Hybrid424

Puzzle enthusiast, collector and reviewer. http://puzzle-obsessed.blogspot.com/
by richgain
This must surely be the smallest commercially available 3D puzzle cube in the world.
It is a tiny 7.5 mm across and presents a real challenge to solve and take apart - and not just because of its size.
It is an example of a sequentially interlocking cube which means that it won't fall apart once the pieces are slotted together.

You can find many more interlocking puzzle cubes in the microcubology shop.

The puzzle was inspired by the cover of Elbow's brilliant album, The Seldom Seen Kid.
 
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by richgain
Inspired by the logo on the cover of Elbow's album, The Seldom Seen Kid, this interlocking 3-piece puzzle is not as easy as it looks. Unlike all my other cubes, which were created in Burr Tools, this puzzle was modelled by hand to give every one of the cubes a bevelled edge. This not only makes it look more like the Elbow logo, it also makes the puzzle even trickier to take apart.
 
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by Callum
The world's smallest fully functional Rubik's Cube! 6mm to an edge. This puzzle will not come as it appears in the pictures. It will come in regular frosted ultra detail. For my puzzle, I assembled it, then coloured it black with a permanent marker. After that, I cut out tiny stickers for it and applied them. Also, this will come with enough pieces for two cubes, just in case anything breaks, or gets lost. Be very careful with this puzzle because the parts (especially the core) can break. Don't force any turns. Additionally, due to the tiny size, sometimes the core will occasionally print frozen together, and not be able move. Finally, it is very hard to assemble.
 
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Not For Sale
 
by henryseg

This is a small version of Triple Gear.

In this unusual mechanism three gears mesh together in pairs, and yet they can turn!

If you take three ordinary gears and put them together so that each gear meshes with the other two, then none of the gears can turn because neighbouring gears must turn in opposite directions. Triple gear avoids this problem by having the three "gears" arranged like linked rings - the gears then rotate along skew axes, and the opposite direction rule no longer applies (although see also Oskar van Deventer's Magic Gears for another possible solution).

This is joint work with Saul Schleimer. We were inspired by another of Oskar's designs, his Knotted Gear, which consists of two linked rings that gear with each other, and of course we wondered if it would be possible to do three linked rings!

A note on materials: I have so far printed it in White Strong & Flexible only. It may arrive with the rings slightly fused together, but gently moving them back and forth will loosen them up, and the mechanism gets smoother with use. I'm not sure what effect the polishing process would have on the gearing mechanism, since it would polish the exposed gear teeth but not those which are meshed as it comes out of the printer. So I have disabled the polished material options. If you really want to try it, let me know. I also haven't tested any of the "frosted detail" materials, but I imagine that they should work fine. The "detail" materials require a thicker wall thickness than this model has, so it is not printable in those materials.

 
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by henryseg

A large version of the puzzle is available here.

The goal is to assemble the five identical pieces shown in the first picture into the ring-like structure shown in the others. Each of the five pieces is made from six dodecahedral cells, giving the puzzle its name. It is based on the 120-cell, one of the six regular polytopes in four-dimensional space. When assembled the puzzle is a part of the stereographic projection of the radial projection of the 120-cell to the three-sphere.

Further description here: http://www.segerman.org/30-cell_puzzle.pdf.

This is joint work with Saul Schleimer.

 
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by TomZ

This is the Multidodecahedron. A puzzle that has all the parts from the Megaminx, Pyraminx Crystal, Starminx, Master Pentultimate and Pentultimate and requires you to solve them simultaneously. This puzzle was initially suggested by Carl Hoff, who coined the name Multidodecahedron.

About ordering
To purchase a Multidodecahedron DIY kit, you should purchase this model and then must send me an email with your order number so I can give the necessary instructions to Shapeways. This kit comes with free stickers so please also include your mailing address so I can send them to you (note: I am currently not offering super stickers).
This puzzle comes as a kit which you will need to assemble yourself. You will need to provide M3 screws and optional springs and or washers. You can also contact me directly to purchase a fully assembled and stickered copy of this puzzle.
 
