How to solve the Hanayama Cast Hourglass - the most difficult puzzle

After trying for 1 month, I have finally solved the Hanayama Cast Hourglass, which is rated as a 6 out of 6 stars difficulty. To me this is actually one of the most difficult puzzles in the Hanayama series, and maybe the most difficult ever!
It took me more than 2 weeks to understand some of the solving mechanisms, it helped to first think about how the puzzle can be taken apart in the end, e.g. which part of the puzzle can go through the gaps to be untangled. This was actually quite enjoyable to try to solve it in my mind, imagining the end state of the puzzle, then working backwards physically and understand which moves are allowed and which aren't.
Overall, I'd say this puzzle is not for the faint of heart, or someone who is not prepared to take on one of the hardest puzzles on earth. The handling is a bit tricky, even when I know what I have to do, I can't really do them smoothly as you can see from this video. Trust me, I have tried to move the pieces as smoothly as I could and have done multiple takes on this video!
Anyway I enjoyed this puzzle a lot, but it is really really challenging. Hope this video helped anyone who is stuck with this puzzle! Enjoy and please subscribe!
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[@downtimefun]

Have been trying to publish this video, but solving this puzzle took me longer than I expected, way longer! Well finally its done, hopefully this helps and please drop me a comment on what you think about this puzzle! Enjoy.

[@rhetumg8746]

well done!

[@downtimefun]

Thanks a lot!! this is super difficult but fun at the same time... maybe I like being tortured... -_-

[@robertmiller341]

I would have never took this approach on my own but I wanted to see and do it before I gave it to my cousins husband who finds many puzzles very easy.

[@downtimefun]

Get this or the Vortex which is really challenging. The UFO is also a good choice.. if what you want is to give him a good challenge :)

[@robertmiller341]

@@downtimefun I was just going to give him my hourglass I still have the box. It above my level.

[@downtimefun]

@@robertmiller341 I see I see, this one is real tough :)

[@dkkids]

My orientation is wrong with the gap pieces (was messing around with it on my own first) Not sure how to flip a gap piece around to get in the proper orientation.

[@downtimefun]

Not sure what your current situation is, but inverting the gaps require moves similar to the first move in my video (make a open scissor/v shape). Best is to try and reset the whole thing much easier said than done I know). Hope it helps.... this puzzle can get very frustrating.... but stick with it.

[@dkkids]

@@downtimefun Thank you so much! I found a video the other day that showed how to switch the pieces from the "square" configuration and that fixed my problem! (This has become one of my favorite puzzles!)

[@downtimefun]

Congrats and you have solved one of the hardest puzzles ever mass produced!

[@jimmyarthur8280]

Hard, yes you made it easy. Thanks

[@downtimefun]

Thank you and glad to be of help! Please subscribe if you haven't! :)

[@jimmyarthur8280]

did it! Thanks

[@downtimefun]

Grats!

[@VISZSIR]

Un po parlando con la volpe , uno per conto mio ho risolto per la seconda volta questa difficile clessidra... complimenti !

[@downtimefun]

Congratulations!

[@Wr.4ath]

It got stuck becouse i tryied to do like this tutorial said😭

[@downtimefun]

This puzzle is Physically very difficult to manipulate, which adds to the frustration and difficulty

[@yahairamontes406]

I’ve got mine here, but there are two together and the other are connected by the holes

[@downtimefun]

not sure about your situation from the description, but the movements of the pieces are similar so I will recommend you try to reset the puzzle (easier said than done)... keep at it! or send me a photo via instagram and I'll try to help

[@supere13]

Alright… so I have both of the non gap pieces stuck on the top 2 holes on the gap pieces. Wtf do I do?😅

[@downtimefun]

top 2 holes of the gap pieces: which side are the gaps facing?

[@supere13]

Both ways.

[@Mutisi0n]

Your video got me out of a stuck spot thanks to the 180° flip, thank you

[@downtimefun]

Glad that it helped! 👍🏻