Cubesmith Tiles

[Lloyd1337]

I ordered textured tiles for my 3x3 and 4x4 a few months ago from Cubesmith. Overall, I think they're awesome. However, I've had a few problems.

The other day, when my friend was solving my cube, a yellow tile fell off. It wasn't bent or nicked in any way. It was fine. It just decided that it didn't want to be sticky anymore, and fell off.

The tiles are pretty much impervious to ware, but if the tile is even slightly bent or folded, it is basically ruined. It always gets caught on my finger when solving, which just bends the tile even more. Eventually I have to break the part that is bent off because it is really annoying. Is there any way to prevent this?

Also, the tiles for my 4x4 aren't really stuck onto the cube very well. I lubed the cube with vegetable oil (used way too much), so the cube is kinda oily. I can push all of the tiles around, so they are generally off center or rotated. Is there any way to fix this?

After extended periods of cubing, my index finger starts to get sore at the point where it comes into contact with the cube (I use it to "flick" the U layer a lot). I think this is probably due to the textured tiles rubbing against it. I ordered smooth tiles recently, so I'll see if they're any better. Does anyone else have this problem?

Also, I have an Eastsheen 5x5 and my friend has a Rubik's 5x5. I ordered tiles for both of these cubes, and the site says that the tiles are universal. However, my friend says that his Rubiks 5x5 is quite a bit larger than my Eastsheen, and that the tiles would look really small on it. Has anyone tried these universal tiles on a Rubik's 5x5 and can tell me how they look?

 

[AvGalen]

Don't worry about the size-difference between Eastsheen and Rubiks. The tiles will fit and look good. How good is a matter of personal taste, but I don't think anyone will dislike it.

The tiles that fall of are very recognisable to me. Stickers are supposed to stick, but apparantly tiles aren't :confused:

I liked the fact that tiles are more durable, but because of the chipping and non-sticking they are less durable than stickers. So I switched back to stickers.

 

[ExoCorsair]

Mefferts tiles are great! But rather expensive.

 

[KConny]

I always clean my cube with regular dish soap. It's removes fat so that the tiles will stick.

 

[abbracadiabra]

I stickered my Rubik's 5x5x5 with Cubesmith tiles, and I can assure you that they fit fine and look good. While the whole cube is significantly bigger than an Eastsheen 5x5x5, the actual cubies are not that different in size. This is because the size differential is divided by 25 cubies per face, and because the Rubiks 5x5x5 is made from a heavier, thicker plastic which leaves more space between the cubies.

The tiles that I purchased from Cubesmith have lasted considerably longer than any stickers I've ever used before. I suspect yours aren't sticking to your cube because the surface of your cube wasn't clean before you put the tiles on. When I resticker my cubes I always clean the face with solvent (lighter fluid works well) after I've scraped off the old stickers and before I put the new ones on. If you're lubing your cube with vegetable oil (how does that work, by the way?) and if any oil remains on the face of the cube, it will prevent any sticker from sticking - paper, vinyl or tile.

As for preventing bent or folded tiles, you need to take care when you remove the tile from its protective backing. I've found that putting my finger underneath the backing and gently pressing upward removes the tile easily, without causing any damage. I then grasp the tile with a tweezer so I can line it up perfectly on the cubie, and once I'm satisfied that it is in the proper position I press to make sure it's stuck well.

I haven't had a problem with Cubesmith tiles. In fact, I think they are so far superior to stickers that they may well be the best invention since the cube itself!

 

[Lloyd1337]

A'ight. Thanks for all of the advice. I'll try to take more care when applying my new stickers to my cubes.

 

[karaoke99]

One of my 7th grade students asked if she could mess with my 3x3x3 during the last 10 minutes of class because she had already finished her homework, so I let her. When the bell was about to ring, I went over to her to retrieve my cube, and she said, "Look, I made a 'T'...!" pointing to a capital T she had made on the blue side.

I was just about to explain that it was more of a plus sign she was supposed to be going for in the first step when I noticed that some of the Cubesmith textured tiles were bent at the edges. For the sake of anonymity, I shall call her Jamie....Jamie claimed that she must have accidentally got her thumbnail underneath a couple of them while solving.

Well, while I was explaining to her how that shouldn't happen during a solve (unless you are holding the cube in a REALLY weird way), and, in spite of the rage I was feeling, I did a little analyzing of the stimuli entering my brain to discover the true situation. It seems that four of the blue tiles in the "T" were bent (all but the center), and four other non-blue tiles on other sides of the cube were also bent.

It doesn't take a rocket surgeon to figure out that she wanted to be clever but just didn't have to time, so she short-cutted by peeling the $&%#ing things off and swapping them, a charge that she denies. Sorry, Jamie, but you are absolutely lying to me. See? See how easily these "bent" tiles come right off the cube, you miscreant?