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From: $225.00
 
by richgain

Update: Jury 1st Prize winner at the 2011 International Puzzle Design competition

Two open-ended Superstrings with the correct spin can be merged into a super-symmetrical cube.

The idea for this puzzle emerged when I was designing shapes based on two interlocked tetrahedra.  Inspired by ideas from 'string theory' and 'super-symmetry', I began to search for shapes that were both symmetrical and as similar as possible.

Taking the two pieces apart is not too difficult; reassembling them back into a cube can be more challenging. Hold one of the pieces still; move the other piece through the correct sequence of lateral and rotational moves.


Two colour dyed version in a perspex display case available from Etsy.



Reviews of Superstrings by puzzle enthusiasts from around the world.


"Another great little pocket puzzle from Richard Gain" - Allard Walker - Puzzling Times


"I can't really think of any downsides with this one, it was an elegantly designed puzzle that was fun to solve. Well done, Richard!" - Brian Pletcher - Mechanical Puzzles


"An attractive tactile puzzle with a decent challenge but not too awful - a really good addition to my display." - Kevin Sadler - Puzzlemad


"This is a really tough puzzle, and I can see why it won favor with the judges at IPP. Much easier to take apart than it is to put together, Richard can be rightly proud of this one." - Neil Hutchison - Puzzling Parts

 
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by gregoboyo
This model requires 12 M1x5 Screws for completion !
 
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by grigr
grigorusha HyperMini Tetrahedron - 18mm (Micro Pyraminx)
The smallest Halpern-Meier Pyramid puzzle in the World!
forum link - http://twistypuzzles.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=19938
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Osxsl7e_oqw

you can buy stickers-set there
http://www.rubikkocka.hu/pages/kockamatricaeng.htm

 
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by gibell
Stewart Coffin's Peanut Puzzle, modified by starting from 2.5cm (about 1 inch) diameter spheres. The six pieces are all different. This puzzle assembles into many different shapes, shown in the photos.  Interestingly, in the wood version of this puzzle, the "Triangle" shape is impossible to constuct - but using spheres, it is possible.

The pieces will fit tightly out of the box. I recommend scrubbing them with a toothbrush in soapy water for a perfect fit. One finishing technique is to dye each piece a different color.
 
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by arklan
Cryptex style puzzle box, inspired by the novel The Da Vinci Code. Textured to resemble marble, the lettering is also printed, rather then engraved. Comes fully assembled.

If you'd like to purchase your own, the password can be between 3 and 6 letters. Different length passwords will effect the pricing, as more or less material is used. Note the price shown is for a 6 letter cryptex.

Note: To facilitate assembled printing, the code cannot be changed after purchase.
 
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by PuzzleWorkshop

This is a 3D printed version of my Ghost Cube, a 3x3x3 mod that solves by shape instead of color, and is meant to be as confusing as possible.

This version has a newly designed core that allows the puzzle to be easily assembled from just the printed parts, without needing to use any screws or springs. The puzzle turns very well, even with nothing but printed parts. The puzzle is a bit tight to assemble, and may "squeak" a bit (due to the print lines) when turned until the parts are broken in, but very quickly turns great!

Read more about this puzzle on the Twisty Puzzles forum.

 
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by smiteo
level 10.3 puzzle
 
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by grigr
grigorusha MicroMinx
World's smallest MegaMinx - 15mm

forum: http://www.twistypuzzles.com/forum/viewtopic.php?uid=3835&f=15&t=23823
 
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by Oskar_van_Deventer
Polo Gear Cube was suggested by Alex Polonsky. This puzzles combines a corner+center-turning gear cube with a twisty 2x2x2.

Watch the YouTube video.
Read at the Shapeways Forum.
Read more at the Twisty Puzzles Forum.

Please contact Oskar directly if you are interested in obtaining a fully colored, stickered and assembled sample of this puzzle.
 
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by olz
This is a mini version of the all known dodecahedral rubik''s cube called the Megaminx.

The size is 14mm per edge, or 32mm from face to face.
 
