Hello, this is Mori from Tsumikiizu.
In our previous factory tour ①, we introduced the process of how wood is processed into the shape of building blocks.
This time, the theme is the finishing process, which greatly affects the **"safety" and "feel"** of the building blocks.
Why do Tsumikiizu's building blocks have such a smooth and gentle texture?
Let me reveal the secret!
Smoothing surfaces with a planer
This process is surface processing using a planer.
The surface of the building blocks is prepared, finishing them into a flat and smooth state.
Building blocks actually have a surprisingly large surface area that is touched by hand.
That's why if the surface is rough or has small irregularities, it affects the feel and ease of use.
In this process, Tsumikiizu's building blocks place importance on carefully preparing the wood surface.
It is this groundwork that leads to a gentler feel in the subsequent finishing processes.
Gently chamfering edges with a vertical sander
Next is the chamfering process using a vertical sander.
Here, the edges of the building blocks are gradually shaved to create **"a gentleness for children's hands"**.
Building blocks are toys that small children hold, stack, and sometimes drop.
That's why it's very important that the edges are not sharp.
However, simply making them round is not enough.
If too much is shaved, the block-like shape will be ruined, and if not enough, the edges will be noticeable.
Therefore, we carefully finish them while balancing safety and playability.
That gentle roundness that everyone feels when touching Tsumikiizu's building blocks.
It is actually born from such painstaking processes.
"Safety" is determined by unseen processes
It might be difficult to see the difference just by looking at the finished building blocks.
But in reality, the difference in safety often appears in these unseen processing stages.
Tsumikiizu's building blocks are not just about making shapes,
"Can small children safely touch them?"
We carefully finish each one with this perspective in mind.
Precisely because they are wooden building blocks, we are particularly particular about their feel and roundness.
Next factory tour ③, nearing completion!
Next time, we'll move on to the final finishing process.
We'll be introducing the final finishing process with a sponge sander and the laser engraving of the sprout mark that is on Tsumikiizu's building blocks!
Please look forward to seeing the building blocks nearing completion.