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DIY - Rubik's Cube - Blind Man's Cube - Metal Rubiks cube by gtig on November 30, 2007

Table of Contents intro: DIY - Rubik's Cube - Blind Man's Cube - Metal Rubiks cube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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step 1: What you need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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step 2: Obtain Rubik's Cube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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step 3: Obtain 54 Round or Raised Square Metal Tabs of 6 different raised shape designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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step 4: Peel Stickers off Cube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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step 5: Etch the cube in prep for Epoxy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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step 6: Etch back of metal tabs/pieces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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step 7: Clean cube and tabs with alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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step 8: Epoxy pieces to Cube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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step 9: You are done! Metal Rubik's Cube complete. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY---Rubiks-Cube---Blind-Mans-Cube---Metal-Rubi/

intro: DIY - Rubik's Cube - Blind Man's Cube - Metal Rubiks cube This is a Rubik's cube the is shape-oriented rather than color oriented for solving in the dark or for those who are without sight. It is inspired of the now unavailable "Blind Man's Cube" that was made years ago by Politechinka. See: http://www.twistypuzzles.com/cgi-bin/puzzle.cgi?pid=63&allprices=1 This cube brings a unique characteristic to solving a Rubik's cube that no other cube does... the ability to say "I solved it without even looking at it once." Rather than building hand-eye coordination, it builds hand-mind coordination. I find that solving this cube is a challenge above and beyond a normal rubik's cube. It takes me significantly longer to solve than a normal cube. But as a result my speedcubing times on regular cubes have dropped exponentially. Because it uses areas of my brain a normal cube do not (memory/perspective... seeing it in touch and shapes rather than eyesight and color). It is also a bit heavier than a normal rubik's cube... helping me build muscle/speed for my speedcubing (speedcube is where you try to solve it as fast as possible.)

step 1: What you need To make this cube you will need the following: -A Rubiks's Cube (authentic or fake) -54 Uniquely Shaped Metal or Plastic Tabs (more on this in how-to) -A Razor Blade of your choice (careful!) -2 Part Epoxy for use with plastic/metals -Toothpicks or like for mixing/applying epoxy -Duct Tape -Isopropyl Alcohol -Paper Towel(s)

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY---Rubiks-Cube---Blind-Mans-Cube---Metal-Rubi/

Image Notes 1. Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 2. Super Glue 2-part epoxy designed for use with metals/plastics

step 2: Obtain Rubik's Cube First of all any rubik's cube will work. It is estimated that over 300 million authentic or knock-off Rubik's Cubes exist. This should cost (at time of typing this) around $10 for a new authentic Rubik's cube. However there are a TON of them on E-Bay for much cheaper.

step 3: Obtain 54 Round or Raised Square Metal Tabs of 6 different raised shape designs You are kinda on your own for this one, I pried mine off of an old chair in my garage and filed the backs off with a dremel. If using an authentic sized rubik's cube, these will need to be smaller than 5/8th's of an inch square, and preferably no deeper than 1/16th of an inch (or the cube will become noticably cumbersome in size). If you can only find 5 shapes... don't fret... remember that a single side missing shapes is still an identifyer (provided all other sides have identifyers). Other options (not as cool looking in my opinion) are sandpaper, wood, cardboard, plastic, etc. Scrapbook or craft stores might be a good place to shop for something like this. WARNING 1: The Designs must FEEL different from each other. Each shape needs to have a distinguishing characteristic to differentiate it by touch rather than sight. THIS IS IMPERATIVE. WARNING 2: It is best to ensure that each of the 6 shapes is quadratically symetric* in design (i.e. turning the shape 90 degrees yeilds same design as before turned). This ensures that after mixing and solving... the cube looks complete (note that one of my shapes does not follow this rule). Many who are new to Rubik's cubes are unaware of the fact that if you were to draw arrows on each square of the cube when you buy it, solving it to perfection is not as easy as some pieces will not be soundly placed (arrows in all same directions). See picture for understanding... you see the colors are all in place... but the cube is not truly solved. Unless you know how to solve a cube like this... you will want to ensure the designs on the tabs are symetric as I mentioned. - I am not sure if this is even a word, it just made sense in my juvenile vocabulary.

