Kannuki panels
Today was another extremely hot day. The humidity was also somewhat present, considering the heat. Starting today, I began the final assembly stage of the 4-sun 14-steps box, which involves attaching the Kannuki panels (slide key panels). I attached one side today, and if the weather is good tomorrow, I’ll attach the remaining sides.
Most of the boxes this time are made from walnut, so the attachment process requires more care than when using marquetry panels. Solid wood, especially when thin, tends to warp easily. Walnut is particularly dense and can have irregular grain depending on the section, so I make sure to use only straight-grained pieces for these kannuki panels.
There are probably many ways to attach these panels depending on the craftsperson, but I attach all three parts of the panel at once. In other words, I glue all three sections—each one divided from a single panel—at the same time. This is a very delicate step, and I consider it one of the most difficult parts of making a puzzle box.
These panels must align perfectly with the movement of the Aruki panel inside the box. Even a slight misalignment can affect the smoothness of the mechanism. Since the work is done entirely by hand, there are times when the precision is not perfect. To deal with that, I’ve built in a few clever tricks to ensure the mechanism still works smoothly.
In fact, such adjustments are found throughout the process of making a puzzle box. They are a sign of the effort and experience of the craftsman. Each maker has their own unique solutions and techniques.
Today, I focused carefully on this step, and I think the mechanism will work well. Still, I always ask myself, “Is this really the best way to build it?” If I find areas (how to make) where I can improve the movement of mechanism, I will make changes.
Most of the boxes this time are made from walnut, so the attachment process requires more care than when using marquetry panels. Solid wood, especially when thin, tends to warp easily. Walnut is particularly dense and can have irregular grain depending on the section, so I make sure to use only straight-grained pieces for these kannuki panels.
There are probably many ways to attach these panels depending on the craftsperson, but I attach all three parts of the panel at once. In other words, I glue all three sections—each one divided from a single panel—at the same time. This is a very delicate step, and I consider it one of the most difficult parts of making a puzzle box.
These panels must align perfectly with the movement of the Aruki panel inside the box. Even a slight misalignment can affect the smoothness of the mechanism. Since the work is done entirely by hand, there are times when the precision is not perfect. To deal with that, I’ve built in a few clever tricks to ensure the mechanism still works smoothly.
In fact, such adjustments are found throughout the process of making a puzzle box. They are a sign of the effort and experience of the craftsman. Each maker has their own unique solutions and techniques.
Today, I focused carefully on this step, and I think the mechanism will work well. Still, I always ask myself, “Is this really the best way to build it?” If I find areas (how to make) where I can improve the movement of mechanism, I will make changes.
