[Home] [Contents] [Figures] [Search] [Help]
[Next Page] [Prev Page] [ Next Chapter] [Prev Chapter]
Most gluing is done using jigs to position the blocks accurately. A flat surface, straight edge, and combination square will suffice for gluing cubic or rectangular blocks. The simple M-shaped cradle shown in Fig. 211 is very useful and is used for making practically all of the puzzle pieces in Chapters 8, 9, 10, and 11.
Fig. 211
Many puzzles are most easily and accurately made by holding all of the blocks tightly together in the assembled configuration using tape or rubber bands and then selectively gluing them together. Examples would be the Three-Piece Block Puzzle, the Four-Piece Pyramid Puzzle, and the Octahedral Cluster Puzzle. Wax or bits of waxed paper are used to prevent unwanted joints from accidentally becoming stuck together. Sometimes, some of the joints can be subassembled first, with only the final joints being glued in the assembled shape, to ensure that the puzzle will be possible to assemble. For puzzles with multiple solutions, such as the Second Stellation in Four Colors, this method does not work and the only alternative is meticulous accuracy.
The most difficult puzzle pieces to glue are those of the Scorpius and Jupiter families. The base of the gluing jig for these is a vertex of a rhombic dodecahedron or triacontahedron. The author's were made by a skilled machinist using a milling machine. One pattern was used to cast a mould from which several more were cast in epoxy. The photograph (Fig. 212) shows one of the elves gluing Jupiter pieces.
Fig. 212
The most satisfactory glue I have found is the yellow aliphatic resin type, sold under various brand names. It is strong, fairly fast setting, and resilient enough for the joints not to pop apart when the humidity changes.
| ©1990-2005 by Stewart T. Coffin For questions or comments regarding this site, contact the chief metagrobologist:  |
[Next Page] [Prev Page] [ Next Chapter] [Prev Chapter]
