17-Oct-2024
Today, my main task is crafting the Aruki panels (moving panels) for the 4.2-sun 27-step Japanese puzzle box. The process is almost the same as making a standard 4-sun 27-step box, but this one is slightly larger (photo). I plan to attach this Aruki to the box frame by the end of today.
The thickness of this Aruki is 8.5 mm, and I make all my 27-move Aruki with this thickness. For example, the Aruki for 12 or 14-step boxes is about 6 to 6.5 mm thick, so the 27-step version feels more stable due to the added thickness. Generally, I find that a thicker board provides better stability when the Aruki moves. However, the thicker the board, the more material needs to be shaved off, making the adjustments more difficult. That’s why, despite the extra effort, I actually prefer making 27-step boxes over 14-step ones. It’s more work, but I enjoy it!😁
In the photo, it’s small and a bit hard to see, but I’m carving a four-step jagged shape into this 8.5 mm board. This jagged shape works in conjunction with the internal mechanism’s steps to create the 27-times.
So, today I suddenly started making a 2-sun cube drawer box😅 Actually, I had 12 of these box structures left over from last month’s production. I had made them for an order and stored the extras as just the structures. So today, I started by attaching the outer panels. I wasn’t sure which design to go with, but since there are only a few, I decided on the most popular combination: traditional Yosegi with walnut wood. By the end of today, I’ll complete the second step of attaching the walnut side panels. This box has been out of stock for a while, so I thought I’d make them sooner (though there are only 12, unfortunately… haha).
The drawers that fit inside the box are already finished and stored, so once the box itself is complete, it’ll be ready for sale right away. However, this will use up the last of my traditional Yosegi marquetry sheets for the 2-sun cube, so this box might be out of stock for a while until the next delivery arrives (yosegi-sheet). Since the 2-sun cube drawer box is a popular item, I’m also considering making other designs in time for the Christmas sale…if I can finish them in time…😅
