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Though these things
are certainly addressed by the manufacturers (mass
production shops); in order to broaden their range of
buyers, they make trade-offs in design and operational
complexities. Most mass production puzzle boxes are
"simple" designs with few parts and with relatively
simple solutions. Some of these designs are quite clever
while some are pushing the envelope to be considered a
puzzle box. These boxes are usually attractive and
designed to attract a wider audience which includes
young children. These boxes can be a great way to
introduce young people to the world of puzzle boxes.
Small “nock” boxes are an example of this.
The Japanese puzzle boxes are generally said to
be made by master craftsmen. The Japanese mastered a
style of puzzle box building of which started with the
Himitsu-Bako (personal secret box). Designed over 100
years ago, they continue to be produced in the
Hakone-Odawara region of Japan. But, many of these boxes
are actually made by “apprentices” as well as masters.
They range in quality which varies from poor to high.
Since the majority of these boxes is constructed on a
very similar concept and covered with a thin veneered
marquetry called Himitsu-Bako, the repetition in overall
production is consistent. This also means that parts are
more readily applicable to further designs produced.
This greatly increases their production capabilities and
reduces waste. Though many of these boxes are handmade
in the traditional Japanese method, there are a lot of
these boxes available on the market. Because of this,
some people may view these boxes to be more of a mass
produced product rather than handmade.
Consistency:
This is usually an area of weakness for custom
builders and a strength for manufacturers. But again,
manufacturers don’t make complex puzzle boxes!
Nevertheless, a craftsman who does build with
consistency can produce some of the finest puzzle boxes
in the world. This requires many extra steps for the
craftsman to execute in order to control accuracy.
Consistency (or inconsistency) manifests itself in the
final outcome of the puzzle box, especially in its
playability.
Even though the processes used to make
puzzle boxes cannot be seen, the processes
used by the builder is very important.
Process consistency is achieved by
documenting procedures. As a result, the
builder uses the exact same process for
making each part every time. When a
better way to do a procedure is determined,
the change is documented and instituted.
This is the most important aspect of
consistency because it determines the
outcome of all areas and results in
extremely high value for the customer.
Conclusion:
Though there are many good mass-produced puzzle boxes, mass production does not allow puzzle boxes to be built with the complexity, quality and care that is possible when building by hand. Hand-built puzzle boxes are often referred to as the high end
or high quality puzzle boxes.
Quagmire Puzzle Boxes are built to meet the specifications that result in high quality puzzle boxes. These puzzle boxes are not mass produced. They are genuinely handmade, piece by piece. Handmade means (by Quagmire Puzzle Boxes standards) that only conventional woodworking tools are used in producing these boxes. There are absolutely no automated tools used. Many of the small pieces are painstakingly made with tools used century's ago such as the hand plane and draw blade. Quagmire Puzzle Boxes are original in design, complex, and require a great challenge and intrigue in their solution.
In high quality puzzle boxes, parts are not applicable to other designs. There are no veneers implemented, but instead, solid hardwood is used for the structure and the palette. Each design is made of selected hardwoods that must be calculated accurately with cut processes predetermined as a method of maximizing usage and reducing waste. These types of puzzle boxes are truly unique from any production boxes available. Because of their more complex design, it would require very high tech automated equipment to mass produce them. This is most likely the main reason why high end puzzle boxes are only made by hand.
You should expect quality handcrafted puzzle boxes to be constructed of selected solid hardwoods. Wooden parts should be quarter sawn except when the construction is better suited to be flat cut. The grain orientation is always a consideration in the design and structure of the box to ensure longevity. Many collectors want puzzle boxes that are made of 100% hardwood construction.
Whenever I’m designing a puzzle box, I put a lot of consideration into the feel of the box as well as design. Each box should have an appeal to be caressed. It could be said that even if a box is masculine in design, it should be feminine to touch.
As you
are considering your first or next puzzle box, you will find a good range of different looking puzzle boxes. Many people have a paradigm about how a puzzle box should look and play based upon
possibly what they may have seen in the past. If you are looking for unique work, hand-built puzzle boxes can be found in a variety of designs that break all the rules. When viewed in the perspective that these boxes are
really original works of art -
working mechanical wooden puzzles -
incorporated into a box. And like the
Himitsu-Bako - personal secret boxes, you
can "lock" your keepsakes inside these
boxes. When these original designs are
available, you have a chance to possess a puzzle box that could be one
of only 20 ever to be made in the world. Many of these custom works are built in limited quantities.
Quantities will vary from one design to
another.
Find a puzzle box artist that appeals to you and check back with them on a regular basis. An artist who designs and builds their own boxes can only do just so much production. Designing, prototyping and building is very time consuming work. Most custom puzzle boxes are purchased by enthusiast and collectors
from all around the world for their quality
craftsmanship and uniqueness. Because of their limited availability, the best way to benefit from this art is to keep
a breast of the availability of the artist work before it reaches completions.
Happy puzzle box hunting... | 