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY---Rubiks-Cube---Blind-Mans-Cube---Metal-Rubi/

step 4: Peel Stickers off Cube I used my fingernail to remove, and then used isopropyl alcohol to deal with left-over adhesive. Also... the stickers are a TWO-PART sticker in that the color is covered by a second sticker of Clear-coat (this may not be the case in non-authentic or legacy Rubik's cubes). So make sure you get both.

step 5: Etch the cube in prep for Epoxy Using your choice of a razor blade (careful!!!) etch the center of plastic squares with 8-way cross-hatch so that Epoxy will hold better to the etch than just the smooth plastic (this may not be necessary if the glue you use bonds to the plastic).

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY---Rubiks-Cube---Blind-Mans-Cube---Metal-Rubi/

step 6: Etch back of metal tabs/pieces Like you did with the center if the Rubik's cube centers... Using your choice of a razor blade (Serious... BE CAREFUL!!!) etch the backs of the metal tabs with a 8-way cross-hatch. To do this safely I layed a piece of duct-tape upside down and used two pieces of right-side -up duct tape, and laid the tabs down accordingly, then etched the back with a box-cutter knife with a new blade.

Image Notes 1. Notice the scratches... this ensures expoxy will adhere to the plastic and tabs.

step 7: Clean cube and tabs with alcohol Clean backs of tabs and surfaces with isopropyl (or your choice) of alcohol... this ensures the bond will not be effected by fingerprint oils and any other foreign materials. WARNING: This will not harm an authentic Rubik's cube. If your cube is not authentic... it might be made from a form of Acrylic... if this is the case either SKIP THIS STEP, or use soap and water and let completly dry... as alcohol would melt/crack/damage your acrylic cube.

Image Notes 1. Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 2. Super Glue 2-part epoxy designed for use with metals/plastics

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY---Rubiks-Cube---Blind-Mans-Cube---Metal-Rubi/

step 8: Epoxy pieces to Cube Using a 2-part epoxy, bond each side of 9 shapes to the cube centers. Use as little as possible but ensure a complete bond. NOTE: I would have used gorilla glue, but did not want to clamp these down (a necessary step requiring clamps I did not have). Also... Gorilla Glue (as awesome as it is, seriously that stuff HOLDS) expands 3 times and if not used carfully would look messy... because of this I used a Super-Glue based 2-part epoxy.

Image Notes 1. Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 2. Super Glue 2-part epoxy designed for use with metals/plastics

step 9: You are done! Metal Rubik's Cube complete. Congrats! Contact me if you have any questions while building one. Additional Note: I left the center piece (originally covered by white stickers) out that shows the engraved "Rubiks" logo. While solving I found it had a good impact in identifying that side and it looks cool (my opinion).

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY---Rubiks-Cube---Blind-Mans-Cube---Metal-Rubi/

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Comments 50 comments Add Comment

view all 100 comments

SaiyanKirby says:

Jun 21, 2008. 1:53 PM REPLY Another thing people don't know is that unless you take the cube apart and put it back together wrong, there will always be an even number of incorrectly solved centers, unless they are all correct. That being said, if you can solve a Rubik's Cube with a beginner's Layer method, then you can at least make sure 5 of the centers are correct while solving, thus the last will with automatically have to fall into the right direction.

