4-sun 27-step box
Today, I started making the structural parts of the 4-sun 27-step puzzle box. I began with the frame panels and the axis components. For now, I’m focusing on making the individual parts, and I plan to assemble them from tomorrow onward. I believe this is the first time this year that I’m making a standard-sized 4-sun 27-move secret box. That’s probably because I’ve been working on slightly unusual designs lately!😂 However, this time, while making traditional designs, I also plan to include some boxes with an original top panel. I’m planning to make around 36 to 37 boxes, and about 6 to 7 of them will feature an original design.
I don’t remember how many of these 27-step puzzle boxes I have made so far, but I have made quite a lot. However, I always try to make small improvements each time. They may not be major enough to call “improvements,” but I pay close attention to ensure that the box moves more smoothly.
Puzzle boxes incorporate many fine adjustments to ensure that the wooden panels move as smoothly as possible. I continuously make small refinements to improve them little by little.
Of course, there is a blueprint with precise measurements, but simply following those measurements won’t make the box function properly. This is likely because natural wood is used. Each piece of wood differs in hardness, density, and warping, so I have to carefully "find a balance" that suits each one.
This is especially important for the 27-step mechanism I am making this time. Since it has many steps, there is a risk that it may stop functioning properly after repeated movements. Taking such factors into account, I carefully cut and assemble the parts.
Today, in addition to this work, I checked the movement of the remaining 4.2-sun and 3-sun puzzle boxes that I finished with a topcoat yesterday. Since the coating can cause the mechanisms to stick, I handle them with great care. Unfortunately, I found a small dent, about 1mm deep, in the wood grain of one of the 3-sun boxes. I need to fix this. After making the correction, I will apply the final coat again during the next painting session along with the other boxes. Aside from that, everything else turned out well. I packed the completed boxes together with the instruction manuals.
See you next week!😄
I don’t remember how many of these 27-step puzzle boxes I have made so far, but I have made quite a lot. However, I always try to make small improvements each time. They may not be major enough to call “improvements,” but I pay close attention to ensure that the box moves more smoothly.
Puzzle boxes incorporate many fine adjustments to ensure that the wooden panels move as smoothly as possible. I continuously make small refinements to improve them little by little.
Of course, there is a blueprint with precise measurements, but simply following those measurements won’t make the box function properly. This is likely because natural wood is used. Each piece of wood differs in hardness, density, and warping, so I have to carefully "find a balance" that suits each one.
This is especially important for the 27-step mechanism I am making this time. Since it has many steps, there is a risk that it may stop functioning properly after repeated movements. Taking such factors into account, I carefully cut and assemble the parts.
Today, in addition to this work, I checked the movement of the remaining 4.2-sun and 3-sun puzzle boxes that I finished with a topcoat yesterday. Since the coating can cause the mechanisms to stick, I handle them with great care. Unfortunately, I found a small dent, about 1mm deep, in the wood grain of one of the 3-sun boxes. I need to fix this. After making the correction, I will apply the final coat again during the next painting session along with the other boxes. Aside from that, everything else turned out well. I packed the completed boxes together with the instruction manuals.
See you next week!😄
