Does anyone know of a 3D disk stacking puzzle?
It feels like I'm going crazy because I've been trying to find this thing for years with no luck.
A very long time ago, I got a 3D puzzle of the globe made of disks that needed to be stacked on a spike. Like a decorative Hanoi Tower puzzle. Wasn't particularly difficult but it looked really cool after sticking the pieces together and painting. Unfortunately it was lost while the family moved back in 2005 and figured I could just get another one and a few other designs. No dice. Anywhere. Local games and hobby stores never stocked it. Later, Google was no help. My family don't even remember seeing it so there's a chance I might be hallucinating.
Every few months I get a brainwave of new search terms to query with no luck and I keep putting off just asking online. But now that I've almost finished my new office, I really want it on my shelf.
So anyone know anything about it or am I better off making it in CAD and CNC cutting my own thing?
Yes! I remember that one! I had it too! I can't remember what happened to mine but I had the globe just like you're talking about. Cardboard discs stacked to form the globe with patterns cut in each disc for the continents!
I found one! https://www.ebay.ca/itm/385482022545
Holy crap, seeing that box again brings back memories. Looks like I danced around the term "sculpture" for so long. Unfortunately international e-bay shipping over here is spotty at best. Shipping costs and customs doesn't help either. But I put up a few pics on local thrift and collectors forums so hoping for a seller to turn up.
I have been reaching out for quotes to machine cut my own. The originals look like 1mm(0.04in) cardstock but I can get down to 0.25mm plastic for insane resolution, and price, and complexity. If making my own works well and I save enough, I might treat myself to a steel model.
Like this guy? Not that exact piece, since it is a historical piece, but that style or maybe a replica?
I remember these as well! My dad was a teacher and we'd often get teaching supply catalogs at home and I, an avid reader, would often flip through them in the bathroom or while waiting in his study for him to finish something. I distinctly remember the globe and Mt Rushmore being featured prominently as fun classroom projects.
And I found some more info about them, if you're interested in other designs: https://www.geekyhobbies.com/3d-sculpture-puzzles-a-brief-history-explanation-on-how-to-solve-and-where-to-purchase/
I'm sure the purchase links are long dead, but there is at least the info to base a search on. Now I kind of want a Darth Vader one...
I was literally about to post about my Darth Vader one earlier today! I had a half-finished comment I never posted...