The weather was nice again today, but it was still a chilly day. Around this time of year, I always wonder how long I should continue buying kerosene. At the workshop and at home, I use a kerosene heater, but once it becomes warm, I suddenly stop using it. If any kerosene is left over, I have to store it until next year, and I would prefer not to do that. I have heard that old kerosene is not good for heating equipment. However, it is still cold in the mornings and evenings, so yesterday I bought one container at the gas station. One container holds 18 liters. Of course, I can buy any amount I like, but I usually buy 18 liters. In the past, I asked the staff to fill it for me, but as self-service has become more common, I now fill both kerosene and gasoline myself at most stations.
I also made progress on several tasks in the workshop today.The materials for the top panels that I glued yesterday need to sit a little longer, so today I mainly worked on the 14-steps puzzle boxes. Even though the panels are plywood, they may still contain some moisture. So I leave them under pressure while they dry, to help keep the boards straight. Fortunately, the weather has been dry these past few days, so they should be ready to use soon. The top panels are installed with a very precise fit. If, after cutting and attaching them, they dry further and shrink even slightly in width, it can affect the movement of the mechanism. For that reason, it is better to let them fully adjust to the climate before processing them.If possible, I would like to process them tomorrow. To be ready to start the work right away, I have at least sanded them in advance.
For the 14-steps puzzle boxes, today I prepared the remaining materials that were not yet ready and did the initial work on the side panels. Now everything is prepared, and I can begin full production at any time. I will continue the work while balancing it with the progress of the 27-steps puzzle boxes. The photo shows the random wood grain panels that I am planning to use for the 14-steps boxes. These (two panels) are leftovers from a previous production, and I plan to create a similar design this time. However, since the quantity will be smaller, I am also considering adding a little extra detail to the design. When I first made this design, I produced several panels as a trial. I used the ones with brighter and stronger colors first, and these two more subdued ones were left over. However, when I first sold this design, it was actually the calmer-colored panels that sold out first. I am not entirely sure why, but perhaps many people prefer a more balanced and quiet tone. The type with a white wood placed in the center, creating a strong contrast, may have looked a little mismatched to some people. Personally, I also find it interesting when the colors have a clearer movement and contrast. This time as well, I would like to think carefully about the balance of colors while deciding on the final design.
