What does cutting corners and broken in mean?

[Inusagi]

Since I am a sub 20 solver, this question may sound stupid, or it really is.
But if I ask this question later, it will sound more stupid.

Anyway, what does a broken in cube mean, and what does it mean, that a cube is cutting corners good?

 

[alexc]

A broken in cube is a cube that has been worn down from use and is nice and loose and smooth. Cutting corners means that you don't have to align the faces perfectly before starting another turn. For example, turn the U face 1/8 of a turn clockwise. Then, if you can turn R pretty easily without popping your cube is good at cutting corners. Usually DIY's are better than storebought at cutting corners.

 

[pete]

A broken in cube is a cube that has been worn down from use and is nice and loose and smooth. Cutting corners means that you don't have to align the faces perfectly before starting another turn. For example, turn the U face 1/8 of a turn clockwise. Then, if you can turn R pretty easily without popping your cube is good at cutting corners. Usually DIY's are better than storebought at cutting corners.

Alex, shouldn't that read "less than 1/8" ?

unless I'm confusing the "metrics", I find it impossible to cut corners
when I turn a face exactly 1/8.

if U2 is 1/2-turn, U is 1/4-turn, then 1/8 would be exactly half way of 1/4-turn.
in that position I cannot execute R move, I would have to have the U face turned somewhat less than 1/8

 

[alexc]

A broken in cube is a cube that has been worn down from use and is nice and loose and smooth. Cutting corners means that you don't have to align the faces perfectly before starting another turn. For example, turn the U face 1/8 of a turn clockwise. Then, if you can turn R pretty easily without popping your cube is good at cutting corners. Usually DIY's are better than storebought at cutting corners.

Alex, shouldn't that read "less than 1/8" ?

unless I'm confusing the "metrics", I find it impossible to cut corners
when I turn a face exactly 1/8.

if U2 is 1/2-turn, U is 1/4-turn, then 1/8 would be exactly half way of 1/4-turn.
in that position I cannot execute R move, I would have to have the U face turned somewhat less than 1/8

Oh, you cant' do it when U is turned 1/8????? I can. With some difficulty I can do a bit more than 1/8.

 

[Inusagi]

Thanks guys! It was exactly what I was thinking, but I just got to be sure...

 

[pete]

A broken in cube is a cube that has been worn down from use and is nice and loose and smooth. Cutting corners means that you don't have to align the faces perfectly before starting another turn. For example, turn the U face 1/8 of a turn clockwise. Then, if you can turn R pretty easily without popping your cube is good at cutting corners. Usually DIY's are better than storebought at cutting corners.

Alex, shouldn't that read "less than 1/8" ?

unless I'm confusing the "metrics", I find it impossible to cut corners
when I turn a face exactly 1/8.

if U2 is 1/2-turn, U is 1/4-turn, then 1/8 would be exactly half way of 1/4-turn.
in that position I cannot execute R move, I would have to have the U face turned somewhat less than 1/8

Oh, you cant' do it when U is turned 1/8????? I can. With some difficulty I can do a bit more than 1/8.

serious ?
is there any video of anyone performing this (I mean with easy).

look, i'm new into this speedcubing thing so i don't know much, but
now that I've finally got myself a DIY cube I tried it and I'm unable
to cut the corner at 1/8

 

[pete]

actually I just tried it again, and with little bit of wiggling I eventually
got it, but you know there was a 50/50 chance that it turns the other way.

but it certainly does not (in my case anyway)

turn R pretty easily without popping

 

[hait2]

doing half a U turn then R is impossible on my cube, it makes the UB edge piece pop out haha

the limit of my cube (that is, you can do it reasonably easy, no wiggling or anything) is 2/3's of half a U. so when the corner that sticks out aligns with the gap between the center and edge piece in 2nd layer. kinda hard to explain

mine's a storebought, but quite broken in i can easily twist the corners without taking them out, etc. it's not lubed very well though

 

[alexc]

I think I can turn R after 1/8????!!!! Idk, I haven't done it in a while, but maybe I am exaggerating, but I can get close to 1/8 I know that for sure.

 

[hait2]

I think I can turn R after 1/8????!!!! Idk, I haven't done it in a while, but maybe I am exaggerating, but I can get close to 1/8 I know that for sure.

well.. why don't you go and confirm it now. half a U turn then R seems possible i guess, but definitely not without a lot of effort.

 

[Lucas Garron]

 

[Inusagi]

Exactly what I thought Lucas...