Puzzlemad - Kev1n's puzzle blog!

[kev1n]

More updates on the blog:
The Dovetail burr - I won it in an auction and didn't spend an absolute fortune!
http://www.puzzlemad.co.uk/2011/06/i-ac ... thing.html

The Alcatraz puzzle - quite an interesting idea - unfortunately the implementation is flawed:
http://www.puzzlemad.co.uk/2011/06/alcatraz-puzzle.html

A series of Shapeways 3D printed puzzles from Richard Gain/Microcubology
http://www.puzzlemad.co.uk/2011/06/micr ... rnary.html

Finally the Hanayama Cast Rattle - not yet available in the UK but got it from Puzzle Master
http://www.puzzlemad.co.uk/2011/06/hana ... attle.html

Hope this doesn't cost everyone too much!

[pcad]

While familiar with Japanese puzzle boxes, Hanayama type puzzles and a few others, what's the accepted meaning of a "burr" puzzle? I've seen this mentioned often on this BB.

[DatabaseMonkey]

Here's a link to a discussion of (and math related to) burr puzzles
http://www.research.ibm.com/BurrPuzzles/

[kev1n]

Hi guys,

Something very special reviewed today. A beautifully made burr type puzzle made by Jerry McFarland - the Quadlock 1. This is about to be made generally available from his site. The review is at:
http://www.puzzlemad.co.uk/2011/06/jerr ... ock-1.html

Sorry if it costs you more but I can't help myself!

[kev1n]

Many posts have been up since I last reminded you all - check out some really beautiful stuff including the Improved Hexsticks, Involute from Wood Wonders, some more Microcubology puzzles as well as a bunch of Hanayama cast puzzles.

Even more importantly have a look at my recent acquisitions! They have all arrived in the last few days and my wife is not pleased. Plenty to keep me occupied whilst not talking to her!!!

[Paradox]

Awesome Kevin, there are some great puzzles there that I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on!

I'm loving the blog by the way!

[kev1n]

I'm loving the blog by the way!

Thank you!!
I started it for a bit of fun and to see whether my writing skills were up to it. I like to put my usual humour into it.
It has turned into a bit of a labour of love now and takes more than 10 hours a week to solve the puzzles, photograph them and write a decent article. On top of this I HAVE TO keep up to date with all the other puzzle blogs, forums and stores. My wife despairs but at least she knows where I am and that I'm not boozing, gambling or chasing other women!

[AFKAN]

Ah another who's gone for the Aluminium Dovetail, I couldn't help myself either

[Paradox]

What is this Aluminium Dovetail? Did I miss an email?

[bluesign2k]

I went for both versions of the dovetail and the bolt, would have loved the flower but it was a little out of my range at the moment

What is this Aluminium Dovetail? Did I miss an email?

I guess so, I'll forward it to you...

edit: done.