Abacus (style 2)

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. Test fit a few pieces together before fully assembling the frame to check tolerances. 

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 for the lower section (aka "earth") onto them.

Slide the center beam piece onto the rods. Try to keep the beam leavel-ish as you put it on the rods to prevent binding. 

Now, slide the beads for the upper section (aka "heaven") onto the rods. It's ok if the center beam slides and and touches the other beads. 

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. Take your time and 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. Start with one side and work in the tabs for the center beam along with the top and bottom frame pieces. Try to get all 3 tabs lined up before pressing firmly to seat everything together. After the sides are one, give the whole frame several good squeezes or presses against a solid surface to ensure everything is locked together and even.  

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

NOTES: Make sure to print 50 earth beads and 20 heaven beads. Pick either style. You can have fun with color coding the beads.  Minimal supports are needed for the frame pieces. I recommend printing the frame pieces vertically to provide more strength for the tabs.