Jukebox

Jukebox by Moontree Puzzles

This was an entry in last year's IPP design completion and won the Jury First Prize. It was then offered up as a pre-order by Dr Czuriga Dániel with lots of updates over the months as production went from stage to stage. The first batch started to arrive this week and it is an amazing looking thing. There is absolutely no way Mrs S is ever finding out how much this thing cost!.

Quite a challenge
It might take me years!

Going To The Moon

Moonage M5

Stefan Baumeger created a fabulous themed puzzle for the IPP last year in Houston and made them available in limited numbers shortly afterwards. It was quite pricey and I couldn't afford it at the time and had to pass. Luckily for me he created another batch and offered me the chance to purchase it recently. I couldn't resist and it arrived a couple of days ago. It looks stunning and even Mrs S admired the beauty of it and said:

"If you can't solve it like many of your puzzles, at least it will look great on display"

 Challenge accepted! I have to solve it now!

Tangling With The Two Brass Monkeys

 

The Two Brass Monkeys do it again! This rather attractive jute bag contains what they do best - a pile o'pieces of brass and some 3D printed addons. They should make a trio of interconnecting puzzles shapes. They were a big hit at the MPP 2 months ago and I was very pleased to pick up a copy yesterday.

One of them arrives assembled but I immediately dismantled it and created my full set of pieces for the photo and expect to have a fun frustrating time failing to assemble them. As you have seen over the years, I am really really bad at assembly puzzles but I cannot resist buying them.

The aim is to make this but I am told that with the use of a jig they can be nested!

They are on sale now direct from the boys - get them soon.

I Finally Get One Of My Holy Grail Puzzles

The Gordian Knot puzzle box

Everyone loves a Stickman puzzle box and I do have a few. Ever since I saw the original Gordian Knot by Robert Yarger on Allard's blog and on his shelves, I have lusted after one but it has either not been available or when it did go up for auction, rapidly went beyond my ability to pay. I never thought I would be able to own a copy until the amazing Lewis Evans decided to work with Robert to recreate a new batch (with some slight improvements) and cast them from resin and metal. As soon as this went up for sale I put a deposit down immediately and it has just arrived at PuzzleMad HQ. Mrs S doesn't seem as impressed as me but I can't put it down!

The other Grail puzzle from Stickman was the Borg Box which I did manage to obtain as a 3D printed creation in 2014 and have enjoyed playing with every few years:

Borg box - it's not pretty but it's a fabulous puzzle

Now all I need is for someone to get me a copy of Brian Young's Whilemina Wombat - I have wanted one of them ever since playing with a copy at an MPP many years ago but the prices have been astronomical!

She's Not Happy!

Iteration 23 from Dee Dixon

The Angry Walter series continues with the next challenge being to find the pieces of a weapon that can be used against the Walters and then assembling it. My copy is rather gorgeous being made from Peruvian walnut and spalted hackberry. So far I have found one tool and not worked out what to do with it.

Popplock T14

Having taken the above photo, this has had to be removed from the vicinity of the kitchen. If it chips or cracks the granite or a tile then I'm a dead man! It weighs a ton! (1.7kg)

Sucker For Jigsaw Punishment!

I am an absolute sucker for punishment! Haym Hirsh keeps designing these amazing Jigsaw/Packing puzzles with odd shaped pieces and some real difficulty to them. I really struggle with them and yet cannot resist buying more. What a Sucker! Of course, Tye Stahley who makes them knows that I can't resist and keeps contacting me to ask whether I'm interested. I've not turned him down yet much to the annoyance of "she who must be feared" 😱.

 

Sugar Cube

Free Me 9

Free Me 9

When Joe Turner offers a new toy for sale - I have no option but to say yes. This is the reason that I didn't buy Hippo - I had already agreed to buy this and the Vertigo from Dee Dixon and a bunch of wire puzzles from Aaron Wang and I had just run out of cash. Mrs S refused to let me sell one of her kidneys and I suspect that my limited puzzle solving ability would be diminished further if I sold of my (hardly used) brain!

This one is special with two dovetail ends and 3 coins to release - greatly looking forward to playing with it.

Box of Celts

Box of Celts by Numbskull puzzles

I am married to a Celt and so I figured this would make it acceptable to own a box for her. Derek had mentioned it a few times (he has so far spent several months working on it which may mean that it is impossible for me) and it was chosen at Peter Hajek's EPP several times. When Matt announced that he was taking orders for the last ever batch of them, I had to get one. It was not cheap but looks to be very good value.

Lord help me!

I Do Love Recreational Maths

So The Fibonacci Box Had To Be Mine

Who could resist?

I bought and adored the Pi box from Jesse Borne and was delighted when he followed up with the Fibonacci box. I had a rather long wait for it to be manufactured but it was worth the wait. Now I need to find time to play.

Underside

Certificate

Alexander is Trying To Kill Me!

14 puzzles with multiple variants!

