All,

I'd like to present the Evil Doppelgänger of the Gear Cube Extreme. Video on YouTube is located here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbbK7BCWub8

Like the Gear Cube Extreme there are 2 axes connected with a 1:1 gear ratio and 1 free axis. However here the free axis is fixed between the white and yellow faces. On the Gear Cube Extreme, since the gears are connected to the edges, the free axis moves about the puzzle. From a group theory perspective the Gear Cube Extreme is the Group defined by the set of operations (L,R,Us*U2,Fs*F2) and the Evil Doppelgänger of the Gear Cube Extreme is the Group defined by the set of operations (L,R,U*D,F*B).

Solved State Solved State White Face is free to turn on its own So is the Yellow Face Red and Orange Faces are connected with a 1:1 gearing ratio So are the Blue and Green Faces Checker Board Pattern Closeup showing that the gears can be seen through the openings in the edge pieces This puzzle was first discussed by Bram here:
http://twistypuzzles.com/forum/viewtopi ... 77#p306677

This is one of the possible assemblies of the Gear Cube Kit. And this is the very puzzle shown in this thread.
Multi Gear Cube Kit version 2.0

The outer 3x3x3 pieces have been sealed by dipping them in a solution of acetone and superglue. Here is an image showing what the pieces looked like before the sealing process. Version 3.0 has already been printed with some very minor tweaks and I also want to test another sealing method with that puzzle. But overall I'm actually very happy with the acetone and superglue method.

Enjoy,
Carl

Wow, that Acetone/Superglue sealing method looks like it works very well.

Looks great! Does the superglue seal add a frosted look to the parts? Does it make them smoother and improve turning?

JasonSmith wrote:Looks great! Does the superglue seal add a frosted look to the parts?

Sort or a more wet/shinny look that reflects light and looks sparkly in direct light. Where two sealed surfaces rub together in the mechanism it can take on a white/frosted look.

JasonSmith wrote:Does it make them smoother and improve turning?

Not really. I tried to keep the superglue solution off of the surfaces that made contact in the mechanism. Where I failed the superglue makes things very tight and I think hindered/slowed the break in process. With larger tolerances between the parts than is typical for bare SW&F parts it might be ok. However I was still able to break in the puzzle and it turns very nicely now though maybe still a bit tight. I also never lubed the puzzle as I was afraid it might dull the bright colors if it got on the surface.

Carl

Very cool, looks great! Is the sealing have the desired effect of protecting the pieces from grime?

Brandon Enright wrote:Very cool, looks great! Is the sealing have the desired effect of protecting the pieces from grime?

I would say yes. Its not as pristine as it would be if it were made from injection molded plastic but it is much much better then unsealed SW&F.

I know TomZ used sprayable clear automotive lacquer on his red switches seen here on his Switch Box puzzle. I've seen this puzzle in person and I think this has the potential to be even nicer then the acetone and superglue method. So I'm planning on trying that on version 3 of the Gear Cube Kit and doing a side-by-side comparison to see which method I like better.

Carl

Has anyone ever solved this thing?

Bram wrote:Has anyone ever solved this thing?

As I think I have the only one of these at the moment and its only been in this configuration for 8 days the answer is most likely no. Will you be at G4G11? If so you are welcome to take a shot at solving it as I'll have it with me.

Carl

I won't be at g4g11. I just realized how soon it's coming up and I don't have the bandwidth right now.