The Daedalus Cube

Note: this design is copyrighted by Gregory Benedetti and can only be used for personal enjoyment. Do not distribute or sell this model.

Please leave a comment, if you build the cube and I'll try to improve the process for future builders.

What is the Daedalus Cube?

The Daedalus cube is an amazing design by Gregory Benedetti and challenges the user to take apart, and reassemble the model from pieces that move along hidden tracks. I’ve built hundreds of burr style puzzles and cubes and I have never seen anything resembling this design. To me, it is unique and a great item for any collector or puzzle enthusiast. 

There are three videos below that explain more about the cube, how to build it, and finally give solutions for assembling it and taking it apart.

Hardware required:

This is a fun project to build, and you will require a few pieces of hardware:

1. 17 x M3x6mm socket head screws. Head of screw must be about 3.4mm Dia and 3mm high. See videos 1 or 2.
2. 2 x M3x12mm screws (any head)

Optional but recommended

    3. 4 x 5mmx2mm magnets (most common are 5mm x 1.6mm but the design accommodates both 1.6mm and 2mm thick magnets)

   4. If you build the cube holder, you may want a 608 metal bearing, but you can also use a 3D printed variety.

Printing Settings

• I used PolyLite PLA which worked great. Use a PLA which slides easily against itself. 
• 0.2mm layer, 3 perimeters and 3 top & bottom walls.
• 50% infill, Rectilinear, for cube pieces (gives better weight and feel when solving)
• Single perimeter for top layer: Seam: aligned.   

All files are oriented according to how they should be printed. Two of the frame pieces require support. I used painted-on support and my support pictures are shown above. The frame.3mf also includes my support settings for the frame.

Because M3 socket head screws could vary in dimensions, depending on where they are manufactured, I strongly recommend to print just 2 parts first to ensure that your M3 screw heads fit easily within the grooves in the model. (see build video for more details) 

Once you have completed building the cube pieces, you may wish to have someone else assemble the cube from the solution video. But, be warned, it has taken several months for some to solve. I did not solve this myself. There is much enjoyment in simply learning how to take-apart and put  the cube back together and admiring its design.

3 Videos below cover info, building and solving the Daedalus cube.

Introduction to the Daedalus Cube

How to build the Daedalus Cube

How to solve the Daedalus Cube