Building a Puzzle Box That Can’t Be Opened (Hidden Code)

For the past 5 years or more, I’ve had a yearly tradition of designing and building DIY puzzle boxes for my brother for the holidays, all crafted from scrap wood from my workshop and enhanced with 3D-printed parts. Each puzzle box is a unique puzzle, blending traditional woodworking techniques with modern 3D printing, creativity, and problem-solving. Except for the one year when i did a 3D printed frustration box. This year’s build is a slide box puzzle with a hidden drawer that can only be opened by moving 10 levers across 5 possible positions in 10 rows, creating 9.7 million possible combinations. Rather than a step-by-step tutorial, this video focuses on my creative process, showing how I improvise designs, combine wood and 3D-printed components, and evolve my 5-year puzzle box tradition. It's a little different than other videos we have done. Chapters: 0:00 – Intro 0:29 – Concept 1:06 – Box 4:01 – Inspiration Puzzle #1: Honeycomb 5:26 – Mechanism 8:14 – Inspiration Puzzle #2: Twist & Shout 9:27 – Spacers & Slots 14:35 – Inspiration Puzzle #3: Present Box 16:58 – Levers 19:36 – Inspiration Puzzle #4: Maze 22:43 – Secret Box 27:22 – Paint & Polish 28:05 – Reveal Throughout the video, I also showcase four past puzzle boxes, highlighting their features and showing you how to solve them quickly. These builds are perfect examples for woodworkers, makers, and puzzle enthusiasts, showing how scrap wood, 3D printing, and clever design can come together to create challenging, puzzles. Quick Links: 3D Printed Present - https://makerworld.com/en/models/69357-gift-box-w-120-screws Whether you’re interested in DIY woodworking projects, handmade gifts, mechanical puzzles, or creative problem-solving, this video demonstrates how traditional workshop materials and modern fabrication can combine into a unique, interactive experience.