Abacus (style 1)

When I was in elementary school, I had a math teacher who introduced our class to the concept of the abacus. She brought in several homemade abacuses for us to use that I can still picture to this day. I created this project as a small tribute to that teacher and to those early lessons in basic arithmetic. Although I never used an abacus again after that year in elementary school, the experience became a core memory that has stayed with me all these years.

Assembly Instructions

The frame is designed to be friction- and compression-fit, so glue should not be necessary unless you feel it is needed for additional security.

The rods may be the most challenging part of the assembly. Begin by inserting all of the rods into either the top or bottom frame piece. Once all of the rods are in place, slide the beads onto them.

Next, carefully install the opposite frame piece. I found it easiest to start with one rod and work my way down the line, partially seating each rod into its corresponding slot. Continue along the frame until all of the rods are nestled into their slots.

Once all the rods are in position, carefully compress the two frame pieces together to fully seat the rods as deeply into their slots as possible.

With the center portion assembled, the end caps can then be installed.

Once fully assembled, the frame should feel sturdy and secure.

NOTES: Make sure to print 100 beads. Pick either style. You can have fun with color coding the beads.