Fractal Music Box

thingiverse

Create four musical boxes as Christmas gifts for your family using a Processing script-generated PDF pattern. Each laser-cut from a single piece of 12x12 plywood, the boxes feature an inlaid Hilbert curve on the lid and an etched one on the bottom. The sides contain J-shaped inlays or holes, representing each family member's initial. The pieces fit together like a puzzle, with the Js dyed different colors using food coloring. A common type of hand-cranked movement is used for the crank hole, and Kikkerland is one manufacturer of this type. To create your own, load the pattern into CorelDraw or similar software, changing all lines to hairlines for cutting. Adjust or remove the side hole for a non-standard movement or no movement at all. Replace J letters with another design if desired. Cut the pieces, remove inlays and J-hole shapes, sanding and staining as needed. Dye J holes different light colors using food coloring or leave them as holes. Attach adhesive felt to the interior, leaving a hole for the music box movement. Screw or hot glue the movement into place.