by
TomZ
The Curvy Copter plus is a Curvy Copter puzzle but slightly unbandaged so more moves are possible. It is similar to the Crazy Comet puzzle by Oskar van Deventer.
When jumbling the normal Curvy Copter you are quite constrained. Not only does the unbandaging of the Curvy Copter plus produce an even more interesting and beautiful face pattern, it also makes the jumbling feel less constrained. Solving this puzzle is extremely difficult, it can make amazing and confusing shapes. The Curvy Copter plus is the same size as a regular Curvy Copter puzzle.
Buying this will get you a DIY kit of the plastic pieces in either black or white. You will need to supply your own screws, springs, washers (M3) as well as stickers (www.dr-sticker.com). Alternatively, I can sell you an assembled copy directly for a small extra fee. To order an assembled puzzle or if you have any questions, please contact me at tom@tomvanderzanden.nl.
When jumbling the normal Curvy Copter you are quite constrained. Not only does the unbandaging of the Curvy Copter plus produce an even more interesting and beautiful face pattern, it also makes the jumbling feel less constrained. Solving this puzzle is extremely difficult, it can make amazing and confusing shapes. The Curvy Copter plus is the same size as a regular Curvy Copter puzzle.
Buying this will get you a DIY kit of the plastic pieces in either black or white. You will need to supply your own screws, springs, washers (M3) as well as stickers (www.dr-sticker.com). Alternatively, I can sell you an assembled copy directly for a small extra fee. To order an assembled puzzle or if you have any questions, please contact me at tom@tomvanderzanden.nl.
by
TomZ
These puzzles are for sale
My Mini Dodecahedra now are available for purchase from Shapeways, but due to technical limitations I can not offer them on my shop since they can only be ordered through Shapeways' back door. Please send me an email ( tom at tomvanderzanden dot nl ) to purchase these puzzles. After sending me an email, I will help you to order directly from Shapeways like normal, or you can purchase an assembled puzzle for an extra fee.
About these puzzles
The Mini Starminx was made after a challenge from Andrew Cormier to make an as small as possible Starminx. I pushed the limits of WS&F and managed to make a Starminx only 25mm on an edge. Given it's success, I've now made a Pentultimate and Pyraminx Crystal at this size too. Both puzzles turn very smoothly and are very stable. The Pentultimate has 164 parts, the Starminx 197. The Cyrstal, Pentultimate and Starminx are both 25mm an on edge, I strive to have a Megaminx and Master Pentultimate available at this size soon.
Mini Pentultimate (video)
DIY White $99/€85 (free shipping)
DIY Black $110/€95 (free shipping)
Assembled $210/€150+S&H
Mini Starminx (video)
DIY White $119/€100 (free shipping)
DIY Black $132/€110 (free shipping)
Assembled $230/€160+S&H
(Please note that for the DIY kits, the EUR prices include a 19% VAT to be paid by EU customers, whereas the USD prices do not. Also, I'm sorry about the high prices for assembled puzzles but I do not have much time so I need to set a high price to make sure I don't get more orders than I can handle.)
I am sorry, but DIY kits do not include screws or stickers since Shapeways cannot provide them. You can purchase stickers from www.dr-sticker.com and you should be able to get screws from your local hardware store. Depending on personal taste, you might want to use springs in your puzzle as well.
To order, please send me an email at tom at tomvanderzanden dot nl. The DIY kits are shipped to you directly by Shapeways (and you will make payment to Shapeways). The assembled puzzles are shipped to you by me (and you will make payment to me).
My Mini Dodecahedra now are available for purchase from Shapeways, but due to technical limitations I can not offer them on my shop since they can only be ordered through Shapeways' back door. Please send me an email ( tom at tomvanderzanden dot nl ) to purchase these puzzles. After sending me an email, I will help you to order directly from Shapeways like normal, or you can purchase an assembled puzzle for an extra fee.
About these puzzles
The Mini Starminx was made after a challenge from Andrew Cormier to make an as small as possible Starminx. I pushed the limits of WS&F and managed to make a Starminx only 25mm on an edge. Given it's success, I've now made a Pentultimate and Pyraminx Crystal at this size too. Both puzzles turn very smoothly and are very stable. The Pentultimate has 164 parts, the Starminx 197. The Cyrstal, Pentultimate and Starminx are both 25mm an on edge, I strive to have a Megaminx and Master Pentultimate available at this size soon.
