How To - Secret Compartment Box I

[@dpmakestuff]

Enjoy this video? Fantastic! Do me a favour and follow me on Instagram - @dpmakestuff. I do giveaways and you get to see what I'm working on every day. Thank you!

[@Datrebor]

Following you.

[@ciderfan823]

If one wanted, could they make the secret box with one rectangular compartment rather than the two circular compartments?

[@jake3077]

wow, purple heart is just beautiful wood.

[@JustPeaachy]

beautiful name too

[@williambranham6249]

Yes I have a piece 4/4 1 Ft. x 5 ft. I've had for 10 years. Afraid to cut it and mess it up. Sad, really.

[@henrywright4053]

I like how you include mistakes. Thank you.

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks!

[@lenonkitchens7727]

Nice build. What I've done before when dealing with those tiny screws like you used on the lid is drill an oversized hole, fill it with CA glue, then drill a pilot hole into the glue. It lasts longer and is much tougher. Also, if it ever does strip or break, it's an easy fix. Just used the same sized bit, drill out the CA, and refill it.

[@dpmakestuff]

good idea! Thanks!

[@MonkeyBurrito]

Lenon Kitchens so you would drill into the dried glue?

[@lenonk75]

Yes, exactly.

[@MonkeyBurrito]

thats a smart idea

[@lenonk75]

It works extremely well. Usually, there's no need, but when you start dealing with those tiny screws, it helps a lot.

[@Ryfinius]

This really helped me smuggle drugs across the border. Thanks, Dustin!

[@WANEL]

also 'murican dollars uncle sent me

[@berniesr]

very nice project i think that most people like the idea of a secret compartment

[@dpmakestuff]

It makes everything a little better!

[@merciahughes882]

From, Keith: I have had a lot of people wanting me to make things with hidden compartments. This is the first one I have truly liked, I am going to learn how to make it even though I will be making a lot of firewood in process but I know I am learning from a true professional. I'm glad to have found you, thanks, Keith in N.C.

[@nicolasdekey]

I would have remarked that making a computer design can largely eliminate errors like the one with the lid because ever since I took the time to learn some CAD, my builds suffer from far less errors than before. BUT, seeing your elegant solution to correct the error on the fly made me realize again that there is no replacement for experience and common sense :):) Nice Job!!

[@kayasper6081]

"My CNC router brings out the anger in people" 😂😂😂 True, admit quilt😂

[@michaelking9758]

I have to say that all of the other secret compartment boxes that you have built were really intimidating.... But watching this video with the explanation really makes me think I can build one. Gonna give it a shot.. Thanks for all you do.. Keep up the great work!!

[@dpmakestuff]

They're all easy! It's just a LOT of easy steps. Thanks!

[@jeffreykroll1170]

Love the temporary gluing of the lid to ensure hinge placement! 👍

[@Iionios]

Line it with felt or a similar rough cloth to hide the keyhole, then place a basic half mortise lock to give the impression you are already protecting the contents. I'd connect the compartment's 2 holes though, fit a key or other portion to a separate puzzle box inside.

[@user-ix7iu4wf8o]

ahhh wood work are so fascinating and those thousands of ideas are there .... if only we have those biizillion tools to bring our ideas to live.

[@sehann06]

Where'd you get those hinges?

[@helookalikaman79]

on the hammered brass tab, over time will the strength of the spring pushing down push the tab into the wood and loosen the "grip" eventually making the secret compartment visable

[@dpmakestuff]

Well it’s made of wood so I’d say eventually it will turn into dust and fall apart. For the next couple hundred years or so though I’d say it should be just fine.

[@johnstryker8619]

Noticed the DiResta pencil hold on the board while using the table saw

[@lorripenner7843]

WOW! I knew it was a lot of work but had no idea about all the little details these masterpieces required! Well done!

[@dpmakestuff]

Lots of little things, nothing too crazy! Thanks Ma!

[@brookswade5774]

Damn, you say the CNC brings out the anger in everybody? All of your tools are top of the line. No anger, just extreme envy. It must be nice. If I win the lottery I might be able to half of the equipment you have.

[@juliengroulx3096]

I love your work! I made your 2x4 secret compartment box with a piece of quality pine and it's one of the pieces I'm the most proud of. Thank you!

