Thread: Monster in a Box is too violent!

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Hey all...I need some ideas.

I just ran the first test of my monster in a box. It's a full-size toe pincher made out of redwood fencing, so it has some weight. I couldn't find an electric motor locally for a reasonable price, so I substituted a $15 drill from the pawn shop. The drill is mounted to the floor, and has a disk sander with a length of pipe connected, which then is connected to the lid.

And, boy howdy, does it make some noise. The problem is that I bought a single-speed drill, and the default setting is so fast, that my coffin is tearing itself apart! I re-screwed the lid and applied liberal amounts of Gorilla Glue, but it's still shaky. I can do some additional strengthening, but I'm afraid it won't last long, even if only set intermittently on a motion detector.

YouTube - Monster in a Box First Test

Any ideas? Is there any way to decrease the speed on a single speed drill? Any other creative solutions you can suggest? I considered a fan motor, but I was afraid it wouldn't have enough chutzpa to open the lid, which probably weighs 30 pounds or so.

go to Lowes and buy a plug in dimmer. They make them for lamps, etc. It will limit the juice going to the the drill and will slow it down for you.

Originally Posted by Layne

go to Lowes and buy a plug in dimmer. They make them for lamps, etc. It will limit the juice going to the the drill and will slow it down for you.

A dimmer, great idea...thanks!

I have an old drill sitting in the garage. I need to use it for something cool like this. And yes, the dimmer is a good idea!

(edited post, wrong vid attached)

YES, A DIMMER WILL WORK FOR YOU, I KNOW FIRST HAND BECAUSE I HAVE DONE THIS SAME THING WITH A JIG SAW. MY ADVICE TO YOU THOUGH IS TO USE A DIMMER WITH ADEQUATE WATTAGE. I'M NOT AN ELECTRICIAN AND CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT SIZE I USED, BUT THE FIRST DIMMER I USED BURNT OUT. ANOTHER OPTION THAT MIGHT WORK IS TO USE A ZIP TIE ON THE TRIGGER ONLY COMPRESSING IT SLIGHTLY TO EASE UP ON THE SPEED. YOU MIGHT GET TECH SUPPORT FROM THIS LINK.
Lutron Electronics, Inc.

Thanks, Myra, I'll keep an eye on the wattage. Kind of a neophyte, but I guess I just need to find one with a number that is no less than the wattage listed on the drill?

It is a single speed drill, so unfortunately, it's full on or full off. Would have saved me a lot lf headache if I had spent five more dollars on a variable speed drill at the pawn shop. Oi.

I noticed when I tried to use an old drill for my MIB that when you turn the speed too far down and the drill shuts down just as it is lifting the lid the drill wont start again without a little help.My lid may have been slightly heavier then yours but something to be aware of.I switched to a wiper motor on mine.

I had originally tried my first attempt with a monster in the box using a variable speed drill like you're doing. On high like you've pointed out is is violent and tears apart everything. When I tried slowing it down, it became inconstant and the drill would struggle to open the lid, then on the down side pick up speed from the weight of the lid. Eventually it just stripped the gears in the motor.

I ended up switching to a wiper motor running off 12 volts at low speed which seemed to be a decent enough speed to open/close the lid. It will be going on its 4th year with this wiper motor and it is still working perfectly.

I agree with The Pod. You want a wiper motor. They cost about $15, and you can get a cheap power supply. Also, you could easily make an irregularly shaped cam out of of a piece of wood rather than using the pipe you are using. That will control how much the lid is opening each time and also to make it look more natural rather than mechanical.