I have come to realize that there is no standard, logical way to solve geared puzzles (that I know of, of course).
How do you generally go about solving geared puzzles?
Is there a general theory/ method?

When attempting to solve my new Gear HMT, I have solved it up to the point where all I need to do is orient edges and corners. How do I find commutators/ algorithms to do this on a geared puzzle?

-Doug

On the Gear HMT, I usually solve the centers first, then make sure my corners are lined up, and then solve the edges. Sometimes the very center piece on each side gets moved out of place. However, there's a certain Pyraminx move that can solve that (I usually don't worry about that until the end). The edges can be tricky depending on their rotation. I don't have a logical move for fixing their rotation. I figured out a clumsy pattern that somehow works after numerous tries. Once the edges are in their correct places (but not turned correctly) there's another Pyraminx move that will solve them.

Sorry I'm kind of vague on this. I'm not very good at explaining algorithm notation, but if you experiment with some Pyraminx algorithms, you'll surprisingly find that some work. The hardest part in my opinion is fixing the edges rotation.

Do you mean a legitimate pyraminx? Because this is made from a skewb and is solved very differently from the pyraminx (at least, the non-geared version of it).

-Doug

Since I'm horrible at explaining algorithms, I put together a rough video. This shows the Pyraminx move I use to correctly align 2 edges that are in the right spot but rotated wrong, as well as the last move I use to fix the centers (which I believe is a common commutator).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLtxhL3ewuc

Sweet! Thanks a ton!
Now, how did you rotate the corners in its place?

-Doug

For the 4 corners, I just rotate them until they are correct. I then solve 1 side completely (meaning 3 edges) by using intuitive moves. That leaves 3 edges that are left out of place. At that point, I have a move I use, but honestly not sure what I'm doing. But I attempt to get those last 3 edges in position so I can start using those Pyraminx moves.

Let me know if I haven't answered your question correctly, or if you'd like me to make another rough video of some of these examples.

Basically, here's what I did.
First, I solved it like a normal HMT. I did the small centers/ true corners, and placed the edges. Then I cycled the true centers. This was all standard HMT solving.
What was left was orienting the corner gears and the edge gears. I have started with edges. I have been a little busy, and have not had the time to sit down and really work on it using your pyraminx algorithm. I just tried it out once.

-Doug

I had a bit of time, so I went ahead and made some quick videos of how I solve Timur's Gear HMT. These definitely aren't fancy, but maybe they will give you some further insight.


[1]. Timur's Gear HMT - Solve Centers and Outside Corners
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNGqf2AV2qg

[2]. Timur's Gear HMT - Solve 3 edges (one side)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0tDlB3NHoU

[3]. Timur's Gear HMT - Attempt to rotate 3 final edges in appropriate positions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1WccMIKpYI

[4]. Timur's Gear HMT - Lining up final edge pieces (pt. 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG1NP89zxvM

[5]. Timur's Gear HMT - Lining up final edge pieces (pt. 2) and fixing exact centers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQZHiB7DZ2I

Thanks, Jay. I owe you one.

But this topic has kind of been hijacked by the HMT. Yes, I was looking to solve it, but I was more looking for a general method of geared puzzles. How do people come up with their geared algorithms and whatnot?

-Doug