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Japanese Puzzle Box

Billy Newton

I’ve always wanted to make a Japanese style puzzle box.  I finally set aside the time to design and build one.  Hopefully, this project gives you some ideas for how to make your own version.  Ultimately, it takes 12 steps to fully open my box.

Puzzle boxes are usually described in “suns”, with 1 sun equaling about 3cm.  My puzzle box would be considered a 4 sun puzzle box.  I used imperial and not metric measurement so it’s a little longer than 12cm.  It came out to about 3-3/4” wide and 3” tall.

Unlike traditional Japanese puzzle boxes, I opted for wenge on the outside instead of colorful veneer.  I used maple on the inside so there is a pop of color when the box is being opened.  After performing the 12 steps, the person opening it gains access to the main compartment and also a secret drawer underneath the box.

While researching for this project, I struggled to find comprehensive details on how a puzzle box is constructed.  There are plenty of videos online of people opening boxes.  Puzzle boxes are also readily available for purchase.  However, I was unable to find good pictures of the interior parts and how they work to allow the box to operate.  I created this design on my own by watching people open a variety of boxes, and guessing as to how parts are moving inside the box.  Using Fusion360, I focused on designing the parts step by step.  I’m not an engineer so it took a little trial and error.  Ultimately, I developed a set of plans for myself.  The construction of the box went perfectly!  I followed the plans I made and everything worked exactly how I wanted it to. 

If you are interested in making your own puzzle box, you can get my detailed plans here.  I implore you to also watch the video of me making the box so you can see additional techniques that you may find useful.

After construction, I applied wax to the puzzle box instead of applying a film finish.  A film finish such as polyurethan or lacquer could possibly cause friction and gum up the moving parts.  The wax brings out the beauty of the wenge while also lubricating the mechanisms. 

This is the kind of woodworking that I love, making something fun and creative.  Woodworking doesn’t need to be utilitarian or serve a specific need.  This project requires a ton of woodworking techniques and it is one of my biggest challenges in terms of precision.  Each wooden part has to fit snuggly, yet still move freely.  Making a wood box already requires a mix of woodworking skills, but trying to make a box with moving parts is a whole other ordeal.  That said, while it takes a lot of patience it is completely doable when broken down into a series of small steps.   Take it one step at a time and next thing you know you will have a cool Japanese puzzle box of your own.

•• About NewtonMakes••

I’m Billy and I make fun things.  Sometimes, it’s something I need like tool storage ideas.  Other times it’s silly or nerdy stuff that I want to build. If you want to get ideas for making stuff, or just want to watch something entertaining then make sure you subscribe.

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Here’s a list of tools and materials that I used to make this project. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

•• Tools & Materials ••