Unlock a little joy this season with this tree ornament that conceals a locked compartment.

Rotate the tree levels to find the combination that unlocks Santa's secret compartment. Great for small gifts (cash, other 3D-printed wonders, etc).

How it Works

• Tree has 3 rotating levels
• User needs to align branches on bottom and middle levels with base (36 possible combinations) to unlock the secret compartment
• The top level also rotates, but it's just a red herring / isn't needed to unlock the compartment 😉
• Design is ready to remix and add some more flair:
  • Add some snow to the tree sections if you have multi-color printing
  • Draw some additional decorations on each section to orient yourself

🧩 Parts List

• 🟢 Tree, Top
• 🟢 Tree, Middle
• 🟢 Tree, Bottom
• 🟤 Base
• 🟤 Key
• 📏 Aluminum Shaft: ø3mm (1/8") x 70mm (2 ¾")
• 💧 Glue (2-part epoxy or superglue)

🛠 Assembly

1. 👐Carefully snap the tree sections together. Locking features should keep the pieces assembled but let them rotate independently.
2. 🪛 Chase the holes in the base and key to ensure a snug fit with the locking shaft - a hand vise and drill bit work well for this
3. 👐 Dry fit the base, shaft, and key and check to make sure the shaft length is correct to engage the lock on the upper tree section
4. 💧 Glue shaft to base and key with glue - make sure that key tangs are aligned with dot on bottom of base
5. 🎁 Load up with your secret gift, assemble base and tree, and rotate to securely lock
6. 🎄 Hang in your tree with fishing line or ribbon!

Have feedback?

Please add a comment as I continue to refine the design to ease printing, assembly, and use!