It just completely blew my mind that in spite of overwhelming evidence, and another teacher coming to the same conclusion when I asked for her opinion, that this child would repeatedly assert her innocence. Furthermore, she never ONCE apologized for having ruined my cube or offered to pay for the damage. At least that would have been something.

Now, I have to see her every day in my 4th and 8th period classes (double blocked math) and answer her questions and help her and be interested in her education despite my having nothing but disgust and contempt for her.

 

[Lloyd1337]

One of my 7th grade students asked if she could mess with my 3x3x3 during the last 10 minutes of class because she had already finished her homework, so I let her. When the bell was about to ring, I went over to her to retrieve my cube, and she said, "Look, I made a 'T'...!" pointing to a capital T she had made on the blue side.

I was just about to explain that it was more of a plus sign she was supposed to be going for in the first step when I noticed that some of the Cubesmith textured tiles were bent at the edges. For the sake of anonymity, I shall call her Jamie....Jamie claimed that she must have accidentally got her thumbnail underneath a couple of them while solving.

Well, while I was explaining to her how that shouldn't happen during a solve (unless you are holding the cube in a REALLY weird way), and, in spite of the rage I was feeling, I did a little analyzing of the stimuli entering my brain to discover the true situation. It seems that four of the blue tiles in the "T" were bent (all but the center), and four other non-blue tiles on other sides of the cube were also bent.

It doesn't take a rocket surgeon to figure out that she wanted to be clever but just didn't have to time, so she short-cutted by peeling the $&%#ing things off and swapping them, a charge that she denies. Sorry, Jamie, but you are absolutely lying to me. See? See how easily these "bent" tiles come right off the cube, you miscreant?

It just completely blew my mind that in spite of overwhelming evidence, and another teacher coming to the same conclusion when I asked for her opinion, that this child would repeatedly assert her innocence. Furthermore, she never ONCE apologized for having ruined my cube or offered to pay for the damage. At least that would have been something.

Now, I have to see her every day in my 4th and 8th period classes (double blocked math) and answer her questions and help her and be interested in her education despite my having nothing but disgust and contempt for her.

Settle down. They're just stickers. They only cost $5.

This is why I am often reluctant to let people use my cubes. Generally, I only let people that I don't really trust use my crappy cube, but if anyone is using my good one, I keep an eye on them, or at the very least tell them not to dissasemble it or remove the stickers, otherwise they'll be paying for it.

 

[karaoke99]

Settle down. They're just stickers. They only cost $5.

This is why I am often reluctant to let people use my cubes. Generally, I only let people that I don't really trust use my crappy cube, but if anyone is using my good one, I keep an eye on them, or at the very least tell them not to dissasemble it or remove the stickers, otherwise they'll be paying for it.

Oh, I don't really care about having to buy new stickers. It isn't about the money. It is about the fact that, even after I explained to each of my classes that if I allow them to play with one of my cubes they should return it to me the same way it was given to them and to treat the tiles carefully, this girl jacks with my stuff anyway to try to look smart, and then lies right to my face. Here I am, telling her that I'm not going to make her pay for new stickers, not going to put write a referral, not going to call her mom, I just want her to tell me the obvious truth, and she flat out refuses to do so.

My job as a teacher is to prepare these kids for life, to show them how to be responsible citizens and become adults. So when I have one who lies to me for no other reason than a vain and utterly ridiculous attempt at saving face despite my assurance that there will nothing but positive consequences for her to fess up, it is obvious that the battle is lost with this one.

But anyway, yeah. Just thought I would share some war stories from the field with ya.

 

[abbracadiabra]

"Disgust and contempt"? Come on - she's a kid. You're supposed to be the adult. Peeling stickers off cubes is what kids do - until we adults teach them a better way. And lying is something that children do, too - until we teach them better. Granted, that's her parents' job. But as her teacher, it's your job, too.

Let's put this in perspective - this girl didn't destroy a rare puzzle. It's a Rubik's cube - you can pick up a new one anywhere. Furthermore, your puzzle is not ruined - all you need is a new set of tiles. They'll cost you a whopping $4.50. You can order them online and they'll be delivered to your home within 3 to 5 days. Dude, get over it!

The reality is that human beings make mistakes - sometimes willfully, as in the case of your student. I certainly make mistakes and I'll bet you do, too. The biggest difference between adults and children is that adults take responsibility for their mistakes. And if you expect your students to behave like adults then you don't belong in a 7th grade classroom. Your student should have taken responsibility for peeling off your stickers. She didn't. In fact, she lied about it. But she is a child. You are the adult who is responsible for her care while she is in your classroom.

