Magic Trick - The Vanishing Box

2026.1.1 UPDATE (Version 3):

Version V3 - compatible with standard playing card size has been released.
V3 maintains essentially the same design as V2, with the only difference being its larger size. The case dimensions (excluding the handle) are as follows:

• V2: 83 × 51 × 24 mm
• V3: 113 × 79 × 31 mm

How to choose:

• V2: More compact and portable, especially recommended if you intend to print it for children to play with.
• V3: This version is designed for those who wish to store actual playing cards. It can accommodate standard decks such as Bicycle and Bees. Specifically, the deck dimensions should be ≤ 98 × 66 × 24 mm.
  Regardless of which version you choose, you can equally enjoy the magic experience.

How to assemble:
Please refer to the attached PDF. Pay special attention to the installation direction of the Hook!

How to use:
Please refer to the illustrated section at the end of this document (the part about empty mode and loaded mode).
 

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2025.5.20 UPDATE (Version 2):

Since sharing this model, your incredible feedback and stories have made this project more rewarding than I ever imagined. While many have successfully created working magic boxes, I've also carefully studied cases where things didn't go as planned. These insights led to Version 2 - featuring significant improvements that should increase success rates across different setups.

The new design addresses the most common pain points. I'm hopeful this version will help more makers experience the magic, and as always, I welcome your continued feedback to make it even better.

A Fair Warning: While V2 is more robust, differences in filament/printer settings might still cause unforeseen issues. Please consider the risk of failure before proceeding with the print.

Key Upgrades:

1. Fixed Inner Box Extraction Issues
   - Tested on Bambu Lab P1S with following filaments:
       - Bambu PLA Basic: Flawless
       - Bambu PLA Matte: Flawless
       - Bambu PETG HF: Flawless
       - Third-party Silk PLA: Not perfect — likely due to shrinkage causing slight expansion. While third-party silk PLA requires considerable force to slide (and remains stiff even after breaking in). However, the inner box is still guaranteed to extract in this version.

2. Eliminated Screeching Sounds
   - Adjusted print orientation so sliding surfaces are either flat (bottom layer) or aligned with layer lines.
   - Note: It’s not silent, but now it sounds like a normal drawer—no more nails-on-a-chalkboard!

3. Integrated Handle & Drawer
   - No more glue needed! They print as one piece.

4. Uniform Surface Layer Direction
   - Drawer and inner box now have matching layer lines, reducing visual tells when switching between modes.

5.  Playing card-inspired texture
    -  Subtle card-deck patterning added. 
    -  Prefer a cleaner look? The V1 box remains functionally identical—just swap the parts.

 For V1 Owners:

If you still have your V1 box in hand, you can upgrade specific parts instead of reprinting everything:

- Inner box stuck? → Replace Hook.  
   (To remove the old hook: Insert a thin tool (e.g., tweezers) into the side gap and apply gentle leverage to pry it out.
- Screeching noise? → Replace Drawer + Inner Box .
- Want a more playful look? → Replace Box

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2025.5.3

I finally held my 'perfect' vanishing box... only to discover this community already has brilliant designs! While they're fantastic for stage magic, I built this for those who said:

"What if I need a vanishing box that's…

- Smaller (Fits in a jacket pocket)
- Lighter (Only 50+g material!)
- 0% Learning Curve (Literally open-and-go)"

Or maybe you'd like to discreetly store small items in your bag - like USB drives, keys, or... other personal essentials.

Proven Print Protocols
✅ PLA Basic
✅ PETG
❌ PLA Matte

I've included a handy PDF assembly guide to help you get set up in no time. Enjoy the magic!

How to Use This Magic Prop：

1. Holding the Box
   • Hold the box in your left hand, just as I do in the demonstration.
2. Empty Box Mode (Locking the Inner Box)
   • Press your index finger all the way down—this locks the inner box in place.
   • When you pull the box open now, it will appear empty (only the outer shell slides out).
3. Loaded Box Mode (Releasing the Inner Box)
   • Press your thumb all the way down—this slides the internal mechanism to the far right, releasing the inner box.
   • Now when you pull it open, the box will reveal its contents (the inner box comes out with the items).
4. Important Tip
   • Sometimes, the inner box moves so smoothly that you might not notice it’s already in the "loaded" position.

   • Check like this: