18-Oct-2024
Today it’s cloudy, with occasional rain showers. Since I was out during the day, I didn’t get much work done, so I’d like to introduce one of my past works. That being said, I’m actually planning to make this particular piece again soon. After finishing the 4-sun and 4.2-sun boxes that I’m currently working on, the next project will be this 4-sun 18-step Japanese puzzle box.
A few of these are orders from overseas shops, it’s the combination design for this order, featuring traditional Yosegi and Ichimatsu Yosegi patterns.
and most of them will likely go into my own inventory. However, this time, instead of using traditional yosegi, I’ll be making a design that combines Rosewood and checkered yosegi pattern (Ichimatsu) for the inventory, like the one in this photo (photo).
I haven’t made many 18-step boxes recently, but I decided to make one this time due to a special request. Since I already have a 14-step version, the 18-step box isn’t usually necessary, as the difference in the number of steps is small. After the 14-step version, I often jump to making the 27-step boxes. However, the 18-step box is actually easy to make because it uses the same Aruki (moving panel) size as the 14-step version. One of the key features of this box is that, despite having fewer moves, it has four moving panels: two on the top and bottom, and two on the sides.
Therefore, this 18-step mechanism can be made using the aruki materials and parts from the 14-step mechanism. Since it involves moving panels on all four sides, it requires creating stair-like notches on the aruki. However, the same 6.5mm wood can be used. This 18-step mechanism can also be built into the 3-sun size box, and I have made it many times before (photo).
The photo shows the 3-sun size 18-step puzzle box with a combination design of traditional Yosegi and Ichimatsu yosegi patterns. The aruki panels for the 3-sun size (12-step and 14-step mechanisms) are usually around 5mm, but this 18-step mechanism uses 6.5mm panels. Although this slightly reduces the internal space of the box, I tried making it, and since it functioned well, I have continued producing them.
The 3-sun size 18-step box is actually rarer than the 4-sun size version, which makes it more popular on my website😄
