In this hack, I'll show how to make an infinity mirror inside of a 2x4. Originally, it was conceived of as a drink coaster, and senses when you place a drink or bottle of water on it via a microswitch inside. You can see the whole story of this build here on YouTube, or the video is embedded at the end.

Step 1: Get Materials

You'll need the following:

LED Strip [Amazon]
9V battery connector
1-Way Acrylic Mirror [Amazon - not sure where I got mine, but should work]
Section of 2x4
9V Battery and connector
Microswitch
Roofing-type nails with flat head
1/4 or similar plywood

Note: Amazon links are affiliate.

Step 2: Cut 2x4

Cut 2x4 into a square with a miter saw or similar.

Cut out the inside of your 2x4 with a hole saw or other method. Largest saw you can find while still maintaining integrity of wood is best.

Step 3: Cut 1-Way Acrylic

Cut 2 pieces of acrylic to match 2x4. Here I'm scoring the outside in order to provide a guide to cut with.

Can use any appropriate variety of saw, or even a CNC.

Step 4: Cut Out Switch Support and Stain As Desired

Cut out 1/4 inch plywood to the height and diameter of inner hole. Leave notches on sides to allow LED strip to wrap around.

Step 5: Wire and Attach Microswitch

Ground one side of the LED strip to a negative of a 9V battery connector Attach other side of LED strip to NO terminal on microswitch. Attach positive battery connector wire to common microswitch terminal.

Attach microswitch with wood screws so that when middle support is assembled, lever extends above 2x4, and can be turned off when held flush with top of 2x4. Attach a 9V battery on one side of the middle support with glue. Wrap LED strip around the inside of the circle, and device should function to turn on when top is covered with acrylic.

Step 6: Attach 1-Way Acrylic and Drill

Hold acrylic on 2x4 with clamp, and drill holes in 4 corners at an equal distance from center/corners.

Step 7: Attach Back With Super Glue

Step 8: Add Nails and Test

Drill out holes in top acrylic to allow nails to pass smoothly through. As needed, drill holes in wood slightly smaller than nails.

Attach acrylic to wood, then fasten side closest to pivot of microswitch with nails loose enough to allow acrylic to pivot. Fasten other side with nails more loosely to that the acrylic can be lifted up by microswitch.

Step 9: Test and Enjoy!

Once done, the top acrylic should function as a switch, allowing you to key out Morse code, or turn on when a glass or bottle is placed on top as originally intended.

You can see the whole build process in the video embedded, or check out my YouTube channel to see much more. I originally made this video well over a year ago, and it's shocking to see how much the quality of my videos has changed for the better!