Speedsolving.com Wiki - User contributions [en]

Lubrication

2011-01-05T23:52:16Z

Flan:

A '''lubricant''' (or '''lube''') is a material which can be put in a [[puzzle]] to make it easier to turn or smoother. This page contains descriptions of different lubricants and specific suggestions for how to use them. In general, to lube a cube, you should apply the lubricant either by removing one piece and spraying it in, or by disassembling the cube completely and coating the pieces in lubricant. After lube is applied, it is usually best to not time a solve immediately, but rather give the lube a few minutes to work in. It is also recommended that you do not apply lube to very stiff cubes, as this can sometimes make them even harder to turn.

The following two general terms are used to characterise the friction effects of a lubricant:
* '''Static Friction''' - force required to initiate a turn.
* '''Dynamic Friction''' - resistance felt during the turn.
The range of lubricants available affect each of these aspects in differing degrees. For example, silicone oils tend to reduce static friction, while increasing dynamic friction.

== Silicon-Based ==
Silicon-based lubricants are a highly popular and effective way to lubricate cubes.
Silicone sprays leave a smooth coat of lube over the cube's plastic to make it glide smoothly over other surfaces, thus making your cube turn smoother.

===Lubix Cube===
A high viscosity pure silicone oil lubricant. Very Effective and has risen to one of the most popular lubricants on sale. The lubricant is a little expensive but only very little is needed and it is said to last a very long time.

===Rubik's Lube===
This is the lube that comes in a syringe-like container when you order from Rubiks.com. It can be found at [http://www.rubiks.com/Shop/Products/Rubiks%20Cube%20Lube%20Kit%203x3.aspx rubiks.com]. A similar (possibly the same) product can be found at [http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/PuzzleProz PuzzleProz] . Speedsolving.com: [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14364 PuzzleProz Lube?]

===Cubelube.com===
This is the exact same lube as sold on Rubiks.com, only with different packaging and a different site. The price is also cheaper than Rubiks.com; this particular lube is found at [http://cubelube.com/ cubelube.com].

===Jig-A-Loo===
Used by many cubers, this lubricant works very well. However, it can melt plastic temporarily, so it is recommended that you completely disassemble your cube to lubricate it, and that you let the pieces dry well before reassembly. Available in the US and Canada. @see [http://www.jigaloo.com/us/e_products_jigaloo.php jigaloo.com], Speedsolving.com: [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5129 The TRUTH about Jig-A-Loo]

===CRC Silicone Spray===
CRC silicon spray has been used by many cubers. This is a very good lubricant to use. It will dry out soon, but works well. It is known to eat cubes too, so use with caution. Available at Wal Mart in the US and Canada. Available at some hardware stores in Australia.

===Tableau Dry Lube===
A silicone-based spray lubricant, popular in the UK. Cheap to buy and often gets good reviews. [http://www.ebay.co.uk eBay.co.uk] is usually the best place to buy it online. Like most spray lubricants, its propellant can cause temporary melting of plastic, so it is recommended that the cube is disassembled to allow the lube to dry before use.
@see [http://www.tableauproducts.com/ tableauproducts.com]

===Shock Oil===
Available worldwide, this comes in a range of viscosities and is 100% pure silicone oil. Mainly sold for radio controlled car shock absorbers. Available from [http://www.racingstate.com/shock-oil.html racingstate.com] in wt30 (UK only), or [http://www.towerhobbies.com towerhobbies.com] in a range of viscosities including [http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LX3303&P=7 wt10], [http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LX3304&P=M wt20] and [http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LX3305&P=M wt30] (shipping is expensive, but available worldwide).
* Speedsolving.com : [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17011 What type of Shock oil]

===Maplin Silicone Grease with PTFE===
Works well on [[DIY]] cubes, and is easy to find in the UK. Comes in a spray can with extension tube for lazy lubing. @see [http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=30030&C=SO&U=strat15 maplin.co.uk]

===Armour All original protectant===
It is silicone based, and pretty good, but sometimes causes the cube to gunk up when overlubed. It is recommended that you wipe off excess lubricant after using. @see [http://www.armorall.com/products/view_product.php?product_id=8 armorall.com]

===Other silicone lubricants===
* W5 Silicone Oil - available from LIDL stores across Europe
* [http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_214714_langId_-1_categoryId_165750 3 in 1 silicone spray] - Takes a while to dry. Available in UK hardware stores such as Halfords. It also leaves a very sticky feel to it, even after it has dried.
* Wynn's Silicone Lube - From 'A1', a UK motoring spares store.
* Rapide silicone spray - Available from UK stores.
* [http://www.griffon.nl/NL/nl1/view.do?UID=785d650ff44f636290695a Griffon] - Available in the Netherlands
* [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4695 Prestone]
* Sprayway
* Gyrolon Universal Silikonspray - Available in the german dicounter ALDI
* OK/Q8 SILKON SPRAY, avaiable in Sweden, much like CRC but does not dry out as fast.

