Aruki panels
Today, I finally (?) started making the Aruki panels (moving panels) for The Knock Box. First, I began by making it like a standard 4-steps puzzle box. There is one Aruki for the lid panel and two Aruki for the side panels.
This time, the height of the box is slightly taller than a regular 4-sun size. I adjusted the Aruki accordingly. The difference is small—only about 2mm—but even this slight change significantly improves the structural stability. Since this box has an additional panel at the bottom inside, which serves as the knock mechanism, I made the box a little taller to accommodate it. However, the height increase is actually a bit less than the thickness of that panel.
After that, I did some additional processing on the Aruki. The following explanation reveals part of the mechanism, but since it’s not a particularly surprising trick, I think it’s fine to share it...haha😊 This box incorporates a mechanism using magnets, so I needed to modify the parts where the magnets will be installed. Inside the box, there is a hidden panel that locks into place with the side Aruki, preventing movement. The magnets will be attached to the areas where these parts connect. Today, I worked on cutting those connection areas. If you look closely at the photos, you might notice that one of the side panel Aruki has a small step cut into it. This step is where the hidden internal panel will fit in. Then, the connected parts will be secured using magnets and screws. I plan to adjust and complete these modifications while checking the mechanism’s functionality in the coming days.
Today, in addition to that work, I made and attached the Kannuki (slide keys) panels for the 6-sun box. I first attached one side panel today and will attach the other one tomorrow. For this box, I used solid wood, and since it is a 6-sun size, I made the panels slightly thicker than usual. Normally, the thickness is around 3.5mm to 3.7mm, but this time, I made it about 4mm. It feels noticeably thicker. Last night, it rained, and I was a bit concerned about the increase in humidity. However, since the humidity was not too high, I decided to proceed with this step. A 6-sun box with a 27-steps mechanism is less likely to experience warping due to climate changes.
This evening, I have some errands to run, so I will be going out. Fortunately, the rain has stopped, but it feels a bit chilly today. I plan to return to the workshop in a few hours. Tomorrow is actually a holiday in Japan—"Shunbun no Hi (Spring Equinox Day)". But I will probably come to the workshop anyway😄 So, this blog will likely be updated again tomorrow.
This time, the height of the box is slightly taller than a regular 4-sun size. I adjusted the Aruki accordingly. The difference is small—only about 2mm—but even this slight change significantly improves the structural stability. Since this box has an additional panel at the bottom inside, which serves as the knock mechanism, I made the box a little taller to accommodate it. However, the height increase is actually a bit less than the thickness of that panel.
After that, I did some additional processing on the Aruki. The following explanation reveals part of the mechanism, but since it’s not a particularly surprising trick, I think it’s fine to share it...haha😊 This box incorporates a mechanism using magnets, so I needed to modify the parts where the magnets will be installed. Inside the box, there is a hidden panel that locks into place with the side Aruki, preventing movement. The magnets will be attached to the areas where these parts connect. Today, I worked on cutting those connection areas. If you look closely at the photos, you might notice that one of the side panel Aruki has a small step cut into it. This step is where the hidden internal panel will fit in. Then, the connected parts will be secured using magnets and screws. I plan to adjust and complete these modifications while checking the mechanism’s functionality in the coming days.
Today, in addition to that work, I made and attached the Kannuki (slide keys) panels for the 6-sun box. I first attached one side panel today and will attach the other one tomorrow. For this box, I used solid wood, and since it is a 6-sun size, I made the panels slightly thicker than usual. Normally, the thickness is around 3.5mm to 3.7mm, but this time, I made it about 4mm. It feels noticeably thicker. Last night, it rained, and I was a bit concerned about the increase in humidity. However, since the humidity was not too high, I decided to proceed with this step. A 6-sun box with a 27-steps mechanism is less likely to experience warping due to climate changes.
This evening, I have some errands to run, so I will be going out. Fortunately, the rain has stopped, but it feels a bit chilly today. I plan to return to the workshop in a few hours. Tomorrow is actually a holiday in Japan—"Shunbun no Hi (Spring Equinox Day)". But I will probably come to the workshop anyway😄 So, this blog will likely be updated again tomorrow.
