Hanoi Coaster

It is a coaster that is at the same time a puzzle.

It is based on the classic Tower of Hanoi puzzle but reinvented so that its resolution is done by sliding small discs.

Puzzle objective

1. Keep your table dry.
2. Place all the discs at the other end of the rail in the correct order.
3. Both previous objectives are not compatible.

Updates!

• 2023-02-06: Added new Full Middle Rail version for the Base.

Before printing

To assemble this coaster contact glue is required. There are various rails, engravings and inserts in the different parts to facilitate gluing, read the assembly instructions carefully to simplify assembly as much as possible.

The pieces only fit in a specific order, so you will have to print them in a gradient of colors that help to know the correct order. Don't you have enought colors? don't worry, discs labeled with numbers are also available.

You'll also need to choose whether or not you want your discs to have labeled numbers or colors, depending on how difficult you want the puzzle to be:

• Easy: Colors and numbers or just numbers.
• Medium-easy: Gradient colors (as in the photos, the colors will help you know the correct order).
• Medium-hard: Random colors (you will have to memorize the order of the colors when you start).
• Very hard: No colors or numbers (you will have to memorize which disc is each one at each moment 😈).

Printing

• All parts are optimally oriented for printing.
• You can print it at 0.2mm layer height or less.
• Print one Base - Bottom and one Base - Top.
• Choose which base you want to print, there are two versions, one with the shorter central rail and the other with the central rail the same length as the outer ones (labelled as Full Middle Rail), surprisingly there are slight differences in the resolution, make sure to print the two parts of the same base, cannot be mixed.
• Choose if you want the discs labeled or not and print one of each (5 in total), keep in mind that each disc is different. The colors in the names are to be able to identify them in the photos.

Assembly

1. Place the discs parts with one axis protruding in a line on the table with the axis pointing up. The order is not important, but it can help you in the assembly.
2. Now place the Base - Top face down over the discs, and fit the discs in the central rail, check the image to confirm that you have oriented it correctly. If you've done it right, both the discs and the Base - Top should be completely flat on the table. Check the photos to see if you got it right.
3. Fit the discs parts that have a hole in their respective partner:
   • If you printed them all in the same color and with numbers, make sure to fit the smallest disc in number 1 and continue like this until the largest disc fit in number 5.
   • If you printed them in different colors help yourself of the colors to know the pair of each one.
   • If you printed them without labels or color, it really doesn't matter which one you pair each one with.
4. Now you will need to apply a little contact glue only to the edges of the square of each disc. The glue will drain down those edges and secure the two parts of each disc together. Don't forget to check the photos.
5. It is recommended that you wait long enough for it to dry before continuing, otherwise the glue will leave marks on the Base - Bottom. 15-30 minutes? It depends on the glue and the environmental conditions. You can speed up the drying with some moist air.
6. Once they are dry to the touch. Yes, touch it to make sure it shouldn't stick to your finger and you shouldn't feel wet. Make sure that they do not separate if you lift the assembly off the table. Also make sure that the discs slide well on the rails.
7. Place the assembly back on the table as before and make sure that the discs stay in the central part. Keep the Base - Bottom close, you'll need it soon.
8. Now apply contact glue all over the engraving of the Base - Top, starting with the center engraving first and finishing with the engraving on the outside. Don't worry if it overflows a bit. You can also draw an X in the center part. Check the photos to make sure how to do it correctly.
9. Now looking at the engraving correctly orient the Base - Bottom and stick it against the Base - Top. Check the last photo. The engraving will help you position them correctly. Press down for a few seconds until the glue dries.
10. And that's it! Make sure the discs keep sliding smoothly and enjoy your coaster.