The Loop De Loop (aka Impossible Japanese) Puzzle

thingiverse

This is probably the highest quality version of the "Impossible Japanese Puzzle" on Thingiverse as of late. The model is comprised of four printed parts, 3/8 inch braided rope, 1/2 inch oak wood dowel, and a 2" steel ring - all non-printed parts are from Home Depot. I discovered the puzzle on YouTube and wanted to get one for myself, but found that they're a bit small and not of the highest quality. So naturally I knew I could build it better. This is my rendition of the Loop De Loop Puzzle. It's about 150% larger than the version you can buy and is designed with handling in mind. It also looks very clean and simple so that it can actually be a display piece unlike other versions on Thingiverse. The scale, in my opinion, sets this specific puzzle apart. It's got a substantial look and feel to it, and is large enough to set on a table and fiddle with for a long time. It doesn't have that "cheap one-trick-3D-printed-trinket" feel. Don't let its looks distract you from the challenge though; happy puzzling! Printed on an Ultimaker 2+ at 50mm/s and 0.1mm layer height. Supports on the base and headpiece for the holes. Print the headpiece laying flat. I'll upload a picture of the actual puzzle when I get the chance - I'm currently lending it to a friend while he struggles to solve it. This puzzle can be purchased on PuzzleMaster's website, where it is officially named the Loop De Loop: https://www.puzzlemaster.ca/browse/wood/woodpuzzle-master/21-loop-de-loop ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS: Print all parts in whichever color you like - it's originally designed for a blue-red-green color scheme. Next, melt SLIGHTLY the rope at one end so that the flange created acts as a stop on the bottom of the base. Make sure that this flange is enough to stop even harsh tugs on the rope from the other end. Fill the rest of the hole with hot glue. String on the spheres, ring, and run the rope through the headpiece like the original puzzle - you can look at it on PuzzleMaster's website. 1.5-2ft of rope should be enough for the puzzle to function, but feel free to fine tune it so that the length is just right. I squish an index card flat on the hot glue plugs in the base so that it sits flat and looks nice. When the glue cools, you can rub it off with a bit of water to get a clean matte finish on the glue. Glue the dowel with superglue, gorilla glue, whatever you want - clamping will ensure a strong puzzle. Note that the base and headpiece might be a little tight-fitting when attached to the wooden dowel. Try not to cut into the model to remedy this! I chose wood because it can be sanded slimmer and look nice at the same time. The spheres should not let the ring pass through - they are only for indicating the different sides. If they do, or if it is close enough that people keep thinking it will fit through, you can model your own spheres larger. If you build one, consider uploading a make. Thanks.