Making a 3x3x3 Octahedron:

by: Caleb Lau

Introduction:
The 3x3x3 Octahedron (invented by Anthony Greenhill) is another simple puzzle to try. It is made from a regular 3x3x3 mechanism. For tools, I mainly used a hack-saw and a dremel. All parts are original cube pieces modded with some Apoxie Sculpt, the epoxy putty that I used. Stickering is achieved with vinyl film.

Now that we've established that, let's begin! (Captions are below the pictures. Please wait patiently as the pictures may take a while to load.)

Note: This is my interpretation on how to make this puzzle. There are probably better ways to make a 3x3x3 Octahedron, here's mine. I am not liable for any damage you do to you or your puzzle.


The 3x3x3 that I used as a base for the puzzle.


Truncate (cut) the edge pieces along the line shown. This is the same cut that is made when making an Octagonal Prism. Keep the remaining plastic piece.


The cut piece is shown here. (undercut to allow for finer, controlled sanding).


This is the corner piece of the 3x3x3. Truncate as shown. Likewise, undercut to allow for finer, controlled sanding. Once again, keep the truncated plastic piece. These pieces will be used later in the extension on the other pieces.


To finish the corner piece cuts, cut along the line shown. As always, undercut.


This should be the result of the corner piece at this point.


The cut pieces assembled on the mechanism. As you can see, the result resembles a Pillow Cube.


Take the truncated pieces and sand them down to the right size so that they fit on the center. Do this to all other similarly truncated parts.


Use some epoxy putty (in my case Apoxie Sculpt) to fill in the truncated pieces. This is a corner piece.


This is the edge piece.


Now it is time to extend the middle layer edge pieces. To do this, use the remains of the truncated pieces and use some epoxy putty to secure it to two faces of the edge piece. Be sure that the extended part is oriented correctly. Use additional epoxy putty to fill the remaining gaps.


Attach the other remains of the truncated parts to the center and use expoxy putty to fill in any gaps.


Allow the putty to set and then sand the center pieces to the right shape. This is what the four "edge" center pieces should look like.


Sand the corner pieces to the right shape. Smoothness is not important at this point.


The shape of the extended edge piece.


The shape of the truncated edge piece.


Use a rotary tool (Dremel) to grind two opposite center pieces to a point. Remember, smoothness is not important right now. The key is to get the right shape.


The assembled puzzle (with the right shape). Now all that's left is to fit and finish every piece.


Use super-fine sandpaper to sand the pieces smooth. The use of water is optional in the sanding.


Once the sanding is complete, the faces of the puzzle should be flat and smooth.


A top view before finishing.


After the finishing (painting), the stickered puzzle. Tip on Painting: Spray each piece individually. Then, hang them up with some wire (or paperclips) to let them dry.


Mid-twist


Scrambled.



I hope you enjoyed that guide. If you have any questions or comments feel free to ask me via the Contact page.

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