CoinBankSafe by Laser Cutting

Sometimes, people take what isn't theirs, especially any loose change. And that is no good. I knew that this was a problem I had to solve. Solution? a safe for my coins, a coin bank safe if you will. So using some wood and a laser cutting, I cranked out a quick full box to keep my coins fully shielded.

1. Materials:
2. 11.8" x 11.8" piece of 1/8 baltic birch plywood.
3. Box glue
4. Tools:
5. Laser cutter
6. Design software (Re.3.netify app, and boxes.py)

Planning Box Dimensions

I went to boxes.py to find the coinbanksafe, from here I could change the dimensions, so for the X, Y and H, all were the same size which was 75mm, the coin slot was 30mm across with a 4MM width.

Create a 2D Design

Using RetinaEngrave 3, I imported a 2D sketch from boxes.py with the set dimensions. After importing it, I made sure the sketch would fit inside a 12x12in square to fit the wood the design will be cut from.

Prepare for Laser Cutting

Before exporting the file to the laser cutter, I can adjust the speed and power of the laser. This helps with the wood not burning and the pictures I added being lasered smoother.

Load the File into the Laser Cutter

Upload the file to the laser cutter and set the machine to cut through the material with the correct power settings for the wood.

Cut the Pieces

Start the laser cutter and cut out all the components: the box sides, bottom, top lid, and the coin slot. My pictures count as a logo or pattern, so they will be engraved at this stage.

Test Fit the Pieces

After the pieces are cut, I carefully remove them from the laser cutter and test fit them together. This ensures that all the parts align correctly before the assembly starts.

The following link was supposed to be a gif/video timelapse of the box being cut out.

Gluing the Pieces Together

After getting my cut pieces from the laser cutter, I took them to a desk where I glued them together. Using box glue I started with the base, (or floor) before gluing the side walls and back, then with the door and finally the roof. In order for the glue to stick more, I squeezed the walls together until the glue settled and stuck properly. After this, the whole box is complete! Allowing me to store my coins safely.