Thread: Haunted Mailbox

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I am building a pneumatic mailbox and thought I would post all the way through.

I started with a used mailbox from my father-in-law.

Then ordered my pneumatic parts from "Monster Guts".

Ordered my contoller as a bundle from "Fright Ideas".

Here is a start to my project in the makings.

So far I mounted the cylinder and the flow control valves.

I will post more pics as the progress continues.

Looks great so far! Keep it up! Hopefully you get some video of it in action!

yeah, keep us informed with pics

Today, I did a little pluming.

I mounted the control valve and ran some tubing.

Excellent!! I always wanted to do one.

One thing that worries me with it. What if someone puts there hand in there? Is there any way to protect against it?

Billman, I don't worry about any of my props
I stake and tape off the perimeter of my yard.
If they cross the line, oh well not my fault. This
operates on very low psi. Even if a kid stuck there
Hand in there it would probably break the prop.
No worries!!!

That's cool. I might add this to my list.

I have done a mailbox prop where a hand comes out. I made my own cylinders using copper pipe and run it like a typical TCT. When the box closes, it uses spring power only. I installed springs inside the two cylinders and they basically close by leaking off the pressure. The two different cylinders have different size springs. The weakest spring will open first and close last(door). My mailbox is right out on the street and believe me, the TOT's can't keep thier hands to themselves. The activation is with pir and the hand comes out with a little force. The most it would do is scare the little ones. I only run about 25psi to it. It's been going for at least 6 or 7 years with no problems. If your using a cylinder as a two way cylinder, just be aware that if they can touch it, they will. Pinch points are your concern. Since the TOT's can't get to it, no worries. I think yours will be fantastic!! Will you run lights? How fast will it be opening and closing?