P4nz3r says: that's not true: centers never move, they can only spin in place the opposite centers are always opposite all other pieces can move, but corners stay as corners and non-corners stay as non-corners

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY---Rubiks-Cube---Blind-Mans-Cube---Metal-Rubi/

Aug 31, 2008. 9:21 PM REPLY

kelseymh says:

Oct 14, 2008. 10:31 PM REPLY The terminology of "incorrectly solved centers" is just relativity: either the centers are fixed (and always solved) while the sides and corners move around them, or you "solve" a framework of sides and corners in situ while the corners move through that framework. Arguing about which perspective is "right" is equivalent to arguing about the "reality" of centrifugal vs. centripetal forces.

gtig says:

Oct 15, 2008. 10:20 AM REPLY The centers are not "always solved" in the true sense of the word. Arguing about which perspective is "right" does merit some gravity. According to Rubiks there is "only one solved state" which is denoted as "all faces of 9 squares having the same color". However this is not one solution, there are hundreds (thousands?, I am lazy today and don't want to research the math, anyone else game) of possible "true" states that merit the cube being "solved" by Rubik's rationale. That is because even in a solved state... the 6 centers still have 4 possible states each of rotation without you knowing if it is in the "original pre-scrambled state". Only with a supercube can you truly know if you solved it 100%... as the centers have an arrow denoting the "truly" solved or unsolved state of the center peices. That is of course if you want to get down to that level of solving... if Rubik's solution befits your lifestyle... so be it.

kelseymh says:

Oct 15, 2008. 11:26 AM REPLY Good points. I was using "solved" in the same sense as Rubik: the visual (or tactile, given this I'ble's topic :-) appearance of the exterior surfaces, rather than the internal degrees of freedom. Something I don't know is whether it is possible to manipulate a cube such that a given center (or combination of centers) can be rotated relative to the edges and corners, while ending up with the same solid-color faces. This is your second point; it may in fact be impossible given the engineering of the joints. As for the number of solved states, we can do the math here. The corners provide a reference frame -- because each one has three unique colors, their positions relative to one another are fixed, so therefore there is only 1 solved state for them. With the corners fixed, each edge in turn can have only one position and orientation, and therefore there is also a single solved state. That leaves only the four internal degrees of freedom for the six centers; the total number of such states would be 46 = 2 12 = 4,096. Again, I don't know whether those states are reachable. If they are, then your discussion above about the meaning of "solved" is on point. If not, then the solution state is unique for any cube which is not disassembled and reassembled.

gtig says:

Oct 15, 2008. 1:45 PM REPLY There are permutations that allow for cycling the center in a supercube, they are asked about a lot on boards, and I don't know them by heart. thanks for hitting the math... so there are 4,095 possible solutions that are not true... very interesting. That being said... I hate supercubes. lol.

gruntking741 says:

Apr 8, 2009. 5:31 PM REPLY

Grandpa: I solved it!!!! Kid:Solved what? Grandpa: Supercube Kid: In like what, a week? Grandpa: 72 years!!! Kid: You have no life (Grandpa has a heart-atack and promtly dies)

Sagar Gondaliya says:

Jan 14, 2009. 7:43 PM REPLY

ditto

spock155 says:

Feb 14, 2009. 12:40 PM REPLY

double ditto

Keira_Yagami says:

Apr 3, 2009. 1:52 PM REPLY

Pretty..... O_O

mikerockwell1975 says:

Apr 2, 2009. 9:05 PM REPLY

Cool 'ible! Btw, I think the word you were looking for is quadrilaterally, lol. Good job, 5 stars :-)

canno says: if i were to make a cube, i would make one out of cubes of magnets xD with the one in the middle a stronger magnet so then i can throw it on a big metal surface and see if it sticks :D and take it apart and make other shapes :D

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY---Rubiks-Cube---Blind-Mans-Cube---Metal-Rubi/

Mar 28, 2009. 7:20 AM REPLY

spock155 says:

Feb 14, 2009. 12:41 PM REPLY I wish I had the money to make a a rubik cube with these six sides. Platinum, diamond, gold, ruby, emerald, and silver. Cuz, it would be hella cool.

tommylovesjamie says:

Feb 8, 2009. 1:17 PM REPLY you were spot on with your explanation, but the term quadratically symmetric was a little off. I think you would have been better off saying vertically and horizontally. but I think we all understood what you meant. kudos for the work on this. I plan to make one for my sis-in-law. she is a little on the vision impaired side.

bumper44 says:

Feb 3, 2009. 12:00 PM REPLY

My record for solving is 1:41. Here is a video of me solving a Rubiks cube!

