Automated Hidden Compartment Ebony Inlay Table

[James Dixon]

Ever wish your furniture could do more?

Hi, James the One Handed Maker from Australia here!

I made a secret compartment table that looks completely ordinary, until you discover the hidden storage inside!
Perfect for hiding valuables, treasure, or just impressing guests.
The table is made from New Guinea Rosewood, River Red Gum Burl on the sides and 80 pieces of Ebony inlay in the legs.

The hidden compartment is opened electronically by two secret buttons. The buttons run code in an Arduino Nano, which in turn operates a 2 channel relay. The relay activates a linear actuator to open a secret panel.
The battery pack will last for a year or more, because it is only powered up when the drawer is open.
Almost forgot to mention the drawer is hidden as well.

Keep in mind, I design and make all projects,

I do all videoing and video editing, I compose, perform and record all of the backing music on my Yamaha keyboard. Everything you see and hear on my channel is 100 percent my work.
If you are interested in the full build video look up One Handed Maker (secret compartment table) on the internet.
I have added the link, I think.
https://youtu.be/HL_qKtyX7OU

 

[Charles Lent]

Nice table and hidden compartment, but how do you access the battery if/when it dies? Is it somehow accessible outside the hidden compartment? Is there a way to open the compartment mechanically if your electronics fail? I love making things with secret compartments in them, but haven't done so in many years. Always interested in seeing what others have made though.

Charley

 

[Vaughn McMillan]

That's another very cool project James, and the final result is awesome.

 

[Dan Noren]

what if, say, a finger gets in the way, does it know enough to stop? other than that question, nice work.

 

[Paul Douglass]

Very beautiful!

 

[Rennie Heuer]

Nicely done!

 

[Dave Hawksford]

Love the hidden compartments I find in old tables. This is cool.

 

[James Dixon]

Nice table and hidden compartment, but how do you access the battery if/when it dies? Is it somehow accessible outside the hidden compartment? Is there a way to open the compartment mechanically if your electronics fail? I love making things with secret compartments in them, but haven't done so in many years. Always interested in seeing what others have made though.

Charley

Thanks Charles. Great to hear from you and get a meaningful question.
The video on YouTube shows how the table top is removable. The detail is at 18:20 onwards.
I will check out your posts!
Kind regards James

 

[James Dixon]

That's another very cool project James, and the final result is awesome.

Thanks Vaughn

 

[James Dixon]

what if, say, a finger gets in the way, does it know enough to stop? other than that question, nice work.

Great question, short answer is! It doesn't know when to stop, however I now know not to put my fingers in the way. It does wait 2 seconds before closing after the button is pressed.
I'm also considering just using the front button to open and close. Just a coding change to remember the last status. Opened oe closed.
Take care James

 

[James Dixon]

Very beautiful!

Thanks Paul, I sit next to this table every day... and it is a lovely piece of functional art.
Warm regards James

 

[James Dixon]

Nicely done!

Thanks Rennie.
Much appreciated.
James

 

[James Dixon]

Love the hidden compartments I find in old tables. This is cool.

Thanks Dave,
Imagine finding this one in a 100 years from now!
Goosebumps!
Regards James