May 2022 Update Preview


New Puzzles Available!

Our new work will be released Monday, May 23rd at 3 pm EDT (UTC -4) on the Newly Released page:

  • Lock Box (2022) by Eric Fuller (remainder of the current batch)
  • 5L Bin by Pit Khiam Goh
  • Sticky Barrel by Phil Wigfield
  • Double Diamonds by Brad Ramsey
  • New*T by Nick Baxter

Please scroll down for detailed information and photos of the new designs.

 

Delayed Releases

Unfortunately due to time constraints and in the interest of maintaining our high level of quality, we were unable to get Psycho Disks by Eric Fuller or 2LIT by Kris Antibus & Matthew Hochberg into this month's release. Those two puzzles will be included in our June update.

  

Split Release

The remaining 100 copies of Lock Box (2022) will be released with this update.

 

Next Release

Our next release will be Monday, June 27th. Our goals for that update include:

  • Psycho Disks by Eric Fuller
  • 2LIT by Kris Antibus & Matthew Hochberg
  • Taco Cube by JinHoo Ahn
  • BonBon by Frederic Boucher
  • Chess Box by Benno de Grote
  • More to be announced...

 

Upcoming Marketplace Event 

The next Marketplace event will begin on Sunday, June 12th. The listing form is open and new listings are immediately posted to the site. List your items early for better exposure!

 

New Marketplace Features

We have added a new feature to the Marketplace for the upcoming event on June 12th. Sellers can now enable the direct payment option using PayPal. This feature is optional, and if enabled, a PayPal payment button will appear on the invoicing page that will take the buyer directly to the payment confirmation screen. This feature also facilitates payment of site fees for sellers to manage their account balance with a payment button on the account dashboard.

 

May Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Matt Martin for winning our May 2022 Giveaway! Matthew scored a free copy of New*T by Nick Baxter.

Every month we choose a random member of our newsletter to receive a free puzzle. If you'd like to join, drop your email address in the box on the lower right of any page on the site.

 

May Sticker

Molly Chopin designed this month's sticker, a bright and scintillating hand-painted kaleidoscope.

 

Important Note - Care, Storage and Display

Our work is handcrafted to very precise tolerances and must be kept within the range of 40-60% relative humidity at all times. Failure to do so may cause inoperability or permanent damage.

Please read the Caring for Wood Puzzles guide to ensure proper fit and operation. We recommend occasional polishing with Renaissance Wax to keep wood puzzles in top condition.

 

Now, on to the Puzzles....


Lock Box (2022)

DESIGNER: Eric Fuller
MATERIAL: Claro Walnut, Aluminum
RELEASE DATE: 5.23.2022
EDITION: 100 Copies Released
SIZE: 3" x 4" x 1.45" Box, 2.45" x 1.25" x 0.75" Key
PRICE: $450

Lock Box is a sequential discovery puzzle box. Its simple appearance hides a very complex mechanical mechanism that requires multiple discoveries to open. No gravity moves, spinning, tapping, banging or force is necessary or allowed.

I think this is one of my best designs to date. Multiple steps and discoveries are required, with knowledge of the mechanism coming in stages until the box finally opens to reveal its prize.

We sourced a very rare plank of Claro Walnut for this edition of Lock Box. Claro walnut trees are a blend of species, created by grafting an English walnut to either black walnut or a California walnut. Claro is a Spanish word meaning clear or bright, and this is used to identify the wood cut from the bole of walnut orchard trees.

This is also our first puzzle that incorporates precision-milled metal components combined with fine woodworking. The shining aluminum key shaft really stands out against the intricate visual texture of the wood.

The remaining 100 copies from our current batch begun in April are available for this release, each signed and dated. This puzzle is shipped assembled.

 

 

5L Bin

DESIGNER: Pit Khiam Goh
MATERIAL: Walnut, Aluminum
RELEASE DATE: 5.23.2022
EDITION: 136
SIZE: 2.75" x 2.75" x 2.75"
PRICE: $119

5L Bin is an engaging new binary sequence puzzle from designer Pit Khiam Goh. Known for his work in creating complex sequential mechanisms, 5L Bin results from Pit folding n-ary concepts into a packing puzzle format. The puzzle's goal is to remove all five pieces and then pack them back into the box.

5L is our first combined wood and metal puzzle. The box was constructed with rounded curves on every edge, resulting in a pleasing tactile sensation. The precision-milled aluminum pieces slide smoothly into place with a satisfying click. Once assembled, the contrasting dark wood and bright metal create a visually compelling combination. 5L Bin puzzle just begs to be picked up and solved repeatedly.

This batch of 5L Bin was constructed with a walnut box and aluminum pieces. Approximately 136 copies are available. 5L Bin ships in an assembled configuration.

 

 

Sticky Barrel

DESIGNER: Phil Wigfield
MATERIAL: Brass and steel
RELEASE DATE: 5.23.2022
SIZE: 1.2" x 2.85"
PRICE: $69

Sticky Barrel is our first foray into the manufacture of machined all-metal puzzles. Precision crafted from brass and steel, Sticky Barrel feels solid and exact. The accuracy, quality, and finish are in keeping with the finest tradition in high-end mechanical metal puzzles. We're thrilled with the results! Particular thanks to Phil Wigfield for allowing us to license his excellent design.

Sticky Barrel is a take-apart puzzle. The goal is simple: remove the stick that is stuck in the barrel. Easy enough, right? You'll find the solution to be anything but, and reassembly can be even more vexing. The solving experience is pleasant, and the smooth movement will have you fidgeting with it even when you aren't actively trying to unlock its secrets.

 

 

Double Diamonds

DESIGNER: Brad Ramsey
MATERIAL: Cast acrylic
SIZE: 8.5" x 6.5" x 0.5"
PRICE: $45

Double Diamonds is six packing puzzles in one! Sporting a double-sided frame allowed us to create six unique problems into which the correct number of pieces must be arranged. No force is required or allowed. You will have to think carefully about fitting the pieces into each space. Each puzzle is unique, so an arrangement that works in one will not help you solve the others.

This batch of Double Diamonds was constructed from cast acrylic. Double Diamonds ships in an unsolved configuration.

 

 

 

 

New*T

DESIGNER: Nick Baxter
MATERIAL: Cast acrylic
SIZE: 4" x 6" carrying bag
PRICE: $19

Inspired by the classic T Puzzle, New*T was created by Nick Baxter as his Exchange gift for IPP 32 in Washington, DC. This tricky arrangement uses pentomino-style shapes. There are multiple challenges; the solver must use all eight pieces to create three different sizes of the uppercase "T pentomino." The solution is non-trivial and quite difficult.

Crafted from laser-cut cast acrylic, the bold colors and straightforward goal make this an excellent choice for new puzzlers. The compact size and portability make it an ideal gift.

This batch of New*T was crafted from red, white, and blue cast acrylic. New*T ships in an unsolved configuration.

At the designer's request, 10% of all purchases of this puzzle will be donated to the International Red Cross for Ukraine relief.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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May 2022 Update Preview