Neil's Puzzle Blog

[TheJuggler]

From the discussion I've had with Robert, puzzle plus over at 110 degrees for as long as it takes will unglue said oven, so Robert doesn't use a microwave. Which makes sense as any metal in the puzzle would not produce good results in a microwave.

There are other things he mentioned that can be done to help if only specific points are required and such like, but I'll not spill all his secrets.

I have no doubt that Robert will get it back to new, and he's already said that when he gets it back he'll re-apply the finish, so it should come back to me looking better than ever.

[TheJuggler]

Just a quick update in case you've not stopped by my blog for a while. Lots of new stuff there, including Oskar's Blocks, lots of Karakuri Puzzle Box reviews, the Wunder Puzzle Series, some of which are still available on Cubic Dissection if you're quick, and a quick preview of the puzzles I've received recently from Wil Strijbos, which I'll be reviewing soon.

I do have a bit of a backlog of puzzles to get through including Oskar's Marchboxes by Eric Fuller, Quadlock 1 by Jerry Mcfarland and there should be some updates on my own puzzle creations coming soon.

Enjoy!

[TheJuggler]

I have a question to pose, and I'm looking for a few thoughts. One of the things I have followed for a long time now is an online video blog for woodworking. I've found it very useful in terms of learning woodworking techniques, and really like the format of a video.

As much as I'm sure most of you have little desire to see my ugly mug, I have been considering adding a video section to my blog where I can show the puzzles I'm reviewing, and do something of a shown review.

I may consider when I'm working on creating my puzzles recording some footage showing what I'm doing and talking about what I'm trying to do.

Now, before you get excited, I'm not going to be showing how to solve the Revomaze puzzles, or anything else I'm reviewing, but I want to know if it's something that you'd be interested in or if I'd likely bore you to tears. Thoughts on a postcard please ...

[Alimorris]

I have a question to pose, and I'm looking for a few thoughts. One of the things I have followed for a long time now is an online video blog for woodworking. I've found it very useful in terms of learning woodworking techniques, and really like the format of a video.

As much as I'm sure most of you have little desire to see my ugly mug, I have been considering adding a video section to my blog where I can show the puzzles I'm reviewing, and do something of a shown review.

I may consider when I'm working on creating my puzzles recording some footage showing what I'm doing and talking about what I'm trying to do.

Now, before you get excited, I'm not going to be showing how to solve the Revomaze puzzles, or anything else I'm reviewing, but I want to know if it's something that you'd be interested in or if I'd likely bore you to tears. Thoughts on a postcard please ...

I personally think it would be a great idea for certain puzzles. I find that when I take a picture of some of mine, it just does not do them justice. Also with a couple of regularly used puzzles in the same shot, it gives clear indication of size.

It could work very well Neil, so why not give it a go

[kev1n]

Thoughts on a postcard please ...

I think it is a good idea for a trial. I suspect that video will be a whole lot more work than you ar expecting and may not be something you'd do often. But, for really special puzzles, we would all appreciate a video review.

If any video could show how to make puzzles (wooden or otherwise) then I would be very grateful. I often say I would like to make something, even if it is just one of Coffin's easier designs then any tips would b great! The reason I don't attempt it is because I have absolutely no clue how it should be done.

[TheJuggler]

Yes, I'm under no impression that it would not be a lot of work. It would be quite a bit of work, but perhaps I can do something. At least initially, it would be raw and unedited, so may not be very professional, but might give some ideas.

I'll give it a try and see what you all think.

[adamwest]

video reviews sound like good Idea. It might be easier to talk through a puzzle review then write one depending on your skills.

[TheJuggler]

Had a bit of a laugh this morning. Was round talking with smite, and he hands me back my Isis puzzle which he'd borrowed. He says that he's not solved it and gives up. So I take it and shake it. After a few seconds it dawns on me that it's silent. so I unscrew it much to smiteo's amusement.

It had been sitting on his desk for several months in the solved state and he didn't know it!

So congratulations for opening the Isis even if you didn't realise it!

[smiteo]

It does make a lovely paperweight...
Or projectile...

Yes, a good laugh this morning...

[allardwza]

Hmm, someone (who shall remain nameless) did the same sort of thing to my Ramisis - anyone want to suggest a pattern there?