Mini Pentultimate (video)
DIY White $99/€85 (free shipping)
DIY Black $110/€95 (free shipping)
Assembled $210/€150+S&H
Mini Starminx (video)
DIY White $119/€100 (free shipping)
DIY Black $132/€110 (free shipping)
Assembled $230/€160+S&H
(Please note that for the DIY kits, the EUR prices include a 19% VAT to be paid by EU customers, whereas the USD prices do not. Also, I'm sorry about the high prices for assembled puzzles but I do not have much time so I need to set a high price to make sure I don't get more orders than I can handle.)
I am sorry, but DIY kits do not include screws or stickers since Shapeways cannot provide them. You can purchase stickers from www.dr-sticker.com and you should be able to get screws from your local hardware store. Depending on personal taste, you might want to use springs in your puzzle as well.
To order, please send me an email at tom at tomvanderzanden dot nl. The DIY kits are shipped to you directly by Shapeways (and you will make payment to Shapeways). The assembled puzzles are shipped to you by me (and you will make payment to me).
by
TomZ
The Holey Octahedron extends the family of hollow puzzles succeeding the Holey Megaminx (Tutt), Void Skewb (Fisher) and Void Cube (Okamoto). It is a variation on the standard 3x3x3 cube. It differs from the 3x3x3 in that the corners have completely been removed and center orientation is visible. Solving it is a little bit easier than a regular 3x3x3.
This item is for a DIY kit only. You will need to do the assembly yourself using your own screws and stickers. I will provide help on any issues you might encounter. I can also do the assembly and stickering for you for a small fee. Just email me at tom [AT] tomvanderzanden [DOT] nl.
This item is for a DIY kit only. You will need to do the assembly yourself using your own screws and stickers. I will provide help on any issues you might encounter. I can also do the assembly and stickering for you for a small fee. Just email me at tom [AT] tomvanderzanden [DOT] nl.
by
TomZ
This is the 6x6x7 cuboid. The turning is very nice and the puzzle is quite stable.
This puzzle comes as a DIY kit. You will need to provide your own screws (M3) and springs for assembly. This puzzle comes with a free set of stickers. To claim your set of stickers, please send me an email after ordering with your shipping address.
If you do not want to assemble this puzzle yourself I can do the assembly for you at an additional fee. Please send me an email if you want to purchase an assembled and stickered puzzle.
by
TomZ
This is my version of the Master FTO originally designed by Timur. For a detailed writeup on the history of this puzzle and a full review visit the topic at twistypuzzles.com: http://twistypuzzles.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=21983.
This puzzle is based on my Dino Skewb, but has an extra shell required to attach the corner pieces. It moves quite well and is entirely stable.
Buying this model will get you all the plastic parts required to build a Master FTO. You will need to provide your own screws and stickers to finish the puzzle. Alternatively, fully assembled and stickered puzzles are available from me for a small additional fee at tom@tomvanderzanden.nl.
This puzzle is based on my Dino Skewb, but has an extra shell required to attach the corner pieces. It moves quite well and is entirely stable.
Buying this model will get you all the plastic parts required to build a Master FTO. You will need to provide your own screws and stickers to finish the puzzle. Alternatively, fully assembled and stickered puzzles are available from me for a small additional fee at tom@tomvanderzanden.nl.
by
TomZ
The Tetrahedral Twins could be viewed as a combination of two of Okamoto's Master Pyraminxes. It has the shape of a stellated octahedron (stella octangula). I think it illustrates some things about the symmetry of a tetrahedron nicely. The puzzle is 10cm on an edge so it is around the same size as a regular pyraminx.
I'm very satisfied with how it came out. The turning is nice and fluid, the mechanism is very stable: even when I unscrewed 3/4 screws it would not come apart.
The puzzle is a bit unwieldy to hold due to its shape. The turning is good and without problem but playing with it will take some getting used to. The only flaw is that when halfway through one of the deep cut turns, certain pieces can wiggle a bit.
Ordering this will get you a DIY kit of pieces which you will need to assemble and sticker yourself. The puzzle is available in both white and black plastic but ordering the white parts and dying them yourself is a bit more economical. I can also offer you a fully assembled, dyed and stickered version of this puzzle for a small additional fee. Contact me directly for this service.
I'm very satisfied with how it came out. The turning is nice and fluid, the mechanism is very stable: even when I unscrewed 3/4 screws it would not come apart.
The puzzle is a bit unwieldy to hold due to its shape. The turning is good and without problem but playing with it will take some getting used to. The only flaw is that when halfway through one of the deep cut turns, certain pieces can wiggle a bit.
