I am currently away at sea, so my opportunities to make stuff are limited.

However we're not going to let a little thing like no access to shops etc stop us are we?

So using stuff I found onboard I have constructed a post box, fortunately I have a fully equipped machine shop on the Sleek Grey Car Ferry of Death, so that helps

Step 1: Materials, Tools Etc

An Ammunition Box (we have lots of these hanging around but they can be bought from Army Surplus Stores)

Grinder with cutting wheel

Drill and bits

File

2 x M12 bolts 50mm long

3 x M12 nuts

2 x Large washers

Small padlock

Step 2: Construction

First I got my ammunition box and using a grinder and cutting wheel cut a slot as shown.

The original idea was to cut this shape and bend up the "flap" as a letterbox hole, but quite frankly it looked a bit crap so...............................

I cut out a complete triangle instead

Step 3: Securing the Lid

I drilled a hole both short sides through the centre slot of the closing handles

On the side I want to open I fitted an M12 bolt which I had filed flats on the thread and drilled a hole for the padlock

On the non opening side I bolted an M12 straight through to secure the lid, the pivot action of the closing handle allows this to move to open the box, I used a washer inside the box and one under the handle to spread load

Step 4: Finishing

It just needs a bit of paint (if I can liberate some from one of the armoured vehicles down stairs!) a mounting pole from the diy shop and a padlock and it's done!

And when I get home I can install it (probably much to my wife's disgust!!!!!)