Length of aruki
Today, just as the weather forecast said yesterday, it was very sunny and hot. It's starting to feel a bit tough to get through the day 😂, but since the humidity is still low at this time of year, I focused on attaching the Aruki panels (moving panels) I made yesterday.
I had already noticed it, but this time, I decided the size of the box based on the design of the mokuzogan (wooden inlay) on the top panel. Because of that, the box ended up being a little wider than usual. I also decided from the beginning that the mechanism would be a 27-steps type, and that the internal mechanism would be based on a 4-sun size. I prepared the side panel yosegi boards accordingly. So, compared to the height of the box, the length and width feel quite long.
Of course, the appearance of the box is a matter of personal taste, but in terms of the mechanism, this shape might not be ideal. In a Japanese puzzle box, the Aruki panel moves downward relative to the top surface. Since there are grooves on the left and right sides of the Aruki panel, a vertical (taller) shape tends to provide better movement stability. However, this time, the Aruki panel is clearly wider than it is tall!😲
In cases like this, the accuracy of how the Aruki panel fits into the frame becomes even more important. If it's too loose, the movement actually becomes worse. This isn’t my first time making this kind of shape, so I was able to continue building it without any problems.
Some of you might already know, but I’ve made several "wide-type" 4-sun boxes before. These have roughly equal length and width, so the Aruki panels feel very wide and short in height. Through making those, I’ve had many chances to test the strength and precision of the fit between the Aruki panel and the frame.
I’ve come to realize once again that, in situations like this, the hardness of the Aruki panel’s wood becomes even more important. Softer wood tends to work better for smoother movement.
I had already noticed it, but this time, I decided the size of the box based on the design of the mokuzogan (wooden inlay) on the top panel. Because of that, the box ended up being a little wider than usual. I also decided from the beginning that the mechanism would be a 27-steps type, and that the internal mechanism would be based on a 4-sun size. I prepared the side panel yosegi boards accordingly. So, compared to the height of the box, the length and width feel quite long.
Of course, the appearance of the box is a matter of personal taste, but in terms of the mechanism, this shape might not be ideal. In a Japanese puzzle box, the Aruki panel moves downward relative to the top surface. Since there are grooves on the left and right sides of the Aruki panel, a vertical (taller) shape tends to provide better movement stability. However, this time, the Aruki panel is clearly wider than it is tall!😲
In cases like this, the accuracy of how the Aruki panel fits into the frame becomes even more important. If it's too loose, the movement actually becomes worse. This isn’t my first time making this kind of shape, so I was able to continue building it without any problems.
Some of you might already know, but I’ve made several "wide-type" 4-sun boxes before. These have roughly equal length and width, so the Aruki panels feel very wide and short in height. Through making those, I’ve had many chances to test the strength and precision of the fit between the Aruki panel and the frame.
I’ve come to realize once again that, in situations like this, the hardness of the Aruki panel’s wood becomes even more important. Softer wood tends to work better for smoother movement.
