03-Sep-2024
Today, I am attaching the slide key (kannuki) panels for a 54-step Himitsubako. This box has eight “bocchi”, and attaching them takes a lot of time. So, yesterday, I made the slide key panels, and today, I attached and shaved down the eight bocchis. Just now, I finished attaching the slide key panel of first side. and tomorrow I will attach another slide key panel.
As you can see in the photo, this slide key panel is divided into seven parts. Typically, a slide key panel (up to a 27-step mechanism) is divided into three parts. So, attaching this panel requires a bit more care. I have to ensure that the parts do not shift or leave gaps. I attach all seven parts in a single step rather than in separate steps. I apply glue to the back of each of the seven parts, but I have to be extremely careful not to let any glue seep out. If it does, one part could stick to an adjacent part, causing the mechanism to stop working. Since the glue stretches when the panel is pressed down, I also need to calculate the amount of stretch beforehand when applying the glue. However, if too little glue is used, the slide key panel, which is a critical part of the mechanism, might come off during operation. Although other Himitsubako also require such delicate gluing, the 54-step Himitsubako requires even more attention because the areas where glue is applied are very small. And once the panels are attached, I secure them firmly with rubber bands overnight as usual.
In addition to this, I will be attaching the slide key panel on another side of the 4-sun cube box today. In contrast, this box is larger, has ample surface area for gluing, and is divided into just three parts, making it much easier to attach😁
Today, I also started preparing for the next work, the 4-sun 27-step Himitsubako. I prepared the necessary wood for its production. This work is for the Hakone market, and it is a reproduction of the puzzle box I made in May this year. The design features traditional yosegi on the top and bottom panels and striped patterns on the side panels. It seems this design was very well received, as I received another request from the Hakone wholesaler. I’ll be making about 50 of them in total. Since the deadline is approaching, I need to work quickly. I hope the weather stays dry (though I wouldn’t mind if it wasn’t too hot…😂).