Ordering this will get you a DIY kit of pieces which you will need to assemble and sticker yourself. The puzzle is available in both white and black plastic but ordering the white parts and dying them yourself is a bit more economical. I can also offer you a fully assembled, dyed and stickered version of this puzzle for a small additional fee. Contact me directly for this service.
by
TomZ
This puzzle was suggested by Andreas Nortmann. His explanation was as follows:
Andreas Nortmann wrote:I have just another stupid design request for you:
A hybrid of an OffsetSkewb and a HalfTurnsOnlyNxNxN.
The story behind it: You know there are 6 "traditional" (yet to be defined what that means here) possible axis systems and the hybrids thereof and there are some subgroups thereof, for example the cuboids where two axis allow only 180° turn to let the puzzle retain its shape. I have searched for other subgroups and have found:
* some trivial ones (with only 1 axis)
* several prisms
* the one mentioned aboveSo it's a hybrid of a 2x2x2 and an Offset Skewb. While such a puzzle could make 90 degree turns like some cuboids which can shapeshift, I have deliberately blocked those moves in the design, in order to accentuate the weird symmetry of the design and also, to make solving more difficult.
Mechanically, this puzzle is much simpler than a 2x2x2 + Skewb. I've made a few adjustments to make it turn better than the original prototype (which already turns quite good!).
This puzzle comes as DIY kit for which you need to supply your own stickers and screws (you need 7 M3 screws, about 10mm long). You can also purchase a fully assembled and stickered puzzle directly from me.
Andreas Nortmann wrote:I have just another stupid design request for you:
A hybrid of an OffsetSkewb and a HalfTurnsOnlyNxNxN.
The story behind it: You know there are 6 "traditional" (yet to be defined what that means here) possible axis systems and the hybrids thereof and there are some subgroups thereof, for example the cuboids where two axis allow only 180° turn to let the puzzle retain its shape. I have searched for other subgroups and have found:
* some trivial ones (with only 1 axis)
* several prisms
* the one mentioned aboveSo it's a hybrid of a 2x2x2 and an Offset Skewb. While such a puzzle could make 90 degree turns like some cuboids which can shapeshift, I have deliberately blocked those moves in the design, in order to accentuate the weird symmetry of the design and also, to make solving more difficult.
Mechanically, this puzzle is much simpler than a 2x2x2 + Skewb. I've made a few adjustments to make it turn better than the original prototype (which already turns quite good!).
This puzzle comes as DIY kit for which you need to supply your own stickers and screws (you need 7 M3 screws, about 10mm long). You can also purchase a fully assembled and stickered puzzle directly from me.
by
TomZ
A while back I released my Mini Starminx. A puzzle that initially seemed to work very well. However, at this small size printing proved too unreliable and many people were disappointed with versions that did not turn at all like mine. Due to this reason I had to disappoint more people by telling them they could not order one.
Due to popular demand, I have now made a larger Starminx. It's edge length is 30mm, up from 25mm. At 30mm it is just the right size, about the same size as a regular Megaminx. This one works very well right out of the box, requiring little breaking in. I have printed two so far and they both work very well.The larger size has allowed me to make the mechanism more sturdy. I've also connected the floating corner pieces to the internal corners, making the puzzle slightly more stable. Thanks to the larger size we will also see less sticker issues.
This item is for a DIY kit only. This kit contains all the plastic parts needed for one puzzle, to build your copy you will also need screws (M3) and stickers. Springs are optional.
You can also purchase a fully assembled puzzle for an additional fee, please contact me at tom@tomvanderzanden.nl for this service.
Due to popular demand, I have now made a larger Starminx. It's edge length is 30mm, up from 25mm. At 30mm it is just the right size, about the same size as a regular Megaminx. This one works very well right out of the box, requiring little breaking in. I have printed two so far and they both work very well.The larger size has allowed me to make the mechanism more sturdy. I've also connected the floating corner pieces to the internal corners, making the puzzle slightly more stable. Thanks to the larger size we will also see less sticker issues.
This item is for a DIY kit only. This kit contains all the plastic parts needed for one puzzle, to build your copy you will also need screws (M3) and stickers. Springs are optional.
You can also purchase a fully assembled puzzle for an additional fee, please contact me at tom@tomvanderzanden.nl for this service.
by
TomZ
A 3x3x3 that can only do 180 degree turns on all faces has already been made by Hidetoshi Takeji and a variant is for sale in Oskar's Shop. A variant where only one axis allows 90 degree turns has also been made.
However, the remaining variant where only one axis is constrained to 180 degree turns has not been made yet. It was of course Andreas Nortmann's request to make one.