== Petroleum-Based ==
These include lubricants such as vaseline, WD-40, or Liquid Wrench. It is '''recommended that you do not use these, but if you really want to, use them with caution''', as petroleum and petroleum distillates speed the aging of plastic, and may dissolve the plastic resulting in destruction of the pieces and the internal mechanism. Excessive uses of these lubricants often lead to the center mechanism breaking apart completely. Some, however, have reported success using petroleum based lubricants to speed up [[breaking in]] of new cubes. It would be best if you have a tight cube (Rubik's brand) to lube it will a petroleum based jelly for about a month. Then take it all a part and [[cleaning]] it and use a silicone base lubricant.

===Vaseline===
Goopy and well known, this is not the best lube. Being a petroleum based lubricant it will speed the deterioration of the pieces as well as the internal mechanism. Some people recommend using vaseline for a while to wear down the inside of the cube (almost like breaking in the cube) before using other lubricants.

===WD-40===
Known for damaging cubes by wearing the pieces in and making them harder to turn, this does not actually act as a lubricant for the plastic at all. However, there have been some success stories of WD-40 being used on cubes and making them smoother.
It is recommended you '''do not use this'''. If you must, however, you should wash or wipe it off after about half an hour.

===Liquid Wrench===
Even though Liquid Wrench says Silicone Spray on the can, it still contains petroleum distillates. The lubricant also has a very petroleum-like smell and will stay there. Liquid Wrench is not odorless. Do not use this. It contains less than 5% of silicone.

== Miscellaneous Other Lubricants ==

=== Cooking No-stick Spray ===
Yes, PAM. Not necessarily the cleanest or best thing to use, it works nonetheless. It will slowly eat the plastic but not nearly as fast as petroleum based products. It is recommended you clean out your cube frequently if you use this.

=== White Lithium Grease ===
There are some mixed results of this lubricant, but it does work fairly well. The cube will have a sticky feeling after using it, though it wears off after some [[breaking-in]].

=== Furniture Polish ===
Some furniture polishes such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Sheen Mr Sheen] and [http://www.uclean.com/catalog/productInfo/chemicals/polishes/johnson_shine_up_polish_32_oz_lemon.html Shine-Up Polish] contain silicone and can be a cheap and widely available lubricant. Reviews are mixed with some reporting a positive result, while others aren't convinced.

=== Graphite Powder ===
A dry, oil-free solution. Reduces the 'sticky' feeling, but causes cube to turn less smoothly.

===Maru Lubricant===
A white, milk like liquid. Works very well and is very popular. If the liquid gets on the outside of your cube, it will be slippery and will smell a bit.

== External Links ==
* YouTube: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ppbBM11UYc How to lubricate a Rubik's cube] - standard method (by Jh543)
* YouTube: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v0UiJsXb8A How to Lube Your Rubik's Cube] - standard method, inc 4x4x4 (by VanquishSDude)
* YouTube: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tarWH5BCZVw How to Lube Your Cube] - disassembling the cube (by biggajigga721)
* YouTube: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtOHpSyfjd8 Rubik's Cube Lubrication experiment] (by badmephisto)

* Speedsolving.com: [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5584 Which silicone lubricant to use, and where to get?]
* Speedsolving.com: [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15450 Jigaloo Vs Crc]
* Speedsolving.com: [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9801 What Lube and Where to get it from?] (UK Lube)
* Speedsolving.com: [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12822 UK Cubing Lubricant]
* Speedsolving.com: [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14477 Shock Oil]
* Speedsolving.com: [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9380 Lubricant Other than Silicone Spray]
* Speedsolving.com: [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23260 Shock Oil VS. CRC Silicone Spray]

* Wikipedia: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friction Friction]

[[Category:Puzzle Hardware]]
[[Category:Cubing Terminology]]

FAQ

2011-01-05T23:37:50Z

Flan: /* What is the best cube? */

== Frequently Asked Questions ==
Feel free to fill in the answers. Link to posts or sites you feel are relevant or provide your own original content.

Do *not* copy other people's content from their sites and simply paste it in here. That's called plagiarism and it's stealing.
=== Cubes ===
==== What is the best cube? ====
It really depends on your personal preference. For DIYs, the most common cubes among the worlds best are the Alpha-V, ShengEn F-II, and the very popular DaYan GuHong or LingYun cubes.

