail.com
Keep in mind I have a commission minimum of $300, and depending on my current work queue, it can take 3-6 months for custom projects to be completed.

Why is your work so expensive?
That is relative, to be sure. This is my full-time job and I take it very seriously. I hand make my work and take care to produce the highest quality art I know how to, and try to also price my work as reasonably as possible, so it’s in your home, and not some white-walled gallery.

What age range are your puzzles made for?
My Bafflers are intended for human beings 14 years old and up! That being said, there are younger folks who are great at my puzzles, and older ones who aren’t at all. Puzzle acuity is pretty relative to the individual, so please use your own judgement. Obviously these are not appropriate puzzles for very young children or anyone prone to putting puzzle pieces in their mouths.

How do you take care of a Baffler?
The rules for taking care of one of my puzzles are very similar to taking care of a Mogwai. Keep it out of direct sunlight, don’t get it wet and do not feed it after midnight. I would also recommend using a feather duster or soft cloth to keep any Baffler on long-term display clean.

I lost a piece of one of your puzzles! Do you replace them?
Email me the pics/information about the missing piece and I can probably take care of it via one of my colleagues who specialize in this kind of thing. Keep in mind this is not a free service, and can sometimes take a little while.

How do you ship out your puzzles?
As someone who has worked in the packaging/shipping world for many years, I take securely packing up every order very seriously. Your puzzle will be sandwiched with cardboard and paper, then bubble-wrapped and carefully shipped in a sturdy box.

I run a store/gallery and want to sell your stuff!
Sure, let’s talk! superyates@gmail.com

Can I come check out your studio in person?
Most likely! If you happen to be passing through Butte, Montana and want a little tour, it can be arranged if you give me advance notice.

I am interested in trying my hand at puzzle-making! Can I make puzzles based off of yours?
That’s great, I am all for more folks getting into wooden puzzles and making them! I have conducted many workshops and made many videos to help others understand how I and others create our puzzles. However I’m not a huge fan of straight-up copycats. There’s a lot of space to be original in this medium.

How did you ever get into this business?
I’ve been working with MDF and spray paint as a medium for about three decades now. One of my main projects in the early 2000’s was making detailed wooden landscape models I called Terraforms. Well, one day I screwed up a pretty major cut on a layer of one of these Terraforms. I them angrily cut it up into little bits on the scroll saw. So that was a light-bulb-moment and I realized I could make jigsaw puzzles on that saw. Three days later, Baffler #1 was cut!

How many fingers do you have left?

Ten.