| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Name: | Aluminum Cross |
| Brand: | Wil Strijbos |
| Level (Complexity): | Complex (8) |
| Type: | Metal puzzle |
| Object: | Take apart the cross; assemble back (optional) |
| Estimated time: | 1-2 Hours |
| Number of parts: | 4 |
| Size: | 6×6×3.5 cm / 2.3×2.3×1.4 in |
| Packaging: | cardboard box |
| Materials used: | anodized aluminum |
| Where to buy: | Check prices for Wil Strijbos Aluminum Cross Puzzle |
Visual Description
What can be more challenging than an intuitive puzzle when you cannot see the mechanism inside?
WIl Strijbos is surprising us again with his elaborate, yet interestingly simple mechanism hidden inside an ordinary shaped figure.
The cross consists of 2 major parts: metal rectangles that are intersecting at the middle. Parts held together by the 2 screws that are visible on each side of the rectangle.
The most interesting thing is that Aluminum Cross does not have an obvious starting point. Personally I had realized my first step in solving of this puzzle after about 20 minutes in.
You just don’t really understand how to start with that thing. But the most interesting part is the actual mechanism that we will look into below.
Main Features
Oh wow, just wow. Wil did it again and in my humble opinion — aluminum cross is the hardest puzzle from his line-up to date. It is even harder than Lotus Puzzle or First Cylinder. Much harder, in my opinion.
The screws that hold the cross together are combined in an elaborate rotating mechanism in the middle of the composition and you have no way of understanding what is happening inside.
You need to guess and imagine your way through the process or waste countless hours trying to rotate, shake and fiddle blindly.
I will throw down some tips on how to solve it below, but don’t expect them to be a life saver — this puzzle is ingenious in way that you will need to find your own pace and feel to solve it.
Conclusion
Aluminium Cross and Wil Strijbos give even the most challenging puzzles a run for their money.
Perfectly constructed puzzle that will fit the most demanding public among puzzlers.
Definite classic and my personal recommendation if you want to give yourself a fair and interesting challenge.
Where to buy Aluminum Cross Puzzle
Assembly Tips
- Listen closely to what happens inside.
- The screws inside the main rectangles are interconnected by pin that may drop from one cylinder to another and stop the rotation. You need to find the right set of moves to release both screws.
- Wil Strijbos Aluminum Cross solution video can be found below
Important Notes
- Made of anodized aluminum
- One of the first puzzles that were found and reworked by Wil Strijbos making it an immortal classic.
FAQ
- Detailed answers on Frequently Asked Questions about Wil Strijbos puzzles you can find here.
- If you still have questions, ask them in the comments. We will answer in detail and include them in the FAQ list.