This puzzle represents a unique challenge in it's design: the half turn only cube can be made by bandaging a 7x7x7 and the one which is constrained on two axes can be made from a 5x5x5. This can also be seen as using different proportions for the cuts of each axis. However, the variant where only one axis is limited can not be made this way because the moment you make just the cuts of one axis disproportional two axes are instantly limited.
My solution is to work from the centerpieces, adding internal parts that block illegal turns. This mechanism could be used to construct many other puzzles, like a Helicopter Cube that does not jumble. If Adam Cowan were dead, he would turn in his grave so I will not be doing that.
However, the remaining variant where only one axis is constrained to 180 degree turns has not been made yet. It was of course Andreas Nortmann's request to make one.
This puzzle represents a unique challenge in it's design: the half turn only cube can be made by bandaging a 7x7x7 and the one which is constrained on two axes can be made from a 5x5x5. This can also be seen as using different proportions for the cuts of each axis. However, the variant where only one axis is limited can not be made this way because the moment you make just the cuts of one axis disproportional two axes are instantly limited.
My solution is to work from the centerpieces, adding internal parts that block illegal turns. This mechanism could be used to construct many other puzzles, like a Helicopter Cube that does not jumble. If Adam Cowan were dead, he would turn in his grave so I will not be doing that.
Buyer information & Claim your free set of stickers
This puzzle comes as a DIY kit. You will need to assemble the puzzle yourself and also provide your own screws. A free set of printed stickers is included, please send me an email after buying to claim your free stickers (I ship them separately, they're not included in your order from Shapeways).
by
TomZ
The Rainbow 3x3x3 combines the cuts of of two puzzles: the 3x3x3 Rubik's Cube and the Rainbow Cube. The Rainbow Cube is a cuboctahedron with the cuts of a Dino Cube, but it does not have the same pieces because the face cuts are shallower.
This puzzle will arrive as a DIY kit, containing just the plastic parts needed to build it. You will need to supply your own screws for assembling, but I will send you a set of stickers separately if you order. Please send me an email to claim your sticker set after ordering.
If you do not want to assemble this puzzle I can sell you a fully assembled, stickered copy directly. Please send me an email if you are interested in this option.
by
TomZ
This is the Chimera, a puzzle suggested by twistypuzzles forum member pytlivyj_1 inspired on Tony Fisher's V-Dome. It is half of a 4x4 combined with half of a 6x6. In the solved state it seems like nothing can turn and it really just is a 2x2x2 cube, however as you do a few turns move moves become apparent.
This puzzle really turned out well and the turning is very good.
If you order this model, you will get a DIY kit of the plastic parts needed to make this puzzle. You will need to supply your own screws and springs for assembly. If you send me an email after ordering with your shipping address, I will send you a set of stickers for this puzzle for free.
You can also order an assembled copy of this puzzle from me directly, but this option is more expensive and it will take longer to get your puzzle.
Please contact me at tom@tomvanderzanden.nl if you are interested in a fully assembled and stickered puzzle or would like to claim your free set of stickers. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions you might have.
by
TomZ
So this is my Open Master Pentultimate. It was obviously inspired by the open puzzles of Tony Fisher. However, having the freedom of 3D printing I am not limited by existing puzzles. Tony's Open Petaminx for instance has a Megaminx on the 'inside' but having it there does not really add anything since the Megaminx is also on the outside. My version is a bit like a Multidodecahedron, with a (bandaged) Megaminx on the inside and a (bandaged) Master Pentultimate on the outside. This means the outside can be solved while the inside is still scrambled or vice-versa.
A mayor advantage over my Multidodecahedron is that it is far much easier to see inside.
This puzzle only really has 3 turnable faces. This was achieved by removing the cuts surrounding one corner. An alternative would have been to remove the 5 cuts surrounding a center, which would have essentially resulted in a Pentultimate (with internal parts visible). I decided to stick some gold stickers on the open part since without them it just looked very dark. I think this is nicer. The puzzle is 40mm on an edge. It's quite large so the puzzle on the inside is also nice and large. The hole is about 60mm in diameter.
The rotational movement on this puzzle is very smooth. I have not used springs in this design as that would have required the inner puzzle to become smaller which would have been a shame. The feeling of this puzzle is therefor a little different from other puzzles which do use springs like my Multidodecahedron but it's still very good.
Buying this item will get you a DIY kit of the parts required to build this puzzle. You will need to provide 3 of your own M3 screws to assemble it. If you do not want to assemble your puzzle yourself, I can do so for an additional fee. Contact me (tom@tomvanderzanden.nl) for more details.
