Springbok Die Cuts - Lost Piece Matching
 [ Home ] [ Die Cuts ]

Pep Talk

If you're like most collectors, you probably own a few incomplete puzzles. Take heart, it's very possible to complete them. If you enjoy the hunt, and are patient, you'll eventually be rewarded. I've completed a number of mine, and I've helped other folks complete a number of theirs.

Here are examples of some satisfying successes:

C924 Butterflies
M25 Convergence
O104 Romeo and Juliet
PZL2001 Victory Boogie Woogie
PZL2006 Chinese Door Guardians
PZL4016 Majnun Visits Laila's Camp
PZL5008 Texas
PZL6001 2001: A Space Odyssey
PZL6008 Carousel Animals
PZL6034 Little Red Riding Hood's Hood

Puzzle Etiquette
Whenever you replace a lost piece, leave a note in the puzzle box. You don't want to mislead the next person if the piece isn't an absolutely perfect match.

The Goal

The trick is to find another incomplete puzzle with matching:
  • Die Cut
  • Die Rotation
  • Graphic Alignment
  • Graphic Color (usually not a factor, but sometimes fading or darkening occur)
  • Piece Backing Color (usually the same for matching die cuts, but not always)


    • See Springbok Die Cuts - Unlocking The Secrets for insights on the first three items above.

    Sometimes, a person will give you (or trade you) your missing piece(s).

    Other times, you'll have to buy an entire (incomplete) puzzle to get your missing piece(s). This may sound strange, but if the price is right, why not?

    Questions To Ask

    Once you've found what you think might be a suitable puzzle, do your research. You want to determine if the pieces are a match. Be polite, you can't expect another person to go rooting through a box of 500 pieces just to find your one missing piece.

    A good approach in any situation:
  • Ask for a photo of a few border pieces that are distinctively shaped and multi-colored. Border pieces should be easy for the other person to find. Compare the pieces to your puzzle. Distinctively shaped pieces will make it easy for you to compare die cuts. Multi-colored pieces will make it easy for you to compare die rotations and graphic alignment. If the border pieces are a good match, the missing piece(s) should also be a good match.


    • A good approach if the other puzzle is still assembled:
  • Email a photo showing the portion of your puzzle missing the piece(s). Ask the other person their opinion of the quality of the match. Ideally, they'll offer to email back a photo of the replacement piece(s).


    • Don't forget:
  • Don't forget to ask about the piece backing color. It's usually the same for matching die cuts, but not always.


    • Persevere:
  • You'll most likely have to check a number of puzzles before you find one with a matching die cut, matching die orientation, and good graphic alignment.

    		•

    Places To Look

  • Courtney Tompkins' Springbok Missing Piece Exchange.
  • Ask me. I've got over 2 dozen incomplete puzzles for which I'm happy to give up pieces. My email address is on the home page.
  • Ask other puzzlers.
  • eBay (www.ebay.com). Look for a bargain price on an incomplete puzzle, or a puzzle of unknown completeness.

    		•

    Degree of Difficulty

    Some puzzle shapes are easier to complete than others. Here they are, ordered from easiest to hardest.

    Lost Piece Matching - Difficulty by Puzzle Shape
    Shape
    		 Possible Die Cuts
    		 Possible Die Rotations
    		 Difficulty
    Irregular Border
    		 1
    		 1
    		 Easiest
    Rectangular
    		 up to 3
    (depending on the puzzle dimensions)
    		 2
    Square
    		 1 or 2
    (depending on the puzzle year)
    		 4
    Octagonal
    		 up to 4
    (depending on the puzzle year)
    		 4
    Circular
    		 up to 10
    (depending on the puzzle year)
    		 4
    		 Hardest

    The above information is a general guideline. Many puzzles were manufactured with fewer possible die cuts and die rotations.

    Other Factors:
  • The relative abundance (or scarcity) of the puzzle.
  • The simplicity (or intricacy) of the graphic on the missing piece(s).
  • Fused cuts are not a factor, since their pieces are interchangeable with the basic cuts.

    		•

    A Totally Different Approach - Manufacture A Replacement Piece

    With the easy accessibility of high quality scanners, printers, and photo editing software, it should be possible to manufacture a replacement piece that's indistinguishable from the original. So far, I don't know of anyone that's been successful. If you can perfect a technique (at a reasonable cost), you can be a hero in the puzzling community (and probably make a little money on the side).

    Here's a possible approach:
  • The replacement piece can come from any puzzle with the same die cut.
  • Shave the graphic off the replacement piece.
  • Use a scanner and photo editing software to prepare a replacement graphic.
  • Print the replacement graphic on appropriate stock.
  • Glue the replacement graphic to the replacement piece.
  • Identify the replacement piece by initialing and dating it on the back.

    		•

    [ Home ] [ Die Cuts ]

    Copyright © 2003-2008 Springbok Fever. All rights reserved.