Although not a true Yosegi Puzzle Box, this model draws heavy inspiration from the traditional Yosegi Kaizu that…
29h 11m
2× print file
0.10 mm
0.40 mm
153.00 g
294
1471
8
11 k
updated January 5, 2025

Description

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Although not a true Yosegi Puzzle Box, this model draws heavy inspiration from the traditional Yosegi Kaizu that originated from the Edo period.
This type of Japanese marquetry featured intricate patterns made from different layers and types of wood, and are sometimes found on puzzle boxes.
This model emulates these patterns by including fine geometric patterns, and the internal locking mechanisms are also influenced by traditional Japanese puzzle boxes.

Using the naming convention of traditional puzzle boxes, this model would be a "3 Sun 9 Steps Puzzle Box", with a "sun" being a unit of measurement equaling ~3.03cm, and denotes the length of the box, whereas the number of steps indicates the least steps required to open or close the box.

Naturally, the functions of this puzzle box are twofold. Not only can it safely store small items, it is also a great way to pass the time, as with all puzzles. Due to the small sizes of some pieces, a steady hand is also required.
Although it is advised not to see the solution beforehand, it can be found here: https://s9.gifyu.com/images/SF7aN.gif 

Good luck!

Revision History:

Version 1.0:
Initial creation.

Version 1.1:
Clearances between the side plates, as well as in the lid and side, were reduced from 0.25mm into 0.1mm. Also, a new vertical slot was created on one of the base's walls, to provide support to the side plates throughout its whole height.
The former change should provide a stronger friction fit between the pieces, and the latter change should significantly reduce the flex of the side plates.
Also added individual .stl files for each part.
Files changed: Base.stl, OuterSidePlate.stl, and OuterSidePlate_Left.stl.

Version 1.2:
The "key" has been enlarged from having a 2x2mm body to 5x5mm body to provide better structural integrity. To accommodate this change, parts of the base has been modified as well.
A modification has also been made so that the "locking piece" doesn't fall out when the box has the lid open and is placed upside down.
To reduce the fragility of the box, two additional pegs have been created that would insert through each side piece, thus holding the side plates together and also connecting to the base itself.
Files changed: Base.stl, OuterSidePlate.stl, OutsideSidePlate_Left.stl, InnerSidePlate.stl, InnerSidePlate_Left.stl, Key.stl, Lock.stl (new).

Version 1.3:
Two of the inner side walls has been modified to print with the base, which should greatly increase the stability of the two sides of the box.
An additional two joints has also been made between the side walls and the front wall, providing additional contact points with the base and minimizing the flexing of the front wall.
To prevent unlocking of the box through shaking, the internal mechanisms has also been revamped, requiring an additional step to unlock on each side. See image #9 for updated internals.
The pegs introduced in version 1.2 has also been slightly reduced in size to provide an easier fit.
Files changed: FrontPlate.stl, OuterSidePlate.stl, OuterSidePlate_Left.stl, InnerSidePlate.stl, InnerSidePlate_Left.stl, InnerMiddle.stl, InnerMiddle_Left.stl, Lock.stl, InnerLatch.stl (new).

Version 1.4:
The tabs that slide into the base ("the keys") have been doubled in thickness, which should provide a noticeable improvement in durability.
Files changed: OuterTop.stl, OuterTop_Left.stl, OuterMiddle.stl, OuterMiddle_Left.stl.

Version 1.5:
Added ‘simplified’ versions of outer parts with difficult-to-print patterns.
These new parts have flat surfaces as opposed to patterned surfaces, and are indicated by the “_Simplified” suffix.
Files added: Base_Simplified.stl, Disk_Simplified.stl, FrontPlate_Simplified.stl, Key_Simplified.stl, Lid_Simplified.stl, OuterBottom_Simplified.stl, OuterBottom_Left_Simplified.stl, OuterMiddle_Simplified.stl, OuterMiddle_Left_Simplified.stl, OuterTop_Simplified.stl, OuterTop_Left_Simplified.stl.

Note: see stl files for updated previews.

Print instructions

Printing

Both plates can be printed as is with the default settings, with minimal post print processing required (aside from assembly).
0.1 layer height recommended.
However, since some pieces are quite thin, if you expect rough handling of the puzzle box, a sturdier material such as ABS may be considered.
Also note that the Lock.stl piece should be printed twice.

Simplified Version

This version has the same internal mechanisms, but replaces the outer patterned surfaces with smooth surfaces.
This should make the pieces significantly easier to print.
To print this, print the files with the “_Simplified” suffix if available for that part.

Assembly

Assembly is no easy task, think of it as a bonus puzzle...
Step by step instructions are as follows:

  1. Find the large side piece with the cross hatch cutout. There will be two pieces, being on opposite sides. Since using the 9th image provided would be helpful, use the piece that correlates to the one shown in the image.
  2. Find the 4 small, unpatterned pieces, and use the two that correlate to that 9th image above.
  3. Once again using that image, slot the two small pieces into the piece from step 1.
  4. Find the other large side plate, with no cross hatch. There should be two, but use the one that has the middle slit opening to the left, when the slit enlarges towards the back side of the plate.
  5. Find the piece that has a diagonal design pointing to the top left corner, and has 3 "legs". Also find a similar piece with the diagonal design pointing to the bottom left corner, and has no "legs". Also find yet another similar piece but with a diamond patterned design, and a cutout on the left side.
  6. Slide the second and third piece from step 5 into the piece from step 4, and stack the other piece from step 5 at the bottom of the piece from step 4.
  7. Stack the collection of pieces from steps 3 and 6, as seen in the images.
  8. Repeat steps 1-7 but for the mirrored components on the other side of the box.
  9. Find the disk and the plate that has a disk cutout. Insert the disk into the plate.
  10. This is a bit tricky... A third hand, or fourth, may be useful. Using the three stacked plates from steps 7, 8, and 9, assemble them perpendicularly such that the disk slides into the notch present in the side plates, as seen in the 10th image.
  11. Slide the collective parts of step 10 into the base of the model.
  12. Insert the "key", the only remaining piece, into the slot in the model, using the reverse process of opening the box.

Many thanks to Ben Sutton who generously documented his assembly process, complete with annotated images!
His instructions can be found here: 
https://www.printables.com/make/419070 

Good luck and have fun!

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