For more information, see the [[Cube Hardware]] page.

==== Where can I buy cubes? ====
You can try [http://www.rubikfans.com: Rubikfans], [http://www.rubiks.com: Rubik's official Store], [http://www.9spuzzles.com: 9spuzzles], [http://www.puzl.co.uk: puzl.co.uk ], [http://www.cube4you.com: Cube4You], [http://cubefans.com/: Cubefan's], or other places such as ebay. Cubefans and Cube4You are the same store, it's just that Cube4You works best on Internet Explorer. For specialty products, try [http://www.mefferts.com/: Meffert's] and the [https://v-cubes.com/ecom/home.php?cat=248: V Cube shop]. Also, it's a good idea to check some garage sales or flea markets, as puzzles have been found for much cheaper than actual value.

Be aware that buying "knock-offs" (illegal copies of currently patented puzzles) is frowned upon by many forum members. A "[[Knock-Off Policy|knock-off policy]]" is currently under discussion.

@ See [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15237 speedsolving.com discussion]

==== How do I lubricate my cube? ====
You can either take a piece or two out and spray the lubricant in directly, or disassemble and fully spray the lubricant on every piece with sweeps. There are many tutorials in youtube if you need help. Also, check youtube for techniques to lubricate big cubes.

The best lubricants tend to be silicone based. Products like Jig-a-Loo and CRC Heavy Duty Silicone spray are very popular among cubers. There is a lubricant made specially for cubing which can be bought at [http://stores.shop.ebay.com/PuzzleProz Puzzleproz]. You should never use WD-40 lube on your cube as it contains petroleum distillates which can damage the plastic. Some people do use petroleum jelly to break in really stiff cubes such as storeboughts, but it should never be used as lube.

For more info on lubricants see the [[lubrication]] page.

==== How do I keep my screws from unscrewing when I turn the Cube? ====
Several options:
# Replace the core
# Replace the screws
# Glue or locktite them in place
==== Textured or Smooth Tiles? ====
Both of them are durable, so if you are looking for a more permanent replacement for your stickers, this is the way to go.

As for which type, it's all in your preference. Textured will have more of a grip which can help if you have sweaty, oily, moist, etc. hands since it will keep it from slipping too much.

Smooth, however, does still have texture. It just so happens to have a little bit less, so if you don't want something quite as bumpy, get the smooth tiles.

=== Notation ===
==== What does <insert some notation here> mean? ====
The official notation of the World Cube Association can be found here: [http://www.worldcubeassociation.org/regulations/#notation]

Wikipedia also has a description of the notation in a different format: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubik%27s_Cube#Move_notation]

There are many other references on the Net, try googling "rubik cube notation" if you don't like either of the above.
Here's a page with pictures: http://www.cubewhiz.com/notation.html

==== The notation I'm asking about isn't in the WCA regulations, how do I decipher how to turn it? ====
Some older notation used "w" for a wide turn, so Rw would be the same as r in WCA notation.
(This topic can be added to)

==== The notation I'm asking about came from a Japanese cuber site, how do I decipher these also? ====
Japanese cubers commonly use a different notation for cube rotations. (r) means to rotate the entire cube in the direction you would make an R turn. Similarly, (u') would be the same as a y rotation.

=== Timers ===
==== Where can I buy a timer like they use in competition? ====
* [http://www.speedstacks.com: speedstacks.com] is probably the most reliable source for timers, but they only ship to the US and Canada.
* [http://www.cube4you.com/catalog_23.html cube4you.com]
* [http://www.kidology.org/store/catalog.asp?item=1168&category=103 kidology.org]
* [http://www.puzl.co.uk/stackmat-speedcubing-timer-p-210.html puzl.co.uk]
* [http://www.ebay.com: eBay] sometimes you can find a cheap deal.
It's also possible to make your own timer [http://grrroux.free.fr/workshop/workshop.html].

@ see related threads on forum [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9624 here] and [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6333 here].

==== Are there timers on the Internet? ====
Yes.

Try [http://www.cubetimer.com Cubetimer], [http://www.rubetimer.com Rubetimer], or look for other timers. Also, [http://www.cubemania.com Cubemania] is a site that times and keeps track of all the solves you submit. The [[Web-based Software]] Wiki page also has up-to-date info on online timers.

==== Can I download a timer for my computer/phone/psp? ====
You can download CCT [http://cube.garron.us/cct/] for your computer. This is the timer that is very popular with many features like being able to connect a speedstacks timer with a data port to the computer and use it with CCT. Another great timer is [http://www.strangepuzzle.com/jnetcube.html JNet Cube].