Your mistake was accepting her lie, not providing her with a means of taking responsibility for her actions, and not holding her accountable to do so. You blew a perfect opportunity to teach her about something far more important than math or cubing - this could have been a chance for her to learn about the value of integrity. You have a unique opportunity - and are charged with the responsibility - to make a difference in these children's lives. Isn't that what teaching is really all about?

If I were you I'd put away my "disgust and contempt". It's certainly not doing you any good to carry around the anger, and it sounds to me like this girl could really use a teacher who is interested not only in her "academic" education, but in teaching her about being a better human being. I've read your posts about the cubing club you started at your school, and I believe you are a caring and committed teacher. I'm betting you can be that teacher who makes a difference in this girl's life.

 

[karaoke99]

"Disgust and contempt"? Come on - she's a kid. You're supposed to be the adult.

I am an adult. Adults have feelings of disgust and comtempt during situations like this. I fear you are confusing those emotions with "unyielding pettiness". I still come to class every day as ready as ever to teach her math. But, as a human being, I get to be a little disgusted with her choice.

Peeling stickers off cubes is what kids do - until we adults teach them a better way.

As I mentioned above, I did tell her, and everyone, to be gentle with the stickers.

And lying is something that children do, too - until we teach them better. Granted, that's her parents' job. But as her teacher, it's your job, too.

As I mentioned above, I did try to teach her better.

Let's put this in perspective - this girl didn't destroy a rare puzzle. It's a Rubik's cube - you can pick up a new one anywhere. Furthermore, your puzzle is not ruined - all you need is a new set of tiles. They'll cost you a whopping $4.50. You can order them online and they'll be delivered to your home within 3 to 5 days. Dude, get over it!

As I mentioned above, I care not about the stickers, nor am I that upset about the fact that she ignored my request to respect my toy.

The reality is that human beings make mistakes - sometimes willfully, as in the case of your student. I certainly make mistakes and I'll bet you do, too. The biggest difference between adults and children is that adults take responsibility for their mistakes.

Correction: Adults are supposed to take responsibility for their mistakes. If you had met the parents of some of these children, you would understand.

And if you expect your students to behave like adults then you don't belong in a 7th grade classroom.

I don't expect them to behave like adults. I expect them to begin behaving like adults. This was the perfect opportunity for this girl to begin behaving like an adult by simply confessing, and I made sure she understood that, but she refused to drop her charade.

Your mistake was accepting her lie, not providing her with a means of taking responsibility for her actions, and not holding her accountable to do so.

Either I wasn't clear in my previous posts, or you misread them. Either way, let it be known that I made it quite clear to her that I did not believe her, the other teacher let her know that she did not believe her, and I did, indeed, provide her the means of taking responsibility for her actions. I removed the threat of punishment, leaving a clear path for her confession. I assured her that coming clean would earn her a lot of respect from me. She remained steadfast in her lie, clinging to it like a life preserver, ignoring my attempts to rescue her.

You blew a perfect opportunity to teach her about something far more important than math or cubing - this could have been a chance for her to learn about the value of integrity. You have a unique opportunity - and are charged with the responsibility - to make a difference in these children's lives. Isn't that what teaching is really all about?

I appreciate that you want me to be a better teacher, but I would also appreciate it if you would not assume that I neglected to do my job in the first place. Just because I did not mention every last detail of the transaction between myself and this child does not mean that I failed to attempt to teach her about the virtues of responsibility, honesty, and integrity. The attempt was definitely made.

If I were you I'd put away my "disgust and contempt". It's certainly not doing you any good to carry around the anger, and it sounds to me like this girl could really use a teacher who is interested not only in her "academic" education, but in teaching her about being a better human being. I've read your posts about the cubing club you started at your school, and I believe you are a caring and committed teacher. I'm betting you can be that teacher who makes a difference in this girl's life.

Again, I get to be angry. That is my privilege as a human. Will it linger? Of course not. Anger subsides. Do I make my feelings plain to her when I see her? Of course not.

The only difference between our discourse then and now is that I am not as playful with her anymore. The next time I saw her after this incident, she could sense that something was amiss but couldn't figure out why I wasn't acting the same around her, so I reminded her of the incident, hopefully teaching her that people don't forget about the bad choices you make. I let her know that, if she ever decides to tell the truth, she would earn back that respect and, if she ever decided to apologize for ruining my stickers (she didn't deny ruining them, but never apologized), that I would forgive her. She didn't confess, but she did say she would write me an apology letter, which I am still awaiting two weeks later.

So, in conclusion (if anyone is still reading), I ask that you please understand that I am a good teacher, not just in math but in life skills as well. My only purpose in telling this story was to provide a bittersweet (somewhat humorous, somewhat painful) anecdote about a ruined cube to a group of individuals who would appreciate it.

