8.12.2013

This is a well-made and, on the whole, well designed piece of equipment. I bought mine recently with a view to having it help me shift a jigsaw from place to place this coming festive season. I'm planning on using said jigsaw to try to trick some of my family's most notorious potential trouble-makers into working together on something peaceful thus, hopefully, leaving them far less inclined to want to start arguments with one another for no discernible reason. It is therefore imperative that I make my jigsaw mobile, to enable me to send it in to potential battle zones as and when they may manifest themselves. This PortaPuzzle looks to be almost perfect for that task.I was in two minds about leaving a review of it though...until I happened to see the other review, the one that says something about this product needing 'to be stiff, as it flops about'. Oh, I do wish I hadn't read that review. I'm not saying I disagree with it, at least, not in this context; no, I wish I hadn't read it because now I can't seem to get the voice of my ex-wife out of my head. I can't tell you how often she used to express those very same sentiments to me, pretty much word for word. Although, sad to say, she was not referring to the quality of my puzzling paraphernalia at the time. Well anyway, I'm afraid I'm going to have to review this product now, purely in the interests of trying to get a bit of peace and quiet. Oh god, I'm battling a whole host of hideous mental images now. Come on then - let's get this over with... hm, I wonder if my ex-wife ever hears MY voice in HER head saying that...?I am rather a keen jigsaw puzzler but, up to now, I have coped quite nicely in my puzzling escapades with the assistance of the kitchen table or any other suitably large flat surface. However, buying a PortaPuzzle initially for the benefit of other people this Christmas did seem like a very convenient way of eventually getting my hands on it myself. Having tested it out already, I am more than impressed with the flexibility it gives me in my puzzling activities. Fully deployed, it provides a huge surface upon which to manoeuvre my pieces and that surface is smooth and flat too. Playing devil's advocate for a moment with regard to its 'floppiness', it does not in any way cause problems while you are doing the jigsaw. When you're horizontal, the floppiness of your equipment is simply not an issue. Although I'm positive that my ex-wife might have some rather strong views on that subject to the contrary.The whole structure folds away very easily and fairly securely although, in terms of transporting it around like that, I have found that continuing to deal with matters in the horizontal plane is the best way to go. The lack of stiffness does become more of a problem when you attempt to switch to a more vertical position. And that goes double for this PortaPuzzle. It is very easy to bend it, however unintentionally and, if you do, the loose pieces inside seem to think they can pretty much do as they please. They can't get out of their PortaPuzzle prison, not the way the Velcro is arranged, but they can travel a good way internally. As I say though, if you stick to the horizontal, that's not really a problem. And, as you complete more of the jigsaw it becomes less of an issue as well.In terms of being able to have all your pieces out on display at any one time, the two side panels are not really big enough for that. However, I have found it useful to use the loose panels as extra surfaces, instead of just plonking them on the side panels. Effectively, that gives you double the space to work with although, if you need to pack the PortaPuzzle up in a hurry, it does require the transfer of the pieces on the side panels before you can close up shop.That's pretty much it then. To sum up, a lack of stiffness is no barrier to a few hours of enjoyable entertainment, provided that you don't try to combine it with any kind of time spent leaning against a wall or propped up against a Welsh dresser: whatever my ex-wife might try to say to the contrary.

22.1.2018

My first purchase was one of those felt mats with a large cardboard tube, designed to let you roll up the partially complete jigsaw and come back to it later. I returned it for a full refund. Having managed to put together around a quarter of a 1,000 piece puzzle, I needed the space for a while on my coffee table. As I rolled up the jigsaw (carefully!), I could see the pieces moving and coming apart.With only around 200-250 pieces in place, it still took me 30 minutes to repair the mess the cardboard roll had made of the puzzle. I gave up and ordered this Portapuzzle case instead after reading the reviews.The puzzle I have been doing is a standard 70cm x 50cm and consists of 1,000 pieces.This version of the Portapuzzle is designed for puzzles up to 1,000 pieces and they do fit perfectly, with a few centimetres around the edge to spare.This thing is huge when opened fully with two connected flaps either side of the main, internal mat and two extra mats which are independent of it all. You have loads of space to assemble the puzzle and place interesting pieces from the box around the place while you find out where to put them.It all fastens really securely with long velcro strips and holds the jigsaw in place well. I slide mine under the coffee table, but you could store it vertically too. I did test this briefly and had no issues with pieces moving. Although, I'm not convinced they would stay in place if you had it stood vertically and knocked it.The whole of the inside is a pale beige, soft felt material and the pieces stay in place nicely. As the background is so pale, it makes looking at the pieces much easier on the eyes than the awful green of the felt mat that came with the roll.You could conceivably have this on your knee while sat on the sofa to do a puzzle as the whole thing is quite rigid and stable.My only criticism, and it is quite an annoyance, is the ridge down the middle. I noticed one or two others have mentioned this too. From the top to the bottom of the main, central mat inside the case is a slight ridge where the felt material doesn't sit flush with the underlying cushioning. This means that puzzle pieces lift in a line all the way down the very centre of the puzzle (assuming it's a large 1,000 piece jigsaw). Is it a dealbreaker? No, because you can kind of push it down and it doesn't cause the pieces to move out of place. However, it does mean they lift and you can't ignore it. How annoying this will depend on your patience levels :)Is the Portapuzzle worth the £20 I paid? I'd say definitely, yes. It's easy to work with, perfect for storing partial puzzles and doesn't ruin them when you want to revisit.I only knocked off one star in this review because of the ridge. If they sorted that with a design tweak, I would happily award five stars.

