Large batch
Rain is expected to start tonight, and it’s already cloudy with slightly higher humidity today. That makes for good conditions to do the finishing work on the Mame himitsu-bako, so I decided to do it in the morning.
This time, there are about 150 boxes in total, including both the 18-step and 4-step versions, so it’s a slightly larger batch. However, since the finishing process is the same for both types, I can work on them at the same time.Basically, I only make mame himitsu-bako with side panels that have yosegi marquetry, so even if the number of steps is different, I can do the finishing work together like this.
After rounding the corners of the boxes, I carefully sanded each of the side panels that were still slightly sticking out, one by one, using sandpaper. This time, there are also a few boxes with solid hexagonal yosegi pieces, so I will attach those after the boxes are fully finished. With that, the finishing process was completed, and in the afternoon, I applied the base coat.
After that, I continued from where I left off yesterday and attached the remaining sliding key panel to the other side of the 3-sun 12-step puzzle boxes.
Then, I began preparing for the next project.
The next project is already decided — a special order of 3-sun 12-step puzzle boxes that will officially begin next week. This time, I’ll be making 100 boxes. It’s quite a large order 😄 I received this order last year, so I decided to prioritize it and start production now. Although the full production will begin next week, I started preparing the materials and determining the dimensions this evening (photo). There are five types of parts: two kinds of Aruki panels, one type for the top Aruki panel, side panels, and axis panels. With these, I can assemble the basic structure of the box. Additional internal parts will also be needed separately.Since I’m currently working on another batch of 3-sun 12-step boxes, my hands are used to this process..haha😊 Although I’ve made this type many times before, if several months or even years pass between batches, it can take a little time to remember the specific techniques unique to that box.
For this order, all 100 boxes will feature a combination of traditional yosegi and walnut wood.
The 3-sun 12-step puzzle box has become one of my standard products, and I often receive orders for it from overseas shops as well. Compared to the 4-sun version, the 3-sun box is more affordable, so many people seem to choose it as their first puzzle box. There are a few different design variations, but the combination of traditional yosegi and walnut wood seems to be the most popular. The top and bottom panels feature traditional yosegi, which is made in large sheets. These sheets are then cut down to the size of the 3-sun box lids, so the pattern on each box is different. When attaching these panels to the box, I try to choose pieces with different patterns for the top and bottom so that each box has a unique feel. I also try to include a variety of colors and patterns in each individual box. The best is to make sure that whichever box a customer chooses, they’ll find something special and enjoyable in it.
See you again next week! Have a great weekend!
This time, there are about 150 boxes in total, including both the 18-step and 4-step versions, so it’s a slightly larger batch. However, since the finishing process is the same for both types, I can work on them at the same time.Basically, I only make mame himitsu-bako with side panels that have yosegi marquetry, so even if the number of steps is different, I can do the finishing work together like this.
After rounding the corners of the boxes, I carefully sanded each of the side panels that were still slightly sticking out, one by one, using sandpaper. This time, there are also a few boxes with solid hexagonal yosegi pieces, so I will attach those after the boxes are fully finished. With that, the finishing process was completed, and in the afternoon, I applied the base coat.
After that, I continued from where I left off yesterday and attached the remaining sliding key panel to the other side of the 3-sun 12-step puzzle boxes.
Then, I began preparing for the next project.
The next project is already decided — a special order of 3-sun 12-step puzzle boxes that will officially begin next week. This time, I’ll be making 100 boxes. It’s quite a large order 😄 I received this order last year, so I decided to prioritize it and start production now. Although the full production will begin next week, I started preparing the materials and determining the dimensions this evening (photo). There are five types of parts: two kinds of Aruki panels, one type for the top Aruki panel, side panels, and axis panels. With these, I can assemble the basic structure of the box. Additional internal parts will also be needed separately.Since I’m currently working on another batch of 3-sun 12-step boxes, my hands are used to this process..haha😊 Although I’ve made this type many times before, if several months or even years pass between batches, it can take a little time to remember the specific techniques unique to that box.
For this order, all 100 boxes will feature a combination of traditional yosegi and walnut wood.
The 3-sun 12-step puzzle box has become one of my standard products, and I often receive orders for it from overseas shops as well. Compared to the 4-sun version, the 3-sun box is more affordable, so many people seem to choose it as their first puzzle box. There are a few different design variations, but the combination of traditional yosegi and walnut wood seems to be the most popular. The top and bottom panels feature traditional yosegi, which is made in large sheets. These sheets are then cut down to the size of the 3-sun box lids, so the pattern on each box is different. When attaching these panels to the box, I try to choose pieces with different patterns for the top and bottom so that each box has a unique feel. I also try to include a variety of colors and patterns in each individual box. The best is to make sure that whichever box a customer chooses, they’ll find something special and enjoyable in it.
See you again next week! Have a great weekend!