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by richgain
Quaturnery Qube is my fourth 4x4x4 cube puzzle design and has four pieces.  It has a unique level 4.3.4  solution that includes one rotation. 

The original version of this puzzle came out back in September 2010 in an experimental new hollow cube format and although it sold a few copies, I had hoped it would achieve a wider audience.

So here, in the best traditions of microcubology, is the 2cm version in solid form. This is half the size of the original Quaturnery Qube (one eighth of the volume) and is now quite a bit cheaper.

It's a great little puzzle with a tricky solution and some nice moves. Have fun!

The solution on YouTube was recorded using the original larger puzzle and is rather obscured by my inability to keep the cube in front of the camera as I struggled to work it out (but maybe that's not such a bad thing - I wouldn't want to make it too easy for you).
 
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by Vesa
Take-apart/put-together puzzle. NOTE: You have to dye pieces by yourself.
 
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by lcuthbert
This is my version of the time travelling Tardis from Dr. Who. These add-on pieces have to be glued onto a Rubik's brand 2x2x4 cube (44x44x88mm) to make a fully functional puzzle. The pictures show a completely dyed (using Rit Royal Blue) and assembled puzzle, complete with stickers which I printed using a standard inkjet printer.
 
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by pirsquared
This is my entry into the TwistyPuzzles.com puzzle competition. It is a transformation of a 2x2 that fits into a shell only when it is solved.

If you order one of these puzzles, please send me a message through either YouTube or Shapeways, and I will send you instructions on how to assemble it. You need a regular Eastsheen 2x2 and superglue.
 
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by Jermm
The 2x2x4 CrazyPill! Because of the roundness of the pieces, this puzzle is not available with stickers. This means it will have to be dyed 7 different colors when you buy it. I will be offering fully assembled and dyed puzzles for 100 dollars + shipping cost (just send me a pm here or on the twisty puzzle forum). The puzzle also comes with a stand, that has the name of the puzzle, and my puzzles shop carved into it, and this will be offered in the color of your choosing. Also, I use 3 cube for you springs cut in half, and 6 4-40 screws 1/2 an inch long. That is the same as 6 M3 screws 12mm long. Enjoy the 2x2x4 CrazyPill! Small enough to fit in your pocket to take wherever you like :)
 
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by VeryWetPaint
This toy has eight sets of built-in hinges so it can be folded through a series of square and rectangular shapes like a Yoshimoto Cube.

If you've got two copies of it, the tabs enable you to snap them together into a collection of eight small boxes that can fold harmoniously through all the same positions as a single model!

Watch the video for a demonstration!
 
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by TheoGeerinck
This is an impossible object and the puzzle is to find out how it fits together.Two identical pieces combine in a block with impossible joints. So if you want to buy this puzzle you have to ordre two items!
 
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by orlandoknox
The connected pieces can be arranged to a 3 x 3 x 3 cube. A puzzle for idle moments.
The puzzle is printed assembled, so you won't have to worry about losing any parts.
Tested and working in "Black Strong & Flexible"
 
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by Pitcher
This puzzle is a fully-functional Siamese 2x2x2 magic cube. being fully-functional means that the two fused cubes can exchange pieces with each other since the upper and lower layers rotate on a single axis through the center of the two cubes. The puzzle is essentially a shape-modification of my Fun Block puzzle (or that puzzle is a shape-modification of this one).

The Fully Functional Siamese 2x2x2 has been designed to use standard sized 3x3x3 stickers, which can be purchased from a variety of sources.

I recommend that you purchase the puzzle in "Black Strong & Flexible". It costs a bit more than the white material, but it's worth it since the finished puzzle will look and work better. All of the parts snap together, so no additional screws, springs, or other hardware are required. Be sure to test the assembly before applying any lubricant to the puzzle, as it will likely be unnecessary.

With the Fully Functional Siamese 2x2x2 you can't make a mistake with the assembly. Since the parts can be assembled onto the core even after the core halves are snapped together, you can assemble the puzzle in any order you desire. Of course, this means the puzzle is also very easy to take apart again.

Have fun!
 