I count Alexander Magyarics as a friend! Not only does he design wonderful puzzles to bamboozle the community but he also is willing to chat to me about them (and about life) and occasionally he sends me a package of toys that he has designed and 3D printed. This time there were 14 of them and when I put them all out for photography, Mrs S was distinctly unimpressed. I heard mutters of murder and mayhem and have directed her to Alexander for any violence!

Most of these have multiple challenges but I will be lucky if I even solve one of them! These are great to take to work with me as they don't take up much room and are lightweight. I cannot lift heavy weights yet after my surgery. 

Scrambling My Brain with Scramb L

Scramb L next to Strugg L

Juno recently offered up for sale the next in his series of packing puzzles in open topped boxes. With these it is the pins and grooves that make the puzzle challenging. I couldn't resist buying another in the series and jumped at the chance to add Scramb L to my collection.

Orbit by DedWood Crafts

Orbit

When Dee Dixon of DedWood crafts offers up a new toy then I pretty much always immediately jump to his site and hand him a bunch of PayPal!

The Orbit is beautifully made from a vibrant Canarywood and Purpleheart. The aim is to remove the centre piece which has been locked in place. These are still available for sale now so grab one if it interests you.

I have had Walter's radio next to me on my armchair partially solved for quite a few weeks now. I got stuck after the first move and then managed the second one after some discussion with Louis at the MPP - he was trying something that I had not done and I suggested a helpful move to him that allowed him to find the second step. I went home and immediately completed that second step but have gotten stuck again. 

I am rubbish at puzzles! 

Pelikan Puzzles Positively Perfect

Pelikan's upcoming release

I am currently racing to produce reviews for some new and wonderful puzzles from Jakub and Jaroslav's wonderful workshop.

From back left:

Nebelung by Alfons Eyckmans

Dino by Christoph Lohe

Ode to the bevel by Dr Volker Latussek

Tetra Flop by Dr Volker Latussek

Shutout by Osanori Yamamoto

Slider 2 by Osanori Yamamoto

Ladybug by Pelikan

I have solved a few so far and they have all been great fun

The Pressure Is On Again!

New toys coming from Pelikan soon

I received a lovely delivery this week from Jakub again and I will try to power through them as quickly as I can to provide reviews

From back left:

Edition of Additions by Alexander Magyarics

Euklid meets Fuller by Dr Volker Latussek

Lomi Lomi  by Alexander Magyarics

Paraugus by Alfons Eyckmans

Pento-stamp (2 versions) by Alexander Magyarics

Snail by Pelikan

I can't wait to begin!

I Couldn't Resist It!

Euroka from Junichi Yananose

When I got an email from Juno's Pluredro site about this and saw that Brian Young had considered it an instantaneous purchase, I couldn't resist it. Mrs S caught me looking at it over my shoulder and gave me the warning look that I had better not. When her attention was elsewhere I did. I really really did and the deliver arrived whilst she was up in Edinburgh visiting the outlaws. I quickly put it on display in my study window and I don't think that she has noticed yet despite it being huge! It is 24cm in diameter. It is made of New Guinea Walnut and PNG Rosewood for the puzzle pieces, and the base is made of Fijian Mahogany. The white small part that has Juno's branding is American Rock Maple.

It certainly looks fabulous on display and I really don't know whether I will ever have the courage to disassemble it. I did remove one of the 30 identical pieces and had a bit of a struggle putting it back in place!

3 of my 4 Pluredro interlocking puzzles

Dee Makes a Bad Moon

Bad Moon

Having really enjoyed Angry Walter and put it in my Top 10(ish) of 2022, I couldn't resist buying Dee Dixon's latest creation - the Bad Moon. It is beautifully made from a lovely grained Bubinga and European Beechwood. The aim is to find the Dedwood crafts logo somewhere inside.

Pelikan Are Preparing For Your Christmas

Coming soon from Jakub and Jaroslav

I am working as fast as I can to get these solved and reviewed so that they can go up for sale.

Vega (2 versions) designed by Stewart Coffin

Rosebud designed by Stewart Coffin

Detonator designed by James Fortune

Dracula designed by Alfons Eyckmans

Eros designed by Volker Latussek

Pearl designed by Lucie Pauwels

Corner Pack designed by Lucie Pauwels

Bornage designed by Stéphane Chomine

P-Badge designed by Osanori Yamamoto

Twinkle Star designed by Osanori Yamamoto

As always, they are beautifully made and look fabulous. There is a whole range of difficulty levels as well as puzzle types. I hope to have this done by next Sunday.

Alexander and Brian Team Up to Annoy Mrs S

Line Up

Stealth

I love the sheer variety of puzzles that Alexander Magyarics designs (he even 3D prints quite a few of them) and I absolutely adore the wood choices and craftsmanship of Brian Menold. How can I possibly resist buying these when they came up?

Fastest delivery from Australia Ever!

Latest toys from Juno

Amazing! The express delivery option got these here in 5 days!

Yes, I couldn't resist it. A new "case" from Juno and some more of his fancy board burrs! I had to buy them and even had to admit to Mrs S how much they cost me.us. She didn't seem to mind which was odd until she admitted that she might have been summer sale shopping and she had been receiving almost daily deliveries! I am very restrained in comparison.

Card case is reviewed today on the main site.

Aaron annoys Mrs S

Mrs S is very unhappy!

I couldn't resist it! My friend Aaron produced a bunch of new disentanglement puzzles and I bought a nice big bunch of them! Mrs S was horrified to see what came out of the box and, to be honest, looking at some of these, so am I! Most of these are level 10 or 10+ and I very much doubt I will ever manage to solve them but I will have a happy time getting chest pain and trying!

Thank you my friend!

Pelikan have made yet more beauties

The Upcoming release from Jakub and Jaroslav

I have not had a lot of time to play yet but we have (from back left):
Scrooge designed by Alfons Eyckmans

Golden Pot designed by Yavuz Demirrhan

Minas Tirith designed by Tamás Vanyó

Insider designed by Alexander Magyarics

Typhoon S1 designed by Osanori Yamamoto

Soma 6 pack designed by Lucie Pauwels

They all look absolutely amazing and are finished beautifully. I can't wait to play!

I Don't Know Why I Keep Buying These!

I don't know whether I can ever solve these

I haven't bought any twisty puzzles in many months and decided to catch up with a few that had gone by. I have bought these:

Gemini 4-Corner Magic Cube
Lanlan X Cube
Clover Pyraminx Cube
Fission Skewb Cube
DodeRhombus
Crazy DodeRhombus 

The two at the back scare me to death! First I need to sticker them and then I really doubt I can solve any of them.

Pelikan Do it Again!

Gorgeous stuff coming very soon from Pelikan

I have received the upcoming puzzles from Jakub and Jaroslav and they are simply incredible.

We have (from back left):

Hippo designed by James Fortune

Stir the coffee designed by Dan Fast

Boo Burr designed by James Fortune

Four Mirror One designed by Osanori Yamamoto

Fermat meets Fuller designed by Dr Volker Latussek

One Flower designed by Osanori Yamamoto

Time - 4 - T designed by Alexander Magyarics

I hope to solve them and have my reviews ready by 29/05/2022 for them to go on sale.

A Few New Arrivals in the Last Couple of Weeks

 Not posted here in a while - really not had much time. But this week's blog was quick leaving me a little time.

The Hanayama Cast Planet arrived from Nic Picot's Hanayama Uk site:

Looks like a fairly complex maze for a level 4 puzzle

I backed the PuzzleMaster kickstarter a looong time ago and was aghast when my puzzles crossed the Atlantic to France for some reason, got lost for several weeks before being returned to Canada. Paul from PuzzleMaster was good enough to repackage them and send them back to me. This time they arrived quite quickly.

Quintus extreme

Total Eclipse

The Skull
A design by Jerry Loo - looks wonderful and intimidatingly tough

A Beautiful Gift From Casey

Twistytex's 3x5x7

This week I received a new copy of one of the seminal cuboids ever produced. SuperAntonioVivaldi encouraged the production (by 3D printing at Shapeways) of the original 3x5x7 and I got a copy from my friend Rline who had the Ultimate solution YouTube channel. 

The original

I adored this puzzle but after the first few solves, I had to put in down out of fear! It continually dropped black powder and this drove Mrs S wild! I now have a version made by Casey Weaver that I can play with. I just have to hope that I can solve it as it has been a VERY long time!

 

Jakub and Jaroslav do it Again

Yes, it's that time already! Pelikan puzzles have produced another wonderful batch of puzzles for us to drool over and for me to fail to solve!

Play-girl 2

Yes Alexander Magyarics has been working with funny grids again! Another wonderful packing puzzle with two holes to cover. Made from Pink oak and Wenge, this should be a fun challenge.

Get Trunk 1

Another hangable tray packing puzzle designed by Alex, this will be very special for me - my family connections with elephants makes anything like this very poignant for me. This looks really tough!

Half soma

No Pelikan release is complete without something from Dr Volker Latussek. This is another of his anti-slide puzzles based on the soma cube pieces (this time they have been sliced in half. The aim to fit them into the box so that they hold up and fill the top layer and do not fall down inside. This will be VERY tough as I cannot even put the pieces neatly back in the box again!

Hidden curry no 90

Another by Dr latussek - a packing puzzle with pieces in a tray - tip them out, turn the tray over and start packing - slightly harder that way around!

I suspect I will not break my failing streak on this!

Octopus 33

Another puzzle by Osanori Yamamoto - remove the pieces from the frame - the movement is heavily constrained though!

Turtle

Turtle is a burr designed by Alfons Eyckmans and, I think, it contains a captive centre piece shaped like a...turtle! This might be rather difficult!

Dragster

Another fabulous design by Stephan Baumegger - there is a small dragster racer inside which considerably hinder the movement of the pieces. This will be a huge challenge as I have tried the original from Stephan himself and singularly failed to solve it.