Greetings from a Puzzlemaker in Raleigh

[TBone]

Eric,

Welcome, I look forward to learning more about your puzzles.

 

[jsjordan]

Welcome Eric! and thank you for sharing this unique specialty! :eusa_clap

 

[cubicdissection]

Since I believe the translation of the inscription means "in plain site", I believe the magnets are the true clue. To open this box top, I'm guessing that you hold the box vertically (top up) in line`with the axis of your arm and then you twist your wrist rapidly to move the magnets away from their N-S attraction. Momentum of the "twist" opens the latch mechanism. Am I close?

Well, you got the solution right but not the mechanism

The magnets are there to provide force for the top to lift once the latches are disengaged. When you twist the box as you described, the top pops up about 1/4"...the magnets are offset for that reason. The mechanism works with either momentum or inertia depending on if you are right or left handed. Right handed people twist the box clockwise, and the inertia of the crossbar disengages the latches. Left handed people turn it counterclockwise, and since the mechanism is uni-directional, the momentum of the crossbar does the trick. So you could say that right handed people will open the box faster than left handed (by about .0001 of a second)

 

[Badabing]

Welcome Eric! Your work is truly amazing!!! Thank you for posting the pictures and a solution too :icon_thum I am totally enthralled by that mechanism. I'd love to learn more about your work and hope you consider posting some tutorials and some 'how to' information.

If you ever consider teaching some classes in puzzlemaking, I would definitely make the trip to Raleigh to take them!

 

[cubicdissection]

Hmm, I'll think about that. In the meantime, here's a primer my buddy Lee wrote:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Precision-Puzzlemaking-Primer----Volume-1/

 

[CarvedTones]

Most impressive! :icon_thum

"In plain sight" - hmm... Is the hole at the side of the top a peep hole? Is there a reason for the mechanism being see through?

There is always this solution: :frown3qg::qright5:

:rotflm:

 

[ScottM]

I AM PUZZLED. :wconfused: Eric welcome to NCWW. This board is the next best thing to being in the shop. They are a great bunch.

 

[Ranger Dailey]

Welcome to the site. I enjoy those types of puzzles and have admired the craftsmanship. I would also be interested in a beginners tutorial.

 

[Will Goodwin]

Welcome Eric! Those puzzles are very interesting. Please continue to share. Please feel free to share your botched attempts if there were any. Reassures us that you are human.

:rotflm:

 

[Dutchman]

Cool stuff Eric! Welcome to the site. I have enjoyed learning a little about puzzle making from your links. Very fascinating.

 

[cubicdissection]

Hi Dutch,

Thanks! If you're interested in the craft, check out the contest I have posted in the Members Announcements forum. Some decent prizes up for grabs.

Oh, spreekt U Nederlands?