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by Oskar_van_Deventer
Spiral Burr is a six-piece burr of interlocking spirals. Next to sliding and rotation, spiraling is the third fundamental way of turning pieces in an interlocking puzzle. The spirals are notched. The object is putting the puzzle back together after turning it apart.

Watch the YouTube video.
Read at the Shapeways Forum.
Read more at the Twisty Puzzles Forum.
Buy the large 90x90x90 mm version here.

Please contact Oskar directly if you are interested in obtaining a fully colored and assembled sample of this puzzle.

 
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by pirsquared
The Twisted Cubes

The Twisted Cubes are a shape-modification of a 3x3 Rubik's Cube.  This makes them a bit more interesting to solve, and much cooler-looking when scrambled.  Now you can get your very own DIY version of the Twisted Cubes.  Save $10 when you buy both together!

To order, order this file from my Shapeways shop, and then be sure to send an email to eitanspuzzleshop @ gmail . com (remove the spaces) with your order number, since I have to intervene and send them the correct files.

You can get stickers for $10.70 from Dr. Sticker.  Just email him at dr-sticker @ gmail . com (remove the spaces) and tell him what colors you want on which faces.  Be sure to tell him you want stickers for both puzzles!

You will need a total of 12 M3 screws at least 10mm long.

Copyright 2011 by Eitan Cher
 
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by gibell
A 12 piece puzzle by Stewart Coffin. See http://www.puzzleworld.org/puzzleworld/puz/twelve_piece_separation.htm

Comes undyed. This is a difficult puzzle to assemble, for experienced puzzlers only!

 
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by Oskar_van_Deventer
Hyperboloid Burr is a six-piece burr six-piece burr, made of six identical hyperboloid pieces. It was designed with the help of Naoaki Takashima. The wooden version was made as a limited (sold-out) edition for Naoaki Takashima by the Kanagawa Toy Company in Odawara. While working on the wooden pieces, the manager of Kanagawa Toy found an unexpected 7-piece solution.

The Shapeways version has the same shape as the wooden, and it has seven pieces, so you can try both challenges.

Watch the YouTube video.

Please contact Oskar directly if you are interested in obtaining a fully colored and assembled sample of this puzzle.
 
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by Oskar_van_Deventer
Irreversible Cube is based on an idea by Christoph Lohe:
"It is just a 2x2x2 Cube, however, with the following constrains:
- only clockwise quarter turns are allowed
- after a turn on one axis (out of three), the next move, if any, will need to be done on another axis
Obviously, it is not a normal twisty puzzle as you cannot simply reverse your move sequence. It also means: the puzzle is already scrambled after a first single move from the solved state."

So if we encode
"U" = upper face 90 degrees clockwise
"F" = front face 90 degrees clockwise
"L" = left face 90 degrees clockwise
then one could legally turn e.g. "UFLUFLULUFLUFLUL" as all turns are clockwise and there are no two-same-turns-in-a-row. However, "FF" would be illegal and the second "F" move should be blocked.

Irreversible Cube exactly achieves Chris Lohe's goal. There are only single clockwise quarter turns, and any second quarter turn is blocked, only to be unlocked when another face is turned 90-degrees clockwise.

Note that the puzzle has no easy undos. Once a quarter turn clockwise has been made, one cannot undo it by turning anti-clockwise. Anti-clockwise turns are blocked by the mechanism.

Analysing the mechanism, the follow steps happen when turning a face clockwise.
1) First the turning face locks itself against turning back to it original position. From this point, one can only move forward.
2) Next the turning face unlocks the previously locked adjacent face.
3) Then, the turning face locks itself against turning back to the adjacent-faces-unlocking state.
4) Finally, the turning face blocks. Now it can only be unlocked by turning an adjacent face.

Watch the YouTube video.
Read at the Shapeways Forum.
Read more at the Twisty Puzzles Forum.
Read a solving analysis at the Twisty Puzzles Forum.

Please contact Oskar directly if you are interested in obtaining a fully colored, stickered and assembled sample of this puzzle.
 