BioMaster1299 says:

Feb 3, 2009. 1:34 AM REPLY

I need to make one of these! They are so cool!!!!!

awang8 says:

Jan 5, 2009. 4:31 AM REPLY

Wouldn't this be a little heavy?

Neonknight says:

Jan 5, 2009. 2:32 AM REPLY

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erno_Rubik

djr6789 says:

Jan 3, 2009. 6:21 AM REPLY

lol i used cpoins for my rubiks cube it looks cool

mushrooms95 says:

Dec 29, 2008. 11:49 AM REPLY

it's spelled "symmetric" I'm waiting for a cube that you can solve with a broken wrist! :D

Super_Bre says:

Dec 18, 2008. 8:59 PM REPLY Made this formy husband for Christmas since he's mastered the "normal" cube... thanks for the instructions - i had a blast making it!

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY---Rubiks-Cube---Blind-Mans-Cube---Metal-Rubi/

irxo says:

Nov 27, 2008. 10:08 PM REPLY

love the brass. not only more challenging.. but decisively steampunk. well done.

FullyInvolvedScientist says:

Sep 27, 2008. 12:44 AM REPLY

This is awesome! Really great job. It looks great!

Surreal Reverie says:

Jan 30, 2008. 10:39 PM REPLY "This cube brings a unique characteristic to solving a Rubik's cube that no other cube does... the ability to say 'I solved it without even looking at it once.'" Actually, they have competitions and such in Japan that involves solving a random Rubik's cube behind your back by only looking at it before time starts. The best can get it in under 30 seconds without looking. x_x

gtig says:

Jan 31, 2008. 11:49 AM REPLY ACTUALLY... What is your point? They still look at it before the time starts, my point still stands. With this cube... you can solve it even if you have never seen colors in your entire life. X_X

Surreal Reverie says:

Jan 31, 2008. 10:36 PM REPLY I was just putting the information out. It's not impossible to solve even a regular Rubik's cube with minimal use of vision. This design adds more to sensitivity and perception than memorization, though, acting on a different field of similar interest.

gtig says:

Feb 1, 2008. 12:13 AM REPLY Correct me if I am wrong but... your sentance start of "Actually" implies that you were correcting me or that I was innacurate. Assuming I was implying in my original layout that no one can solve a cube blindfolded. Then you backed it up with a "dead" emoticon (x_x), implying your "case was closed", or something of the like here is a link for emoticon explanations, there are many other sites that back that up... http://www.mikaspileofanime.com/information_animeemoticons.html If that was not the emoticon you meant to use... you should brush up on their meanings. Also... when blindfolded speedcubers (who compete all over the world, not just in Japan) look at the cube before solving... they analyze it for much more than "just" before the time starts. Also, the time they spend analyzing and the time they spend solving are timed, so the 30 seconds is the time solving, with usually a minute or more of analysis. www.speedcubing.net has official and unofficial times for solving in like manners. Maybe I am having a bad day. My appologies if this is harsh, but just being honest.

Surreal Reverie says:

Feb 9, 2008. 11:08 PM REPLY

I can kind of understand, don't worry. The emoticon I used wasn't directed at the comment itself so much as in how the amazing ability of these competitors blows even my best of 'skills' out of the water, onto land, and shoots them in the head. I would normally use a more custom emoticon of alt+15 for the eyes, but Instructables doesn't allow that one (kind of a 'sun' symbol. Works well for the "GOOD GOD!" look). As for the "speedcubing" subject, the one I was using as an example wasn't solely for that. It was more of a talent showing, where a man actually solved the entire cube in one go. Wish I had a video link to it.

nintendo309 says:

Mar 4, 2008. 7:06 PM REPLY

If you ask me, this whole argument could have been avoided if we all died. Or something along those lines.

soad22 says: o_O

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY---Rubiks-Cube---Blind-Mans-Cube---Metal-Rubi/

Jul 22, 2008. 10:31 AM REPLY

Bright Shadow says:

Sep 14, 2008. 8:49 AM REPLY

GOAT WITH AIDS

nintendo309 says:

Aug 14, 2008. 8:08 AM REPLY

Exactly.

soad22 says:

Aug 14, 2008. 8:35 PM REPLY

lol

fireblast_1212 says:

Sep 3, 2008. 2:57 PM REPLY THIS IS SO COOL!!! i'm going to make one and bring it to scholl and amaze every one that not only can i solve the normal rubik's cube, but i can also solve the blind man's cube. Then i can sell it for $20 and make another one.

mewey says:

Sep 2, 2008. 8:23 AM REPLY When I came across this I knew I had to make one. It's not quite as nice looking because the closest decent craft store is a couple of hours away. I used super glue to hold down some pieces, and the others (rhinestones and felt furniture pads) were self-adhesive and they've actually held up so far.

joshuaat7 says:

Aug 10, 2008. 11:55 AM REPLY

where can i get that what what did he say lol can you buy that

ninjaimasta says:

Aug 13, 2008. 1:45 PM REPLY if you would have actually payed attention you would know that you can not buy this particular one its made with his own materials - there used to be a version sold called the Blind Mans Cube but its been discontinued (copyright i think... ill wiki it later)

brandontheman says:

Jul 29, 2008. 5:58 AM REPLY I must say that cube is unique with the fact that every side is a different shape you can solve that blind very easily my question is where did A get it

the_burrito_master says:

Apr 9, 2008. 8:16 AM REPLY

this is cool . In a movie this blind guy was trying to solve a Rubik's cube so he sat on a bench asking a homeless person if he got it after turning it one turn at a time.

zpersichetti says:

Jun 17, 2008. 4:53 PM REPLY

haha cool...did he ever solve it?

the_burrito_master says:

Jun 18, 2008. 2:05 AM REPLY

no lol... not that they show any way.

Brother_D says: Would hot glue work instead of whatever you're using?

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY---Rubiks-Cube---Blind-Mans-Cube---Metal-Rubi/

Jun 17, 2008. 2:59 PM REPLY

Shaman of Bliss says:

May 22, 2008. 1:13 PM REPLY

here is my version, but your is very awesome. Mine is shiny though! :)

Sollace says:

May 16, 2008. 1:21 PM REPLY

Also, for those that don't know...you can buy blank Rubik's cubes at: http://www.rubiks.com Save's you the very annoying step of removing stickers and even more annoying removing the adhesive left behind by the sticker. You'll end up with a cleaner cube, in addition to the fact that the blank ones from the site allow you to set your own "looseness" for the cube.

Sollace says:

May 16, 2008. 1:12 PM REPLY

I found the exact same tiles used in the picture at Michaels arts & crafts store. Also available here: http://www.scrapbookfinds.com/product/412479/Making+Memories+Brads+Pewter+Square+Variety+Pack+2.html I used Epoxy, but I think a super glue gel would be as good if not better (and easier to work with). Also, keep in mind that some of the items you're going to use are easier to distinguish from the others. Were I to do this again, I'd put the easiest ones to feel on opposite sides from eachother since I tend to want to constantly check where I am on the cube.

MadScience#1 says:

May 12, 2008. 1:06 PM REPLY i am going to make one of these and solve it lights out when my parents think i am sleeping ps if you have any of those tiles left over please contact me at [email protected] thanx

Shaman of Bliss says:

May 4, 2008. 6:01 PM REPLY I made this, thanks for the great instructable. I couldn't find textures that were as sweet as yours, I used buttons, sawed off the backs and used them on the surface. Turned out well, however its very bright, more like a bling cube really. Ill post a photo soon.

jayro707 says:

Apr 26, 2008. 12:49 PM REPLY

cool

eichermacher says:

Apr 20, 2008. 1:53 PM REPLY

yes, symetric is a word

j_l_larson says: This really is beautiful.

view all 100 comments

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY---Rubiks-Cube---Blind-Mans-Cube---Metal-Rubi/

Apr 15, 2008. 1:58 PM REPLY