For your phone, if it has a built in timer, then use that. If you don't then you probably won't be able to time yourself. However, if you have an iPhone or iPod Touch, then you're in luck. There is an app that times your solves called "iCube Timer".

Note that for solves that take more than 15 seconds, a simple analog clock will work just fine if you don't need precise timing.

==== Where can I find a scramble generator? ====
Most timers (customized for cubing) come preset with scrambles.
If your timer does not have scrambles, you can use [http://www.worldcubeassociation.org/regulations/#scrambling this page] to find a scramble generator for your puzzle. The [[Web-based Software]] Wiki page also has up-to-date info on online scramblers.

==== What is standard deviation? ====
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_deviation
In probability theory and statistics, standard deviation is a measure of the variability or dispersion of a population, a data set, or a probability distribution. A low standard deviation indicates that the data points tend to be very close to the same value (the mean), while high standard deviation indicates that the data are spread out over a large range of values.

=== Competitions ===
==== Where are the rules for WCA competitions? ====
On the [http://www.worldcubeassociation.org/regulations/ WCA site] of course!

==== How fast do I need to be to compete? ====
There's no requirement for speed to participate in most competitions. Even high level competitions like the US Nationals are open to all, if you see a time listed for "prequalification", this is a time that allows you to skip the qualifying round. If you are slower than that time you will still be allowed to take part in the qualifications.

If you have the opportunity to attend a competition, even if you're not very fast, most experienced competitors would advise you to go for the social interaction and experience.

=== Methods ===
==== What is the fastest method? ====
There is no ''ultimate method'', its really down to personal preference. The most popular [[3x3x3 Speedcubing Methods | speedcubing method]] is currently Fridrich, although other methods such as [[Petrus]], [[Roux]] and [[ZZ]] are rising in popularity. [[Fridrich]] is currently used by many of the top speedcubers, and is as such believed to be the fastest method. However, others attribute this to its popularity. The most obvious/natural progression from the [[beginner LBL]] method is Fridrich, which may explain its popularity. Being the most popular means it gains the most support and development, and is also more likely to be adopted by a talented cuber. More info can be found in the [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum speedsolving forums], where this often comes up as topic of debate.

==== What is the easiest method? ====
The easiest [[Complete Method List | method]] to learn is probably the beginner's [[layer-by-layer]] (LBL) method in which you solve the first, second, and the finally the last layer one by one. It's pretty basic, therefore easy to learn. However, this method however is relatively inefficient and is hard to achieve good times with. Other [[3x3x3 Beginner Methods | beginner]] methods exist, focusing on lower numbers of algorithms and/or more intuitive solving. Compared to the others, the [[LBL]] method has the easiest transition to the popular [[Fridrich]] speedcubing method.

==== What is the method that uses the fewest moves? ====
The most popular method for Fewest Moves solving is the [[Petrus]] method. Although it is designed for speed, it tends to have a very good move efficiency compared to other methods. The [[Heise]] method is another method that was designed specifically for move efficiency rather than speed. It is highly intuitive and very difficult to master. Other methods can be still be made efficient if you plan your moves carefully.
More info on FM can be found on the [[Fewest Moves]] page.

==== Should I learn algorithms for F2L or learn it intuitively? ====
That is entirely your choice. Learning the algs isn't entirely hard since most cases can be seen and understood by practicing the algorithms. Intuitively, it will take practice to be able to do with speed and efficiency.

Most people choose to learn intuitively and with some practice, it can be just as fast. Intuitive F2L is may take more time to master but it is generally preferred because it allows for the use of advanced speed-reducing techniques such as multislotting and the use of empty slots.

==== How can I get faster? ====
Practise, practise, practise. That is the key way to get speed. Normally, with some work, your times will gradually drop without you doing anything.

If you haven't, try learning an advanced method. That should help you lower your times considerably.

Work on lowering your move count, look ahead and experiment with tricks.

Learn new algorithms.

Unglue your eyes from your computer screen, pick up your puzzle, and try to get faster. :p
==== I think I invented a new method, did I? ====
Probably not. If you haven't studied and don't fully understand the concepts behind all the major solving methods (CFOP, Petrus, Roux, ZZ, Waterman) and know the basic philosophy of the advanced variations (MGLS, ZB, Heise) then don't even bother asking.