[@dpmakestuff]

Thats great! You should share some pictures on Instagram so I can see! Thanks!

[@toddshafer9457]

Very cool.. I am new at woodworking and have been trying to find thing I can do. But while looking some of the thing are either to simple and plain or are little more complicated and higher degree than I am, but I think I will try this. But I actually was hoping that you could answer a question about the wax that you used I am actually working on another project and I am needing to put wax on some of the parts so they will move smoothly, but I tried candle wax and it is difficult to rub on and also hard to put it in hard to reach places, I was trying to think what other kind of wax that I would be able to put on myself with a brush or my finger, but haven’t been able to until I watched this vid. Well thanks and I hope that you won’t mind the question.

[@rutgerssander]

Hi Dustin, compliments on a very nice video. It shows the time and energy you put into both the project and the video itself. Regards from a fellow woodworker/maker/KZbinr from the Netherlands.

[@inspirethefeargaming5989]

I know this comment is a little late. But what is the gold colored metal that was used for the mechanism and how strong is the spring

[@unit4752]

How much wood did you use to build this with - I have a meter^2 to work with.

[@theokitts441]

what tipe of wood are you using

[@dylanmonahan5909]

The only step I think I am capable of doing myself is the part where you tickled the spring. Bookmarked this just for that part. :D Excellent workmanship, by the way!

[@dpmakestuff]

Thank you!

[@valterleao6795]

PARABÉNS, não sei como escolher qual é melhor!!! Show de trabalho, quanta habilidade!!! Obrigado por compartilhar comigo seus conhecimentos. Abraço aqui do Brasil 🇧🇷

[@jamiesiebold3410]

great build. it came out really nice. the key is really clever.

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks!

[@sammas8103]

Fantastic and awesome simple design. thank you

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks!

[@sjscreations2608]

They are just jealous of you having a CNC and they haven't! Great job with the box. You are very talented!!! Cheers Sean

[@frabcescodantonio6054]

Complimenti! Hai fatto un bel lavoro.

[@DCDLaserCNC]

Nice project! I especially like how you Incorporated the hidden compartment. Nice touch hiding your branding.

[@nicolasdekey]

Oh and by the way, I am aware of the negative reactions some people have when it comes to CNC routers. However, then one should also ban the drill press, sanding machines and so on. With time, new tools become available and in my opinion the tool does not define the woodworker. What defines him is how creative he can be with the new tools that become available to him.

[@dnngskn62]

Wonderful build and a great looking box. Now we know what the faux key was for.

[@dpmakestuff]

Thank you!

[@אליאלבן-דן-ה4נ]

Love the super clean aesthetic and your cogent tutorial.

[@jagttiger702]

super ...just love to see a skilled craftsman

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks!

[@Datrebor]

I don't have the equipment to make these but I do enjoy watching them being made.

[@ReneSorensen]

Awesome build Dustin! Love the voice over commentary !!

[@notoriousnewtt4540]

What do you use for temporary glue?

[@cooperbeggs8392]

I made a who book shelf using a CNC machine, given it was an 8x10 table. I spent hours just making the files and making sure everything was true to the dimensions of my wood. If you mess up on 1 element of the coding your screwed, you have to make sure the bit doesn't go down to deep on the first pass or it will bore your wood your X Y axis must by spot on. It's rough

[@dpmakestuff]

No doubt! It isn't a time saver all the time, but I love the accuracy. Thanks!

[@willswill8163]

I actually love the idea of branding in a place where no one else could possibly do it without breaking it. It creates real authenticity.

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks very much!

[@CurbsideDrums]

Do you have the exact measurements for the wood? Just the dimensions of the actual box would work. I want to do this for wood shop but my teacher requires exact measurements to grade off of. If you could get those that would be great! Thanks

[@dpmakestuff]

I have build plans available on my website. Link in the description.

[@CurbsideDrums]

Dustin Penner thanks!!

[@claterpult]

That is a really cool little compartment, not to mention a beautiful box.

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks!

[@garytritt4080]

How can I get the plans to the hidden compartment box with the purple rose wood?

[@dpmakestuff]

Gary Tritt links are in the video description. That’s Purple Heart wood.

