How to Lube puzzles

[Garf]

In my opinion, there should be a thread that teaches people how to lube puzzles. Unlike the Lube help thread, this thread teaches people how to lube their puzzles with different lube setups. People can also share their lubrication setups that happen to be excellent. This is not the place to ask about different lube combinations.

I'll start by talking about angstrom cubes, specifically the combinations of Angstrom Gravitas, Angstrom Dignitas, and DNM-37. This is a really popular setup by Cubicle Labs, and this setup has been used to break several world records. However, during my trials with this lube, I wasn't aware of how to use the lubes, so I had to keep lubing the puzzles. However, I think I finally have figured out how to use the lubes effectively to create a controllable, yet speedy, feel.

2x2: You first put Gravitas on the track of a corner, and break it in. Then Dignitas on the stock of the corner, and break it in. Finally, add 2-3 drops of DNM, and break it in.
3x3: You put Gravitas on an edge piece, and break it in. Small amounts of Dignitas on two different edge pieces, and break it in. Finally, add 3-4 drops of DNM and break it in.
4x4-7x7: These puzzles are harder to put Gravitas and Dignitas in, as they slow the puzzles down for a bit and make them harder to use. However, you just need to add small amounts of Gravitas on the tracks of edges and Dignitas on the actual piece of edges, then add DNM. The larger the cube, the less Gravitas/Dignitas you need to add at a time, although you need to put it in more areas of the cube to make the lubricants effective.
Megaminx: Since this puzzle has a lot of pieces, you need to apply the setup twice in two different areas of the puzzle. Start with the orientation in which you scramble, and apply the setup described for 3x3. Then break it in for 2-3 solves. You then need to flip to the other side of the cube (the opposite side of the orientation) and do the same thing. Break it in.

As mentioned, this setup creates a controllable, yet speedy feel. If you have any thoughts on lubing other WCA puzzles that I didn't mention, please mention your set-up guide!

 

[Cuber987]

My setup for my 3x3 is as follows:

Put two drops of DNM-37 in the opposite corner. Wait a few seconds. Put two drops of mystic in a corner. Wait. Break in. Wait a few hours. Put some weight 5 in every opposite corner. Break in. This works with a tight but not tightest setup. It makes it feel faster but very controllable for me.

 

[Caden Fisher]

How would you set up a square one with weight 5 and DNM?

 

[Garf]

How would you set up a square one with weight 5 and DNM?

Use this thread, pls.

 

[Cubinginatree]

Me lubing a 2x2: I drop weight 5 2 drops dnm... PERFECT

 

[Garf]

Imma bump this thread since I think it still has potential. Teach us your set-ups!

 

[Sombi McJunior]

I watched Stephen Wintringham’s video setting up Luke Greisser’s gan 12, and he put gravitas on the corners of the corner stalks in addition to the edges. I started doing this and i think it actually makes a difference in covering contact points.

 

[That_slow_guy]

In my opinion, there should be a thread that teaches people how to lube puzzles. Unlike the Lube help thread, this thread teaches people how to lube their puzzles with different lube setups. People can also share their lubrication setups that happen to be excellent. This is not the place to ask about different lube combinations.

I'll start by talking about angstrom cubes, specifically the combinations of Angstrom Gravitas, Angstrom Dignitas, and DNM-37. This is a really popular setup by Cubicle Labs, and this setup has been used to break several world records. However, during my trials with this lube, I wasn't aware of how to use the lubes, so I had to keep lubing the puzzles. However, I think I finally have figured out how to use the lubes effectively to create a controllable, yet speedy, feel.

2x2: You first put Gravitas on the track of a corner, and break it in. Then Dignitas on the stock of the corner, and break it in. Finally, add 2-3 drops of DNM, and break it in.
3x3: You put Gravitas on an edge piece, and break it in. Small amounts of Dignitas on two different edge pieces, and break it in. Finally, add 3-4 drops of DNM and break it in.
4x4-7x7: These puzzles are harder to put Gravitas and Dignitas in, as they slow the puzzles down for a bit and make them harder to use. However, you just need to add small amounts of Gravitas on the tracks of edges and Dignitas on the actual piece of edges, then add DNM. The larger the cube, the less Gravitas/Dignitas you need to add at a time, although you need to put it in more areas of the cube to make the lubricants effective.
Megaminx: Since this puzzle has a lot of pieces, you need to apply the setup twice in two different areas of the puzzle. Start with the orientation in which you scramble, and apply the setup described for 3x3. Then break it in for 2-3 solves. You then need to flip to the other side of the cube (the opposite side of the orientation) and do the same thing. Break it in.

As mentioned, this setup creates a controllable, yet speedy feel. If you have any thoughts on lubing other WCA puzzles that I didn't mention, please mention your set-up guide!

wat do you mean by 2 different edge pieces on 3x3

 

[Garf]

wat do you mean by 2 different edge pieces on 3x3

Like different edge pieces. So like lube the parts of the edges that make surface contact with the corners.

