This becomes more difficult the larger and more complex the box becomes. Boxes that are too tight can't be opened. Boxes that are too loose are not much fun for the puzzler. The instability of wood itself presents quite a challenge to the puzzle box maker. F inishing is another problem area.
Some boxes have a very nice smooth, flat finish.
Other boxes have a very poor finish. The lacquer is applied too thickly resulting in a rippled, uneven finish. Sometimes boxes are wrapped in cellophane before the lacquer has completely cured. That totally runes the finish. T he quality of the boxes available in Japan range from very bad all the way to very good.