[@CaptainIornManOSteal]

Just because everyone thinks it's cool to hate a CNC machines doesn't mean you don't have to use one. But good job otherwise.

[@dpmakestuff]

haha! I just get tired of the same comments about it over and over again. Thank you very much!

[@aaronrushton4189]

Asher Asberry lol don't even know what a CNC machine is 😂

[@howardtrott1289]

A very handy tool if you know how to use one but frustrating if you don't really have a clue! That's what a CNC machine is!

[@AKSnowLeopard]

Asher Asberry who could ever hate a CNC machine!?

[@joseblum479]

While starting out in woodworking it's best to pick a plan that complements your skill level. Have you made anything from wood before? If not, then pick out a very basic plan for your first project... Check out => 4WoodPlansToday.blogspot.com

[@christineallen4790]

What is the tool called that you used to score lines in with a cylindrical blade? I would like to find one :)

[@bethanyjohnston7199]

The sound of chiseling sped up is so funny and satisfying to listen to.

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks! I have heard it described as woodworking ASMR

[@bethanyjohnston7199]

Dustin Penner Oh yeah! You should do a compilation video then! Different type of audience and more views for you. :)

[@dpmakestuff]

That'd be funny! I'll keep it in mind.

[@strokerace4256]

Don't worry if they bitch about the CNC. I think it does some cool stuff. It's not your fault they don't have one.

[@theguyttissybob2362]

Stroker Ace cnc???

[@albionwatts6000]

But it's not relevant in simple "how to" video for beginners...

[@jasonmccabe5915]

Where did you get the Faux key? Did you purchase it or did you make it yourself?

[@dpmakestuff]

I made it. There is a video on my channel on how I did it.

[@jasonmccabe5915]

I don't see it do you have a link?

[@dpmakestuff]

+Jason McCabe (Camulas) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ6Zg3aBhLKrfdE

[@jasonmccabe5915]

Thank you

[@nicoxstyle]

secret compartment for some spare shotgun shells?

[@jonny828828]

Or whatever you want

[@porterchristenson4835]

+random-stuff for random stuff. See what I did there?

[@loreleihillard5078]

batteries?

[@crystalmay4886]

micro film, sub chips, expensive jewellery, poisons, the key to another compartment on the other side left blank.

[@NMA_NoMoreAmmo]

Or secret box which is also a secret shotgun itself :)

[@TheCHRISCaPWN]

Where do you get these hinges, and what screws are you using for the lid? With 1/4 stock, all of the screws I can find are to long, and will poke out the top.

[@dpmakestuff]

Chris Thompson info is in the video description and if they're too long just cut them.

[@TheCHRISCaPWN]

I've read the info countless times, and totally didn't register "Lee Valley." *facepalm* As for cutting the screws, I wasn't sure that they'd hold, long term. I'll give it a go though. Should be finishing my box tonight! Thanks for the help!

[@dpmakestuff]

Chris Thompson excellent! Happy to help. The hinges will hold up to a reasonable amount of abuse. Whether you cut them or find short screws, they're still bitting into the same amount of wood.

[@TheCHRISCaPWN]

Thanks for providing the plans (I bought a set this week), as well as the help. Much appreciated. Keep up the good work with you're content. You're one of my favorites. Cheers.

[@Mylifejourney2023]

For me it would be cut a few pieces of wood I find, glue the together , and boom there my box! ( it might a a bit crooked tho😬😂)

[@dpmakestuff]

It's not too bad! Just lots of little steps.

[@darrylkassle361]

very talented and imaginative is this mans work!

[@Chancey464]

I love this box made with purple heart

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks very much!

[@danpaddles2]

Nice job, thanks for sharing. Note, your purple heart will turn brown if it gets any UV light on it for any length of time. Especially if you use Briwax, instead of poly, the poly would offer some UV protection.

[@dpmakestuff]

danpaddles2 thanks. Purple Heart actually gets its colour from uv light. It's brown when fresh cut but quickly oxidizes. Fire and UV light speed up the colour change.

[@danvalleskey]

Only for a little while.

[@shahbaazhaque3266]

i dont know why that wooden work are so satisfying

[@victorjuarez2262]

?porque pasas las mano tan cerca de las sierras?

