Introduction: Chinese Abacus
This is my first insructable! Easy and the cost is next to nothing. The only material I had to buy was a box of 100 hex nuts. The bamboo chopsticks are from my dinning out on Chinese restaurants.
Step 1: Materials
Bamboo Chopsticks
3"x5" Picture Frame
1/2" Hex Nuts
Hand Saw
Hot Glue
Metal file
Step 2: Prep Picture Frame
Remove glass and cardboard from picture frame. Just leave the frame and the back board.
Step 3: Cut Chopsticks
Cut them to size so they would tightly fit on frame. You can use a file to precisely make them fit the picture frame tightly.
Step 4: Assembly
String hex nuts in chopsticks and install segments in place then proceed to hot glue them
Step 5: Trim Fold Out Flap
Trim fold out stand as shown in picture so it would not interfere when using the abacus
Step 6: Fashion a Stylus
With bamboo stick make a stylus to operate Abacus. Hex nuts are easier to slide with a pointy stylus. I used the nail eyelets from picture frame as a stylus holder.
Abacus makes a great piece of conversation.
Step 7: You Are Done
Enjoy!
2 Comments
9 years ago on Introduction
One of the oldest methods of calculation known to man. The nuts are a nice touch!
9 years ago on Introduction
Nice! Use this for addition and subtraction and my slide rule for multiply and divide.
https://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-simple-paper-slide-rule/