From 36 Steps to 40 Steps
The typhoon has moved away from our area, and it has been sunny since this morning. However, the temperature returned to a summer-like level and rose to around 30°C. It often becomes very sunny like this after the rain from a typhoon. This was another large typhoon that caused flooding and other damage in many places. I think many people are still busy cleaning up. Today is still a holiday, and Silver Week in Japan continues until tomorrow. I had some errands to take care of this morning, so I went out and stopped by my workshop on the way.
Along with the Square puzzle boxes, including several limited editions, a small number of 5-sun 36-step puzzle boxes will also be completed. This box recently sold out, so it seems to remain a popular model. This time, I made only the traditional Yosegi version. I also wanted to make several designs for wholesale, but unfortunately I was not able to do so. The next time I make this box, I would like to include a special design that combines traditional Yosegi with Ichimatsu Yosegi. I have not made many large puzzle boxes for wholesale recently, so I hope to make one more type before the end of this year. It will be a 40-step puzzle box.
I mentioned this on my blog a little while ago. I had been thinking about using this mechanism to make a puzzle box with a higher step count. However, if I keep as much of the same mechanism as possible, I have come to the conclusion that 40 steps is the most realistic number. Of course, 36 steps and 40 steps are not very different. Still, I would like to make one and see how people respond before deciding what to do next. According to my current calculations, reversing the direction of the mechanism and adding a few extra parts should increase it to 40 steps. However, I still need to think a little more to make sure my calculations are correct!..haha
I could increase the number of steps further by adding more sliding keys and making the mechanism in two levels. However, this would make the mechanism very delicate, and I would be a little worried about shipping it overseas. Changes in climate can easily affect such a fine mechanism, so I do not think it is very practical for a box that will be sold. This is also why I have not made any 54-step puzzle boxes recently. Even if the owner takes great care to keep the box in good condition, it may not be able to withstand a large change in climate. For these reasons, I think a 40-step puzzle box may be the most realistic choice for now.
I hope to make this 40-step puzzle box before the end of the year, including some for wholesale. The idea behind this 40-step mechanism is the same as the 18-step puzzle box that I have made before. The original mechanism would open in 15 steps, but I added one more sequence on the opposite side. In the case of the 18-step box, this added three more movements and increased the total from 15 to 18 steps. In the same way, the sliding keys on both sides of the 40-step box will have a return movement called “Kaeshi.” On the current 36-step puzzle box, this Kaeshi movement is used only on the sliding key panel on one side. I think this method should work. However, the 5-sun 10-step puzzle box with a drawer also looks likely to sell out soon... If possible, I would like to make both types...
Along with the Square puzzle boxes, including several limited editions, a small number of 5-sun 36-step puzzle boxes will also be completed. This box recently sold out, so it seems to remain a popular model. This time, I made only the traditional Yosegi version. I also wanted to make several designs for wholesale, but unfortunately I was not able to do so. The next time I make this box, I would like to include a special design that combines traditional Yosegi with Ichimatsu Yosegi. I have not made many large puzzle boxes for wholesale recently, so I hope to make one more type before the end of this year. It will be a 40-step puzzle box.
I mentioned this on my blog a little while ago. I had been thinking about using this mechanism to make a puzzle box with a higher step count. However, if I keep as much of the same mechanism as possible, I have come to the conclusion that 40 steps is the most realistic number. Of course, 36 steps and 40 steps are not very different. Still, I would like to make one and see how people respond before deciding what to do next. According to my current calculations, reversing the direction of the mechanism and adding a few extra parts should increase it to 40 steps. However, I still need to think a little more to make sure my calculations are correct!..haha
I could increase the number of steps further by adding more sliding keys and making the mechanism in two levels. However, this would make the mechanism very delicate, and I would be a little worried about shipping it overseas. Changes in climate can easily affect such a fine mechanism, so I do not think it is very practical for a box that will be sold. This is also why I have not made any 54-step puzzle boxes recently. Even if the owner takes great care to keep the box in good condition, it may not be able to withstand a large change in climate. For these reasons, I think a 40-step puzzle box may be the most realistic choice for now.
I hope to make this 40-step puzzle box before the end of the year, including some for wholesale. The idea behind this 40-step mechanism is the same as the 18-step puzzle box that I have made before. The original mechanism would open in 15 steps, but I added one more sequence on the opposite side. In the case of the 18-step box, this added three more movements and increased the total from 15 to 18 steps. In the same way, the sliding keys on both sides of the 40-step box will have a return movement called “Kaeshi.” On the current 36-step puzzle box, this Kaeshi movement is used only on the sliding key panel on one side. I think this method should work. However, the 5-sun 10-step puzzle box with a drawer also looks likely to sell out soon... If possible, I would like to make both types...