[@freemanjewelryworkshop]

Fantastic work! Very Very clean and crisp!

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks very much!

[@lourensjoubert8652]

awesome build!! one of the cleanest wood projects have ever seen!! this will be a great geocache. thanks for the vid

[@cav2553]

what's the tool (0:59) for marking, I've seen it before on his channel and can't find it online. jig maybe?

[@toolify]

Purpleheart... Pretty!!Faux key is like a mini ice pick :)

[@dpmakestuff]

PH looks nice, but it has to be the worst wood to work with! Thanks Kriss!

[@jessjulian9458]

I really enjoyed the project. Thanks for sharing your talents.

[@arthurguinot9650]

Very good idea with the fake key! I love it

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks!

[@DIYModernTwins]

Nice one Dustin! Nice job free-handing the hinge route too.

[@Jim-DCE]

what's the name of the tool you use to mark the center lines?

[@dpmakestuff]

That is called a marking gauge!

[@Jim-DCE]

Thank you. I've never seen one before. I think it'll really help me in my projects.

[@RealRuler2112]

Not only is this box gorgeous, the secret compartment is well designed & incorporated. Now if there were only way to disguise the release hole... maybe make the ends thinner and pierce through to the purpleheart in a pattern so that you'd have to know where in the pattern to push to release the catch? (Now I'm just getting picky... ;)

[@dpmakestuff]

Lots of options for release mechanisms. I like the idea of having a pattern on the inside of the box to disguise the hole. I'll keep that one in mind. Thanks!

[@kennytaylor5871]

genius! been watching your videos for about a year and you have inspired me to build all kinda of secret boxes and etc. keep up the great work!

[@dpmakestuff]

Excelent! Always happy to hear that. thanks!

[@nighttack4612]

What's the importance of drying the wood

[@dpmakestuff]

Wood is like a sponge and it expands and contracts with humidity. If the wood was wet when I made this, it would shrink and basically pull itself apart.

[@johndyk6996]

Were can i order this?

[@chrisdugger9527]

Dude, you have like every tool known to man. I'm certainly jealous. Nice box.

[@bermudezyuriaba]

Cual es el nombre de la madera "roja" que usas.? what is the name of the "red wood" . You use.?

[@Maggie._..]

purple heart/ corazon rojo

[@ampkevin]

Juvia Lockser rojo? O morado ?

[@Maggie._..]

Si morado, estaba biendo su comentario mientras escribia

[@TheHoodbaby]

How big are the wood pieces?

[@dpmakestuff]

Plans available on my website.

[@Seega64]

was ist das für ein brett an der fräse?

[@eagleeye5520]

nice work DP wish you the best

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks!

[@AlexandreEYLER]

amazing box, by its hidden part and by its visual style and high quality. You blew my mind once again :)

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks!

[@maxgrable398]

genio, te felicito, un trabajo impecable!!! muy lindo

[@maxgrable398]

Numnum mexicano ??? seguí colandote los dedos bebé de pecho!

[@denisequintana433]

Numnum lol you a trump supporter too nice too see someone else is everyone gets mad at me when i make fun of Mexicans in the comments

[@HexManiac536]

Numnum just because he speaks spanish doesn't mean he's from mexico idiot =▲=

[@HexManiac536]

***** c:

[@twistedsim]

what is the tool you use to mark the center line?

[@dpmakestuff]

That's a marking gauge. I think I have a link in the video description

[@AndyCollier]

Awesome idea with the faux key!

[@brianmorris8045]

The only reason I have found people get upset, is that the person doing the project defies convention...well without that defying convention...you have no imagination...so don't worry about them, Dustin. As long as all safety procedures are adhered to...who cares....keep at it Dustin...great project.

[@dpmakestuff]

Brian Morris thanks Brian! You have no idea how much a well thought out, meaningful comment like this means to me.

[@brianmorris8045]

No worries mate (as we say down under), a little or a lot of genuine praise never hurt anyone, especially if it encourages you to keep at the projects. I love watching all these amateurs coming up with all these creations, as most of the time, it is out of love, or necessity or both, for their hobbies, be it woodwork, or metal creations.

