When to Make the Adjustment
Today was another hot day, but the sky was a little cloudy, so the temperature was lower than yesterday, although it still reached around 33°C. Today, I mainly worked on the final finishing of the 3-sun puzzle boxes. In between, I also continued working on the 4-step Mame puzzle boxes. The 4-step mechanism is not unique to Mame puzzle boxes. It is the same type of 4-step mechanism used in other Japanese puzzle boxes. I rarely make this type now, but I still occasionally use it for Mame puzzle boxes.
Today, I made the Aruki-sliding panels and the top and bottom panels that will be used in the next stage. I only made these parts today and did not attach them yet. I will attach them when I have time from tomorrow onward. The photo shows the Aruki panels for this 4-step mechanism. Each box uses three panels. It may be one of the most basic mechanisms used in Japanese puzzle boxes. There is no sliding key, and the box opens only through the movement of the panels. Even so, making these panels without any looseness requires several techniques. Two of the three panels have grooves so that they fit together. This keeps the panels locked in place. For this interlocking section, not only must the position and dimensions be correct, but the tightness of the fit must also be carefully adjusted. It must be neither too loose nor too tight, but fit exactly. The other panel moves freely and becomes the first move, so it must not be too loose. If it moves too easily, it may slide just by holding the box. Ideally, I attach it slightly tight at first and loosen it a little during the final adjustment. If it is adjusted to the perfect tightness from the beginning, there is a risk that it will become too loose by the time the box is finished.
This time, I cut the top and bottom panels, but one important point is that their fit must always be adjusted after the Aruki panels have been attached. With this production method, the fit of the top and bottom panels must be decided at this stage, so I make the adjustment with the Aruki panels attached. It is possible to make the top and bottom panels using only the frames, but the dimensions change slightly once the Aruki panels are attached. I always prepare several boxes with the Aruki panels attached and adjust the panels while checking them against those boxes. I decide the fit while the panel is still one long board, long enough for several boxes. Strangely, after cutting this long panel into individual pieces, I feel that each panel becomes very slightly looser. For this reason, I adjust it so that it feels just a little tight before cutting it into individual pieces. It is a delicate adjustment, so it is important not to rush.
Have a great weekend!
Today, I made the Aruki-sliding panels and the top and bottom panels that will be used in the next stage. I only made these parts today and did not attach them yet. I will attach them when I have time from tomorrow onward. The photo shows the Aruki panels for this 4-step mechanism. Each box uses three panels. It may be one of the most basic mechanisms used in Japanese puzzle boxes. There is no sliding key, and the box opens only through the movement of the panels. Even so, making these panels without any looseness requires several techniques. Two of the three panels have grooves so that they fit together. This keeps the panels locked in place. For this interlocking section, not only must the position and dimensions be correct, but the tightness of the fit must also be carefully adjusted. It must be neither too loose nor too tight, but fit exactly. The other panel moves freely and becomes the first move, so it must not be too loose. If it moves too easily, it may slide just by holding the box. Ideally, I attach it slightly tight at first and loosen it a little during the final adjustment. If it is adjusted to the perfect tightness from the beginning, there is a risk that it will become too loose by the time the box is finished.
This time, I cut the top and bottom panels, but one important point is that their fit must always be adjusted after the Aruki panels have been attached. With this production method, the fit of the top and bottom panels must be decided at this stage, so I make the adjustment with the Aruki panels attached. It is possible to make the top and bottom panels using only the frames, but the dimensions change slightly once the Aruki panels are attached. I always prepare several boxes with the Aruki panels attached and adjust the panels while checking them against those boxes. I decide the fit while the panel is still one long board, long enough for several boxes. Strangely, after cutting this long panel into individual pieces, I feel that each panel becomes very slightly looser. For this reason, I adjust it so that it feels just a little tight before cutting it into individual pieces. It is a delicate adjustment, so it is important not to rush.
Have a great weekend!