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How to Make a Speed Cube Out of Two Cubes

Speed cubing refers to a method of solving a Rubik's Cube (rubiks.com) very quickly, and it involves memorizing a lot of algorithms. The goal is solving a 3-inch by 3-inch by 3-inch cube in less than 30 seconds. Some people can even solve the cube blindfolded in that amount of time. Speed cubing requires a cube that will move quickly, and sometimes this involves a bit of work. This project does not require the speed-cubing skills.

Things You'll Need

2 puzzle cubes, same make and model
Mini glass scraper
Flathead screwdriver
Rubbing alcohol
Plastic container
Cotton swabs
Silicone cube lubricant
2 sets Rubik's Cube stickers
Nail polish, any color except clear

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all of the stickers from both Rubik's Cubes, using your glass scraper. Gently push the edge of the scraper under a corner of a sticker to lift it, then push the scraper all the way across to remove the sticker. Scrape off any adhesive. Repeat for every sticker.
- 2
  Hold a cube so that one of the sides is facing up. Turn the top level about 45 degrees so that the top corners poke out over flat sides. Insert the flat end of your screwdriver under one of the pieces of the top layer that is not a corner piece and pry the middle piece out of the cube. Do not lever the screwdriver up too hard or you will break the back of the piece that holds it in the cube. Remove one of the corner pieces by hand, turning it sideways to pull it out. Continue to remove pieces in this manner. The more pieces you pull out, the easier the rest will come out of the cube. Disassemble the first cube. Do the same to the second cube.
- 3
  Pour some of the rubbing alcohol into a small container. Dip a cotton swab in it and thoroughly clean all of the pieces --- front, back and sides --- to help remove the adhesive residue. Allow the pieces to dry.
- 4
  Look at both of your core pieces and choose the one that looks smoother and cleaner. Pick a clean, smooth piece that is not a corner piece and place it on your core by inserting it at a corner and moving it into the center. Continue doing this until you have all but the last piece inserted. When you get to the final piece, spray your silicone lubricant inside the cube. Put the last piece in and twist the sections to spread the silicone. The cube should move easily. Put the other cube together, using the leftover pieces.
- 5
  Apply the stickers to both cubes. Ensure the white and yellow sides are opposite each other as they are generally used as the "top" and "bottom" of cubes, respectively. Ensure the red and orange sides are opposite each other, as are blue and green. Looking at the green side straight on, red should be on the right, orange on the left and blue on the opposite side of the cube. Apply a dot of nail polish to the center dot on the white side of the second cube you put together, so you can tell the cubes apart.

Infants Toys