[MyMagic] Freer

Meir’s Muses
MyMagic eNewsletter #937
June 12, 2021

Winston Freer (1910-1981) had a tremendous impact on the magic field and is mostly known for his classification of magic tricks and the Tile Puzzle that has had a resurgence when magicians and mathematicians started demonstrating it online. It ignited many versions and variations.

It was originally published under his stage name Doc Maxam and called Tiledeal. It was basically his variation/expansion of the principle in Paul Curry’s Paradox (also referred to as a geometric vanish).

When I first saw Karl Norman do it and sell it in the early 1980s, I liked it but was too young to appreciate it. The only version I ever performed, until now, was the Puzzling Chocolates I introduced you to a few years ago, which I really like (HERE).

These puzzles are generally difficult and time consuming to make because of the angles that the pieces must be cut to, and that is why they usually sell for hundreds of dollars.

A few months ago, Mitch Geier told me he was making some using a 3D printer. I got a sample and I really liked it. These are small enough to carry with you and are extremely attractive. The best part is that he agreed to sell them for less than $100 each. I also came up with a presentational premise and shot a video tutorial to go with it.

He told me that he uses three 3D printers that run for fourteen hours to make each one. I am expecting the prices to go up once he gets his electric bill!

►Tile Puzzle:

This plastic version of the famous Tile Puzzle was made using 3D printers. It is easier for you to watch the trailer to see what happens and how impossible it looks than trying to explain the routine.

There have been many different versions of this impossible puzzle made from many different materials. There have also been many versions that use secret gimmicks that accomplish the same effect.

This version whose overall size is 5.5”x6.75”x1.25” is based on the Winston Freer original and is self-working.

Watch and buy: HERE

Stay happy, Meir

PS: Just got notified that 18 of the Puzzling Chocolates have been shipped to me and might be here as early as Monday! Sign up for notifications: HERE