How to Choose Your Cube Setup

Have you ever tried to set your cube up on your own? But did not get the right set-up you wanted? If so, then this will be the perfect guide for you.

What is Cube Setup?

Setting up your cube simply means changing the mechanical settings or other features of your cube to make it suitable for your turning style. This will help you in becoming smoother and better. For example, if your turning is very fast, an uncontrollable setting on the cube will best suit you.

This is just a mere example, we will get into the details in some time.

What are the Things Required?

These may vary according to the cube you want to set up. The basic things are the tools given to change the cube’s settings (which includes screw, spring, maglev or magnetic strength adjustment system), and some lubricants (this also varies on the type of setup you are aiming for, about which you will get to know after reading this blog), a cloth (or tissue). If the cube you are going to set up is a new one, the above is enough. If it is an already used one, you may have to clean the internals. For this, you will require an old toothbrush, towel (or tissue), and some water.

Cleaning the Cube

This is for people who have to clean their cubes’ internals. You may skip this if not needed.

The first thing is to disassemble the cube and separate the corners, edges, centre caps and core. Start cleaning each piece one by one thoroughly, first with a dry towel, then with a wet brush, and towel again. Then let the piece dry for some time. Repeat this process for every piece. This may be time-consuming but definitely efficient. Repeat this same process for the centre caps and the core as well. Make sure to get every corner of the core to avoid greasy or dusty places.

Note: Sometimes the cube you receive may be pre-lubed. If that does not suit you, you can use the above process to clean it up. But most of the time, it is better to use the pre-setup cube as it lasts longer and is good enough most of the time.

Choosing the Right Settings 

Choosing the right settings for your screw, springs, magnets, etc. is sometimes quite difficult to decode. For example, if you want a fast cube, loosening the screws is not the solution. It just makes the cube too flimsy and very uncontrollable. But, using this guide, you will be able to set up your cube without any complications.

Choosing the Right Lubricants

Not all cubes require the same type of lube. Some will require a lube with low viscosity (low density, in simple terms, fast lube), and some will need ones with high viscosity (high density, slow lube). Some will even require both or lubes with other viscosities.

What will Suit You?

We will be going about with a few examples with which you will get an idea of how to use the settings in the cube and the lubes as well.

1. If you need a very fast cube, then

For the screws, loosen them to a limited extent and make sure it's not flimsy and as for the springs (or MagLev), adjust them such that it doesn't make the cube look out of place. Now add some weight 1 or weight 2 lube (depending on how fast you want the cube to turn) like the Cubelelo’s hurricane or storm on the pieces. For stability, you can add some weight 3 or 4 on the tracks. If your cube has a magnetic adjustment system, keep it between 1-3 levels before the weakest one as the cube is already fast at this point.

2. If you need a stable cube,

Set the screws to the middle setting. That is, when you pull 2 opposite edges apart from each other, there should roughly be a gap of 3mm between the edge and the centre. The same applies to springs (or MagLev), put it close to a middle setting. For instance, around 3-5 for a MoYu cube.

As for the lubes, use a weight of 3 (swift) for pieces. Make sure to add weight 2 for the tracks so as to not make the cube too stable (slow).

The magnetic setting is best recommended to keep a level or 2 lower than the strongest setting.

This setting is the best for One-Handed when you want a controllable cube. I mostly prefer this type of setup for OH and 3x3 as well if you want to control your turning.

Conclusion 

So these are some of the examples I can give you. These will help you get a rough idea of how to use what type of lube. You can still play around with the lubes and settings if you have the budget or the extra cubes for it.

You can reach out to my social media handles if you need any help regarding this.

Hope this helps, all the best and enjoy your setup!

About Author

Saseeth Srilok Majeti

Saseeth Srilok Majeti is currently Top 12 in India for 3x3 One-Handed (Average). He started cubing when he was 12 and he has an overall competitive experience of 2 years. His main events are 3x3, 4x4, and 3x3 OH. His hobbies are YouCubing, which includes spreading awareness about cubing, and Cube Photography. He has participated in 4 competitions and won 3 podiums with 1 Bronze and 2 Silver medals.