10.6.2010

Great for doing jigsaws in bed, which is where I have the most space. Before, I had a whiteboard I was doing jigsaws on, but it usually got covered in dust and gunk quite easily, so I was looking for something else. I have a jigroll, but I hate sitting on the floor (too many damn spiders about) so I bought the Portapuzzle Deluxe. Easily the best jigsaw buy I ever made. I have a couple of 1000 piece puzzles that don't fit, but I can easily do those on the jigroll, and the Portapuzzle is great for doing smaller jigsaws too (i usually do 500 piece ones).I usually fold it back on itself, and if there's a jigsaw in it, I usually leave it folded like that on top of my guinea pigs cage,

27.1.2013

I've had my portapuzzle for over a year now and I can say I am pleased with it. I have done many puzzles from 500 to 1000 pieces with no problems. It has really proved it's worth recently as I have been living between 3 homes and moving my jigsaws to and fro accordingly. As long as you don't move the pieces too near to the edges and make sure you put the 2 boards on top before zipping it up there really shouldn't be a problem with the pieces dislodging unless you're harshly knocking the case about.I am pleased that I can start a puzzle and no matter what stage I am at with the puzzle, I can just zip it up and keep it out of danger of being messed up by my kids accidentally knocking it about.

12.12.2007

I love doing puzzles but hadn't done any for a while since I have two kittens and a young child, which have resulted in a few half-done puzzle as ending up on the floor. This product has made life a lot easier. The trays are great for laying out all the pieces and being able to zip it up when I leave the room has saved many mishaps.The main drawback is its size. I had 3 1000-piece puzzles in my cupboard waiting to be done, but only one of them fits on this Portapuzzle. That puzzle is 49 x 69cm and only just fits widthwise. That said, I don't think I could sit comfortably with the Portapuzzle on my lap if it were any larger and so do not wish to purchase a larger one (if it exists).One time I

27.1.2019

Having tried cheaper jigsaw puzzle holders in the past I decided to go for a good one this time. I live in a small flat and do not have the space to leave my puzzles out as I used to do years ago so I really needed to be able to put the ji.gsaw away at the end of the day.First up this is big. It is the kind of holder that art students will carry with them containing their painting etc so be warned. It is not small. I open it out flat on my coffee table and double it up so it is folded back on itself. I then start the puzzle on the felt surface. It comes with two felt pads which, when placed on top of the puzzle before closing will keep it in place.

13.8.2012

We now have two of these. They are great and allow my older children to do 1000 piece puzzles over an extended period without the risk of their younger siblings wandering off with or eating the pieces! (Or me hoovering them up) The very edges (1cm from zip) sometimes move a bit but only towards the zip so this isn't a problem. The only problem is some 1000 piece round puzzles we have don't fit, but that is not the product's fault!We tend to use the portapuzzle on the floor - I would recommend that if you do this you avoid putting your weight fully on the working surface (ie don't step on it or lean on an elbow on it) as the "pressed" areas do seem to stay compacted slightly,

3.1.2017

I bought this puzzle accessory together with our first big puzzle as I have read reviews on other puzzle storage solutions such as rolling mats and this proved to be the better choice. Having completed the 1000-piece puzzle just a couple of days ago I admit I am delighted with my purchase, and here is why:- The 2 "working" surfaces on either side do a really good job. It was much easier to assort and find pieces.- The felt-type cloth covering the work and main surfaces provides excellent friction so that you don't lose pieces under the table or sofa if you tilt the surface.- The shape and size are surprisingly compact and fit behind/below sofas, tables, beds, etc.I am giving it four stars because of the one downside I found.

