This is my first cryptex and what a learning experience. It's really a pretty simple thing to make but dimensions are critical. I expect it will take two or three more before I get any I can use for gifts. I have to say I am thrilled at how well the rotary engraver worked once I got the pattern and spacing figured out. The rings have the alphabet on them but the code for each grand kid will be their birthday as it corresponds to the letters of the alphabet, won't tell them at first and see if one of them figures it out. I don't think they can guess it out as there are about 3 million combinations possible.

 

 

 

I wasn't sure how long to make the barrels so I had to trim them off on the band saw, shouldn't be a problem on the next ones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From what I understand, these devices were used to transport sensitive messages. Supposedly the message would be written on parchment and a glass vial of vinegar was placed in with the message. A person couldn't break into the cryptex without breaking the vial which would dissolve the parchment. I don't know if all that's true but it makes a good story and these are kind of neat I think. FWIW, Carl Jacobson has three videos on making one of these and that's where I got the idea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve

Well, that's way more sophisticated than a Little Orphan Annie decoder rig!

 

Awesome project!.

 

Steve, you never cease to amaze me.

John

Great idea Steve.  I am sure the kids will love them.  Nice work.

1 hour ago, HARO50 said:

Steve, you never cease to amaze me.

John

 

include me..

41 minutes ago, Stick486 said:

 

include me..

Okay. Stick, you never cease to amaze me.

27 minutes ago, HARO50 said:

Okay. Stick, you never cease to amaze me.

LOL, worth the price of admission all by itself!!

 

Steve

1 hour ago, HARO50 said:

Okay. Stick, you never cease to amaze me.

 

me to..

44 minutes ago, Steve Krumanaker said:

LOL, worth the price of admission all by itself!!

 

Steve

 

Hey John..

we just hit pay dirt...

our well came in...

mother lode at our feet...

riches beyond our widest dreams...

Tom Mix would be green with envy. Great Job, very professional looking.

Herb

Edited March 10, 20188 yr by Dadio

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptex

 

 

That is just way cool Steve.  If the grandkids don't like them I'll send you my birthdate!

That looks like it is coming together great. Glad it is you and not me , just can't believe you got it going that fast.

Steve your skills are so amazing....  just wonderful to watch. Thanks for sharing

Thanks to everyone for looking and commenting!!

 

Steve

if i had the tools and skills, i'd make this, and further, i'd scramble the order of letters on each ring, no two the same.

 

or i'd use numbers on each ring, 0-9 each, in random orders.

 

very clever item.

Missed this somehow...

If these are just the prototypes I can't wait to see the ones you plan to give away!

You are a master at what you do. Thanks for sharing.

 

I think I saw this on FB too.    cool