3 KingsTIC

thingiverse

3 KingsTIC is a compact 3-piece 5x5x5 Turning Interlocking Cube puzzle that packs a punch of complexity. Initially, I anticipated it to be a challenging level 24 move puzzle, requiring 24 precise moves to remove the first piece. However, strategic coordinated rotations unlock a faster solution path, bringing the level down to around 12-13 steps. This intriguing puzzle has piqued my interest, and I'm excited to share it here. As intended, this puzzle is designed to be solved through assembly, starting with individual piece construction followed by assembling the puzzle itself. Rotations play a crucial role in solving the puzzle. The offset refers to the deliberate trimming back of pieces to enable smooth sliding next to each other. The joint inset denotes the amount trimmed from the joint, making it permanent and requiring a moderate force to push together. Typically, I use a small 4-inch clamp to achieve this. The STL files were generated using PuzzleCAD: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3198014 A PuzzleCAD file is included for those who want to experiment with varying puzzle sizes by adjusting the offsets themselves. To view my entire collection of designs, visit: https://tinyurl.com/y7pcbupf I have STL files available for nearly all listed designs and offer them along with the PuzzleCAD file for generating new puzzles for $5. If you're interested in purchasing these files, simply send an email to arc.woodpuzzles @ gmail.com.