A higher utility wood box
March 11, 2011 3:06 PM Subscribe
Brainstorming thread - Enhancing the plain wooden box. Beyond decoration, what can I add to increase the utility of a common wooden box, i.d. roughly 2" x 3" x 4"? For example, a bright LED with a magnet switch for opening at night. Some boxes will include a secret compartment. Dividers, containers, nanotech; don't limit your imaginations. Thanks!
A box that once closed, can't be opened again. For forgetting things that you can't bear to throw away.
A box that once opened, can't be closed again. For forcing others to confront things they've been trying to ignore.
A box that can be taken apart into separate components that can be reassembled to make another box.
A box that contains components to make an identical box.
A box with no empty space, so that it contains nothing but itself.
A box with an ellipsoid bottom, so that it must always roll over onto its lid.
A box with a closing mechanism made of something very abrasive, so that after being opened and closed a number of times the latch will no longer be functional.
A box with a very abrasive interior.
posted by hydrophonic at 3:38 PM on March 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
A box that once opened, can't be closed again. For forcing others to confront things they've been trying to ignore.
A box that can be taken apart into separate components that can be reassembled to make another box.
A box that contains components to make an identical box.
A box with no empty space, so that it contains nothing but itself.
A box with an ellipsoid bottom, so that it must always roll over onto its lid.
A box with a closing mechanism made of something very abrasive, so that after being opened and closed a number of times the latch will no longer be functional.
A box with a very abrasive interior.
posted by hydrophonic at 3:38 PM on March 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
I like my little wooden boxes to have green baize underneath. It's hard to make suggestions without knowing what you plan to do with your box, how much you'll spend in time and money, how many you'll make, etc.
posted by anadem at 3:38 PM on March 11, 2011
posted by anadem at 3:38 PM on March 11, 2011
Response by poster: Don't worry about time and money, this is part of my retirement hobbies.
posted by Ardiril at 3:48 PM on March 11, 2011
posted by Ardiril at 3:48 PM on March 11, 2011
What sorts of objects are you expecting to be put in these boxes? That might help brainstorm.
posted by hattifattener at 3:55 PM on March 11, 2011
posted by hattifattener at 3:55 PM on March 11, 2011
reverse-geocache - box unlocks when at the correct location
posted by Prince_of_Cups at 3:56 PM on March 11, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by Prince_of_Cups at 3:56 PM on March 11, 2011 [2 favorites]
thread from the blue on the reverse-geocache puzzle box
posted by Prince_of_Cups at 4:00 PM on March 11, 2011
posted by Prince_of_Cups at 4:00 PM on March 11, 2011
Response by poster: Yay, Prince_of_Cups, that one definitely goes on my build list.
posted by Ardiril at 4:26 PM on March 11, 2011
posted by Ardiril at 4:26 PM on March 11, 2011
You might want to google Altoid tin hacks.
posted by freshwater at 5:20 PM on March 11, 2011
posted by freshwater at 5:20 PM on March 11, 2011
Some kind of edging that would let you stack the boxes.
Felt on the bottoms so the boxes won't scratch or slide.
Small pieces you can rearrange/interlock, to divide the interior as you'd wish.
posted by Iris Gambol at 5:43 PM on March 11, 2011
Felt on the bottoms so the boxes won't scratch or slide.
Small pieces you can rearrange/interlock, to divide the interior as you'd wish.
posted by Iris Gambol at 5:43 PM on March 11, 2011
Response by poster: box unlocks when at the correct location - So many ways to make this, from GPS to magnetic fields with some simple mechanics. A supermagnet positioned on the underside of a podium to open a book box, no electronics needed.
The Altoid tin hacks gave me a few ideas too. The boxes are meant to be unique and exteriors will include hardwoods and veneers.
posted by Ardiril at 2:26 AM on March 12, 2011
The Altoid tin hacks gave me a few ideas too. The boxes are meant to be unique and exteriors will include hardwoods and veneers.
posted by Ardiril at 2:26 AM on March 12, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by hattifattener at 3:28 PM on March 11, 2011