 

[ketchuphater999]

I haven't lubed a puzzle since probably 2015 or so, (so the only lube that i really know about is just..traxxas 50k LOL)-- but you don't mention core lubing. Your OP describes how to do the piece lube, but i've got a few questions generally that I'm hoping you, or someone, can answer as my old cube is in dire need of lubrication haha.

- How to lube the core? The method I'm familiar with (using silicone oil) is to first fully disassemble, lube washer, screw, contact points on plastic center piece inside and between the core and piece, then tension and work it in. Assuming I'm still using a cube with that assembly method (I'm not sure if newer cubes use a different system than the screw/spring/washer), is this still the way? (and what kind of lube should I be using for the core?)

- When doing the piece lubrication, should I be putting lube specifically on the inner parts of the pieces, or will it be able to spread through all the contact points without assistance?

Thanks for the insight guys

 

[Caleb Valenzuela]

I use two clicks of FZ-stealth and 3 drops gan lube 1 and it feels amazing to me

 

[Isaiah Scott]

I watched Stephen Wintringham’s video setting up Luke Greisser’s gan 12, and he put gravitas on the corners of the corner stalks in addition to the edges. I started doing this and i think it actually makes a difference in covering contact points.

A little late, but I tried this on my YS3M Ball-Core and it actually worked very well so I’d recommend trying it on any 3x3 for good results

 

[TheSpeedSkewber]

- How to lube the core? The method I'm familiar with (using silicone oil) is to first fully disassemble, lube washer, screw, contact points on plastic center piece inside and between the core and piece, then tension and work it in.

Still the same method. It's reccomended to use a heavy lube for the core as opposed to a lighter lube for the pieces. Core lubrication generally affects how 'soft' the cube feels as a whole.

(I'm not sure if newer cubes use a different system than the screw/spring/washer), is this still the way? (and what kind of lube should I be using for the core?)

Lots of cubes use 'Maglev' nowadays: two repelling magnets instead of a spring. You don't need to lube the core of a Maglev cube. If it does have an effect at all, it's not noticeable enough to be necessary.

- When doing the piece lubrication, should I be putting lube specifically on the inner parts of the pieces, or will it be able to spread through all the contact points without assistance?

Personally, I put medium-heavy lubes on the inner contact points and light lubes on the outer contact points. There will be a bit of spread between the two. (Newer Moyu and Gan cubes claim that their piece design is the best for lube spread, however these claims have not been tested)

Hope that helps.

 

[Puzzle Maniac]

Me lubing a 2x2: I drop weight 5 2 drops dnm... PERFECT

i read this as "Me lubing a 2x2" I drop 52 drops dnm... PERFECT"

 

[GCoolCuber]

Oops i drank one

 

[ketchuphater999]

Still the same method. It's reccomended to use a heavy lube for the core as opposed to a lighter lube for the pieces. Core lubrication generally affects how 'soft' the cube feels as a whole.

Lots of cubes use 'Maglev' nowadays: two repelling magnets instead of a spring. You don't need to lube the core of a Maglev cube. If it does have an effect at all, it's not noticeable enough to be necessary.

Personally, I put medium-heavy lubes on the inner contact points and light lubes on the outer contact points. There will be a bit of spread between the two. (Newer Moyu and Gan cubes claim that their piece design is the best for lube spread, however these claims have not been tested)

Hope that helps.

Yes, that clears up a lot! So, would the standard heavy silicone oil still be a good choice for core lubing or the inner contact points? or would I want to go with some of the newer products

 

[Puzzle Maniac]

Oops i drank one

What do you mean oops? Cube lube is my main source of hydration. After doing some running I always drink DNM-37. For a general drink I hydrate with Lunar.

 

[d---]

Dissolve some preworkout or creatine phosphate in your lube for better cube performance. It works.

 

[Izzymizzymus]

what general lubes do you recommend for someone with no current lubes?

 

[Caleb Valenzuela]

For ultimate body performance, inject some syringe lube (weight 1, 2, 3, etc I recommend weight 3) into your vains. Do this like an epi-pen. If you want to be safe from injecting the lube incorrectly, ask a doctor to do it for you. I recommend a fast lube like DNM-37 or FZ-Rush to ensure quicker reflexes and reaction speeds, as well as to boost brain speed and quick thinking. These lubes will also make your heart beat faster so i suggest you pair it with some FZ-Calm or Mystic. I personally use gravitas and dignitas in a syringe, plus DNM-37, and some Mystic. Always be careful especially with heavier lubes like weight 5, as these can become deadly especially without experience. If you feel side effects, consult a professional. (for real tho dont do any of this just use sweat as your cube lubricant)