1.12.2020

I was put off a little by the negative reviews regarding the surface not being flat, but since there's not an alternative thought I'd take a chance. Could always use the free return!It's fantastic. There is a very slight crease down the middle but it isn't an issue. The surface is really flat. I've tried my best to photograph this.I'm really happy with this. I just did the storing upright test (reluctantly!) and it didn't fall apart so bonus. Obviously the sorting pieces on the other layer did move.I debated between this one and the deluxe (£7 difference at present time) but I didn't care for a handle, a zip and the leather effect outter. Also this one has an extra sorting board.

7.11.2013

Good bit of kit and certainly beats doing jigsaw on table and then having to undo jigsaw when table needed! Haven't had one of these before but would recommend it for portability and design. It's light and easy to carry either flat or tipped sideways and when not in use, it slides under the settee out of the way. There is no wrinkling or lumpiness on the panels or main board and it's easy to use whichever way round. My only gripe is that it doesn't comfortably hold 1000 pieces! I have just done an 800 piece jigsaw and before completion, when you need all the bits out and before you've found all the straight edges, it's a real squash and i had to use the jigsaw box lid for a while. Pity.

18.12.2020

I like this as it gives me a bigger space to do my puzzles, my lounge table isn't quite big enough, but is big enough to place this on and do my puzzles. You got to be very careful though when turning it over as sometimes the puzzles pieces move about inside it, so it isn't very secure, you can't like close it up with your puzzle pieces inside and then lean it up against the side of the chair or wall. If you turned it over after you complete the puzzle to maybe mount in a picture frame, then put a hand under and the other above before turning and hold it tight.The best part though is the 'leaves', they are perfect for laying out puzzles pieces on to give you extra room.

29.3.2013

My daughter and I love wasgij's but alas my wife didn't share our enthusiasm.Not may I add because she doesn't like jigsaws but because we commandeered the dining table for days on end.To appease her I searched for something that would still allow us the freedom to puzzle whenever we wanted but gave the wife the table back whenever she wanted..Portapuzzle looked the answer so I duly purchased it, now all our family is happy. We can now puzzle whenever we like, Portapuzzle does exactly what the sales literature promises and the wife gets the table back whenever she wants, peace was restored.You can even take your puzzle with you, although we haven't yet,

29.10.2016

I have a Portapuzzle Deluxe,which is a bit like a large thin suitcase;you can do your jigsaw and cover it with the zip up cover and carry it round by the handle,and the puzzle stays in place.When this Portapuzzle came up free to try on Amazon Vine I was very excited and thought I would get it for my friend;I hadn't realised that this is the basic version,which really is a large board covered in felt;it does hold the puzzle in place,but you have to keep it flat as there is no cover.To be fair,it was described as "Basic" and is useful as the puzzle and pieces don't slip around,but I think it is worth paying the extra and getting the Standard version,which has a cover secured by velcro,or the

9.2.2017

A lovely sturdy case. Very large but totally fit for purpose. It has a padded interior 'memory foam' like and two sleeves with the same padding. The sleeves can be placed on top of the jigsaw whilst it's being put together. The foam sleeves are non slip and when the case is zipped up, it can be transported easily. At first I kept it horizontal as I didn't want my hard work falling apart if I help it upright. Eventually though, due to space constraints, I took the plunge. To my relief the part done jigsaw and the pieces on the sleeves stayed in place. This is a great case at a great price. It easily fits a 1000 piece jigsaw. It is large though to obviously accommodate such a large jigsaw- approx 2 A3 sheet aligned along the long edge,

19.3.2016

I have recently discovered the joys of making jigsaws after I was off ill from work for 3 weeks. I was totally bored as I hate sitting around at home so my husband bought me my first ever jigsaw and this brilliant board to go with it. What can I say, it's absolutely brilliant! Not only is it the perfect size for jigsaws up to 1500 pieces, but has a non-slip texture so once the pieces are placed on the board they don't move or slip around. It also comes with 2 lift out panels which is brilliant for helping you to sort out your jigsaw pieces so you can see them at a quick glance without having to rummage around in the box. Once I've had enough jigsawing for one day,

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