16-Aug-2024
Today, as the weather forecast, it’s raining due to the typhoon. So, as planned, I’m working on applying yosegi-sheet to the boards (as mentioned in yesterday’s post). This time, I’m applying yosegi-sheet for 5-sun boxes. The type of box I’m making is a 27-step puzzle box. I’ll probably be making around 50 of these early next month. Additionally, although it’s only about five boxes, I’m also preparing yosegi-sheet for a 6-sun 54-step puzzle box that I’ll be making at the end of this month. Since the 54-step box uses a lot of yosegi-sheet, I’m only making the ordered quantity this time, so there won’t be any stock for the online store. I apologize for that. However, I might make a few 54-step boxes with natural wood designs at the same time, so please look forward to that.
As you can see in the photo, I apply glue to the board and then attach the yosegi-sheet. For this, I use a type of wood glue with a higher moisture content. That’s right—I actually use several different types of wood glue depending on the task. When applying the yosegi-sheet, I use a softer glue with more moisture so that the yosegi-sheet and the board adhere well. On the other hand, when attaching or assembling parts of the puzzle box, I use a type of glue with less moisture. This is to prevent unnecessary moisture from being absorbed into the parts, which helps to avoid warping or deformation. However, since glue with less moisture dries faster, it requires quick work. I also use this low-moisture type of glue when working on creating solid-yosegi pieces.
When I work, I often clamp the pieces with a vise or similar tool when the glue is about halfway dry. This is because if I apply strong pressure immediately after applying the glue, the “position” where the yosegi-sheet or parts are attached may shift. The drying time of the glue isn’t always the same, and on days like today when the humidity is high, it takes longer. It’s something I have to understand through my own experience and intuition 👍
