This is a puzzle box that requires a special key to open.
The key consists of 2 parts. One is given to the player beforehand, and one is attached to the side of the box by a magnet. When the two parts are combined, they key can be used to unlock the box.
The box is quite big and can hold a lot of loot.
The locking mechanism consists of 3 gears. When closed, the gears spell OPENME. And when opened, the text changes to YOHOHO. You can customize the message to any 6-letter text.
A rubber band below the gears keeps them tight and well aligned.
When the lock is triggered, the inner box is pushed out by a spring-loaded plunger
Make it
Here is the SVG file for the design: pirate_box.svg
Besides 3mm plywood, you will also need:
* acrylic for the lock
* springs of various sizes
* a rubber band
* an iron nail for the “sword” portion of the key
* a magnet to glue on the inside of the box to hold the sword
The SVG file contains sections with different colors. The cyan is etched at higher power, and the magenta is even higher. The two combined create the etched shape that can fit the nail.
Customize it
Here’s another variant of the box, with a Christmas theme. It has an extra opening at the back to hold the round portion of the key. It is combined with the 2 sleds from Santa’s sleigh to form the completed key.
The box also has a music device from a Hallmark card that plays “Jingle Bells” when opened.