=== Miscellaneous ===
==== Should I make a new web site about cubing? ====
Probably not unless you're actually going to provide something fresh and new and not just rehash the information already available on the 'net.
@see the Wiki [[Cubing Sites | list of cubing sites]]

==== What does AUF mean? ====
Adjust U Face
==== What does XXX mean? ====
Macky created a great glossary of cubing terms. This is a great first stop if you see a term or abbrevation you don't understand.
http://cubefreak.net/other/glossary.html

== See Also ==
* [[Main Page]]
* [[General Information]]
* [[Puzzle Theory]]
* [[Puzzle Notation]]
* [[Puzzle Hardware]]
* [[Cubing Terminology]]
* [[Methods]]

[[Category:Cubing Resources]]

One-Handed Solving

2011-01-05T23:31:27Z

Flan:

'''One-Handed solving''' (or '''OH''' for short) is a category of [[speedcubing]] that is become very popular. One-handed solving requires the participant to solve a Rubik's cube with one hand, and the rules are very strict: you cannot touch the cube with your body or anything other than the table during a solve. This may seem very difficult, but people have gotten averages of as low as [http://www.worldcubeassociation.org/results/regions.php?regionId=&eventId=333oh&years=&mixed=Mixed 14.76 seconds] on the [[3x3x3]], with typical competition-winning times being around 20–21 seconds.

==Which Hand to Use?==

While it may appear most obvious that the best hand to use is the dominant hand (i.e. right-handed cubers would use their right hand), using the other hand can work just as well. One reason to use the other hand is if you normally execute algorithms with mostly R and U moves, you will find it much easier to do these turns with your left hand (and similarly L turns are easier to do with the right hand). It is also helpful to do OH with a hand that is already used to holding the cube. Either hand can be very fast, though, and you should definitely try both hands to see which one feels better for you.

==Making Turns==

Most one-handed cubers will hold the cube with the thumb and middle finger (and often the ring finger as well) and perform turns with the other fingers. Since one goal of one-handed cubing is to use as many R and U turns (or L and U) as possible as they are much faster and more comfortable, the focus is on how to do these turns easily, and there are two main schools of thought on how to accomplish this:
* One way, used by Ryan Patricio, involves using the index and ring finger: the index finger does U by pushing LUB, U' by pushing BUL, and R' by pushing BUR, and the ring finger does R by pushing BDR. The ring finger is also free to do D and D' moves, so this method can be useful for people who use a lot of LUR or URD algorithms.
* The second way, used by the top Japanese OH cubers as well as Brian Loftus, involves using the index and pinky fingers only. The cube is held with the other three fingers, and then the index finger does U by pushing FUL and U' by pushing BUL, and the pinky does R by pushing BRD and R' by pushing FRD. Although this method is faster for sequences of only U and R turns, no other turns are possible without rotating the cube or changing the grip, so this method of turning can require more cube rotations than the other kind. It is however possible to do u and r turns with a slight grip change.

==Training the OH Hand==

For most people who want to try OH, their fingers will not initially be anywhere near strong or fast enough to perform [[algorithm]]s quickly, so there are several ways to train the hand:
* Doing specific moves over and over. Just doing RU' or RUR'U' repeatedly can be useful for training the fingers involved in those positions.
* Performing algorithms. Simply solving a lot without a break, or doing OLL or PLL attacks, can be very useful for training not only the different types of movements required for a solve but also the endurance of the fingers involved. Slowing down at the end of a solve would indicate that you need more endurance.
* Executing random moves or scrambles. Johannes Laire suggests this method of training; it is useful for exercising the whole hand and not just the fingers that are involved in turns.

=="One-Handed Amnesia"==

Many beginning OH solvers have found that when they start doing OH solves they often forget algorithms while they are solving, even if they know the algorithms very well for two-handed solving. This might be because sometimes people learn algorithms using muscle memory, and thus are unable to perform them slowly or one turn at a time. If you want to start OH solving, be prepared to have to relearn some of the algorithms that you thought you knew.
@see [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14911 speedsolving.com alg Amnesia thread]

== See Also ==
* [[Solving with Feet]]
* [[Blindsolving]]
* [[Fewest Moves]]
* [[3x3x3 Cubes]]

== External Links ==
* Speedsolving.com: [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15523 Beginners one handed tips and pointers thread]
* Speedsolving.com: [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20561 Robert's OH algorithm discoveries]
* [http://pagesperso-orange.fr/absolutemind/oll1h-angl.html Absolute OLL OH] by Sébastien FELIX
* [http://pagesperso-orange.fr/absolutemind/pll1h-angl.html Absolute PLL OH] by Sébastien FELIX
* [http://www.loftycuber.110mb.com/oll.html Lofty's Guide to One Hand Cubing OLL] by Brian Loftus
* [http://www.loftycuber.110mb.com/pll.html Lofty's Guide to One Hand Cubing PLL] by Brian Loftus
[[Category:Solving Variants]]