[@brianmorris8045]

To be honest, sometimes I turn the TV side off and feed my youtube to watch all this into larger screen, in the lounge room (now my son showed me how) ...100% more entertaining. But most nights it is just viewing on the laptop.

[@markg.2501]

Well presented and fun to watch...........Thanks for your effort....Nice Job!

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks you for watching!

[@RenaissanceWW]

Very nice project and clearly explained! Love it

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks very much!

[@kschaub62]

Where do you find the brass sheets?

[@dpmakestuff]

Any metal supplier should have it! I get mine from the scrap bin at mine for a deeply discounted price.

[@jasonmccabe5915]

You are so lucky to have a CNC router. I would love to have one. Do you have a video no yours?

[@georgeruiz1048]

Beautiful box and I enjoyed the video.

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks very much!

[@katzmosestools]

Love it! never knew that oxidizing purple heart was a thing. Great build Dustin!

[@jc171177]

Amazing & inspiring work. Depending on what you were keeping in the secret compartment and how careful/cautious/pedantic you wanted to be, or meticulous, as you clearly are...do you think it would also be worth counter-weighting the non-secret compartment end so not to raise suspicion when lifted up?

[@dpmakestuff]

I dont think it would be worth it. The wood I used is really dense and heavy so when the compartment is full, it's not noticeable. Depends what you store I guess.

[@abdullahali5039]

Beautiful and neat work

[@baileybrockway7702]

I am amazed. great work!

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks Bailey!

[@nonsensenewswithjbs8920]

I love your boxes you make uggghhh I wish I had that kind of skill

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks!

[@JD_Mortal]

You should have made a false floor that can slide, just a tiny bit, to push the spring off the edge, instead of an obvious hole. EG, a secured floor, seen outside, but the inner floor floating above that, retained under the cut-out that also holds the solid floor. A tiny push to one side, and it opens the compartment. If you had one on the other side, you push it the other way to open the other compartment. Go totally stealth that way. Another stealth idea... If not a sliding floor, then make a flexible inner trim that is attached at the far side of the clip only. Mounted in a similar notch as the floor panel. A little pressure on the trim, in the spring corner, and it pushes the spring off the lip, to open the compartment. If there is on on both sides, it will just seem like it is part of the design holding the box together. Another stealth idea... A brass tack key, which is permanently mounted against the spring, pushing from the top. You drill a hole going down to the spring and insert a rod that is soldered to a sort-of oversized tack-head. You make the head so it just protrudes out of the hole, so it looks like the matching decorative bras tacks that you add across the other ends. Push that one down and the attached rod pushes the spring to depress it a bit, pushing it off the edge of the retainer lip. The spring which pushes the shelf out, can also be the same spring that keeps the push-button tack-head up, so the rod will be out of the way when you insert the drawer back into the slot.

[@N4orEditor]

6:48 you hold it in place with a DAB of ca glue

[@dpmakestuff]

?

[@salphazomi907]

Realky enjoyed watching your videos. Too bad we don't have most of the machines you're using to make the job much much easier

[@dpmakestuff]

salpha zomi table saw and a drill. Everything else is fluff. Thanks.

[@ShicZero]

Busy day at work and I missed out on mystery things. I'll be sure to share. Nicely done!

[@dpmakestuff]

They went very fast! I wasn't expecting it! Thanks

[@hotrodpawns]

Beautifully done.

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks!

[@89bavaro89]

I was under the impression that sunlight(oxidation) cause the color of most tropical woods like purple heart/paduk, bloodwood to turn brown and loose their color??

[@dpmakestuff]

Other way around. Oxidation causes the colour to appear.

[@jasonhutchinson6556]

Where do I know this music from???

[@tanarodriguez3240]

Can this or other boxes be purchased?

[@dpmakestuff]

sometimes! It depends on build budget.

[@jmm1233]

nice build

[@crisdlcruz145]

i hate being sleep deprived i had to re watch the secret compartment mechanism

[@prodrumm3r1]

I didn't get to get a thing but I think it's a really awesome idea and I want to thank you for all the work you put into these videos it really shows

[@dpmakestuff]

Thank you! They went really fast and I'll be a lot sneakier the next time!

[@theVonThompsons]

nice work...I love secret compartments!