 

[Lord Ranius]

Hi,

I use cubesmith textured LEXAN tiles too and they are awesome. I ordered a few sets just in case i need replacements. One advise when sticking: get it in the exactly spot so it wont come off. I had a crooked one and it came off after a few weeks.

Lord Ranius

 

[PK Baldy Hinella]

learning how to assemble/take care of your cube is important

KEEP UP WITH UR GOOD WORK!

 

[Dene]

Lol, Mr karaoke99, you should chat with Joel, he too is a math teacher . It's so wierd, looking back to when I was a child, and really, the teachers aren't much different, as people, overall, they just never showed it around the children. It's strange, I always aspired to be a grown up and big and authorative as I always saw, but it turns out it isn't like that in reality at all...

 

[RedZero]

I, have actually felt the same way like Karaoke99, although I am not a teacher, I did have someone destroy one of my cubes. Yes, the cube only costs about 10 dollars, not including the tiles, but when I told that person to be VERY careful with my cube and tiles, I end up finding my cube shattered, on the floor. Apparently that person was trying to catch it in the air, unfortunately, he didn't, it ended up smashing into a wall. Although he said sorry and said he was going to pay for another one, I am still angry at the kid. Yes, he said sorry, but he never paid for it. Although 15 dollars for a cube and tile seem like nothing, to me, as a student, 15 dollars is a lot.

I've also had kids around me wanting to "try" to cube, it never works. They end up chipping my stickers completely so I have to resticker them constantly which makes me need to buy more. Whenever I get start getting a worried look or hesitate on giving the cube to them so they can solve it, they tell me I need a life and not worry about a toy. But me being a speedcuber, like to have nice cubes and not replace them so often. Although they do solve the cube, they use their WHOLE hand rather then fingers. I use fingertricks and I rarely chip the stickers.

 

[andrewvo1324]

"Disgust and contempt"? Come on - she's a kid. You're supposed to be the adult. Peeling stickers off cubes is what kids do - until we adults teach them a better way. And lying is something that children do, too - until we teach them better. Granted, that's her parents' job. But as her teacher, it's your job, too.

Let's put this in perspective - this girl didn't destroy a rare puzzle. It's a Rubik's cube - you can pick up a new one anywhere. Furthermore, your puzzle is not ruined - all you need is a new set of tiles. They'll cost you a whopping $4.50. You can order them online and they'll be delivered to your home within 3 to 5 days. Dude, get over it!

The reality is that human beings make mistakes - sometimes willfully, as in the case of your student. I certainly make mistakes and I'll bet you do, too. The biggest difference between adults and children is that adults take responsibility for their mistakes. And if you expect your students to behave like adults then you don't belong in a 7th grade classroom. Your student should have taken responsibility for peeling off your stickers. She didn't. In fact, she lied about it. But she is a child. You are the adult who is responsible for her care while she is in your classroom.

Your mistake was accepting her lie, not providing her with a means of taking responsibility for her actions, and not holding her accountable to do so. You blew a perfect opportunity to teach her about something far more important than math or cubing - this could have been a chance for her to learn about the value of integrity. You have a unique opportunity - and are charged with the responsibility - to make a difference in these children's lives. Isn't that what teaching is really all about?

If I were you I'd put away my "disgust and contempt". It's certainly not doing you any good to carry around the anger, and it sounds to me like this girl could really use a teacher who is interested not only in her "academic" education, but in teaching her about being a better human being. I've read your posts about the cubing club you started at your school, and I believe you are a caring and committed teacher. I'm betting you can be that teacher who makes a difference in this girl's life.

Shes a 7th grader. By then she should be mature enough not to mess with other people's stuff. As i am a 7th grader my friend gave me his cube but did i ever think about peeling off his stickers? No!(this is when i never knew how to solve a cube) And if i was her i would tell the truth.

Also you dont know all the stress a teacher goes through. im pretty sure they get very dang stressful.

They go through 7-8 periods a day. with immature kids. Talking all day yelling across the classroom.

And as me, i mind my own buisness and do my own work and i get stressed with all the yelling..

So cut him some slack

 

[febridge]

I guess this might be a little off topic but, I ordered some Vinyl stickers and the space is too close. You cannot put all of the stickers on at once. This is quite annoying. Has anybody else had this problem?

 

[Lotsofsloths]

I always clean my cube with regular dish soap. It's removes fat so that the tiles will stick.

Paper towels can be used also.
I personally use water to rinse off all gunk then paper towels to lightly remove all the lubricants.

 

[darkzelkova]

I guess this might be a little off topic but, I ordered some Vinyl stickers and the space is too close. You cannot put all of the stickers on at once. This is quite annoying. Has anybody else had this problem?

Yeah cubesmith is annoying like that =\