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by Oskar_van_Deventer
Gear Planet was suggested by Ferdinand Lammertink. Ferdinand is best know as the inventor of several Thinkfun puzzles, including Backspin and Port-to-Port and recently Perilous Pipes by Popular Playthings.

Gear Planet has 11 tiles. There is a gearing&sliding mechanism for scrambling the tiles. The object is to get them all back in order. Experts may recognize some similarity between the gearing of four tiles, and the up-and-down mechanism of Port-to-Port.

Watch the YouTube video.
Read at the Shapeways Forum.
Read more at the Twisty Puzzles Forum.

Please contact Oskar directly if you are interested in obtaining a fully colored and assembled sample of this puzzle.
 
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by QuirkyCubes
This is a rather abstract puzzle inspired by the geometry of the 26th Johnson Solid: The Gyrobifastigium. The puzzle uses a 2x2x1 as its base, with fully functional 1x2x3-like extensions and four oval-shaped knobs on the sides.

View the YouTube video to see how the puzzle works.
Read about it on TwistyPuzzles.com.

When ordering this puzzle directly from Shapeways, you will receive only the 3D-printed parts disassembled. Contact me at quirkycubes at gmail dot com for information on how to obtain a fully assembled copy, or the screws and stickers required to assemble it.

Screw specs: 1x M3 Screw, 10mm long (not including the head!)
 
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by SteveMarshall
This puzzle is deceptively simple looking... it only has eight pieces but provides a surprising challenge! It is similar to a 2x2x2 Rubik's cube, but far more challenging. Instead of solving for the colour, you have to bring it back to the correct shape.
Since there are two sets of three pieces that are identical, some interesting solving problems can occur, that would not on a stickered cubic 2x2x2.

Please note that the pieces that you receive need to be glued onto a mini Eastsheen 2x2x2, or you can buy one assembled for $60+ shipping.

Ordering one? Pictures are appreciated! Please contact me, and I'll get in touch with how to send them.
 
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by Oskar_van_Deventer
Impossiburr is an impossible object, that is also a puzzle. Six pieces go together to form this Esher-style triangle.

Watch the YouTube video.

Please contact Oskar directly if you are interested in obtaining a fully colored, stickered and assembled sample of this puzzle.
 
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by Oskar_van_Deventer
Switched Maze is a mechanical maze. The object is to roll the metal ball from "Start" to "Goal". The ball is impeded by gates at several points in the maze. By rolling the ball against the levers, gates can be opened and closed.

This maze is related to Robert Abbott's Sliding Door Maze and Eldon Vaughn's Amaze. The rules of Abbott's puzzle is electronically enforced by the software implementation. The rules of Vaughn's maze is psychologically enforced by the game rule that says not to lift the stylus from the board. The switched Maze is fully mechanically enforced. That is, you cannot cheat without taking the puzzle apart or removing the transparent cover.

Switched Maze implements logical one-way gates, logical crossings and a Chinese-Rings type of passing point. Most likely, one could build a Turing Machine using the Switched Maze concept.

Watch the YouTube video.
Read at the Shapeways Forum.
Read more at the Non-Twisty Puzzles Forum.

Please contact Oskar directly if you are interested in obtaining a fully colored and assembled sample of this puzzle.
 
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by PuzzleMaster6262
Mike's Mixup is on the inside a Mixup Octahedron. On the outside however it is pure chaos. Each piece is one of a kind making Mike's Mixup solvable just by shape. When solved all 50 pieces perfectly align to form an icosahedron. Sounds easy, right? Vizion Puzzles is so confident that Mike's Mixup will break you before you learn to solve it that we will give you $10 store credit if you master it*. As an added challenge for buying the puzzle as a DIY kit, Mike's Mixup acts like a 3D assembly/jigsaw puzzle. 2 puzzles in 1! To learn more read the Twisty Puzzles Forum and/or watch the YouTube video.

The puzzle consists of 50 visible pieces as well as an internal mini 2x2x2 (sold separately).

Difficulty Level: 10

Need to buy a 24 mm 2x2x2? For only $3 buy one at the Twisty Puzzles Shop

*Email vizionpuzzles@yahoo.com for details.
 
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