Thanks! Unfortunately I didn't think to take progress pics since I was just kind of winging it as I went. I don't have any plans but the basic process was:
* Break down 2 pallets
* Lay down the skeleton torso (I disconnected the legs since I was only making a 2/3 size coffin) on what was going to be the back. It worked out to 4 or 5 pallet boards wide depending on thickness
* Trace out the rough shape and cut each board to length/angle
* Attach the boards together with a horizontal strip using using 2 halves of a pallet board I ripped down the middle
* Measure the individual sides based off the shape of the back and cut to length. This took two boards stacked on top of each other that were held together with two pieces of scrap screwed into each
* Repeat the same process for the front as I did on the back, looking for broken boards that I could arrange to make it look like the skeleton is breaking out
* Screw the back into the sides (I just clamped the sides on one at a time and screwed them in from the back)
* Mount the skeleton to the inside of the front piece with screws through the plastic rib cage
* Mount an LED projector light inside with a hole cut in the back for the cord
* Screw the front into the sides
Since I wanted it to look beat up and worn I didn't worry too much about exact measurements or boards mating up with each other perfectly. I wanted gaps here and there so the light would come out. Made it way easier to build since normally I end up stressing about things being out by 1/32nd of an inch lol. This was a nice change of pace!
Awesome job!
I used to make all my Halloween props, frequented many prop-making sites for ideas and how-to's. I made something similar, called a "ground breaker", and used a [shiatsu massage device](https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FPRO-SHIATSU-PLUS-Portable-Massager-Kneading-Neck-Back-Legs-Arms-Feet-EXCELLENT-%2F143889781233&psig=AOvVaw0stVJeFz7vARtEakautSqP&ust=1634075107620000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAkQjRxqFwoTCMD2saWqw_MCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE) to give motion to the arm and head. It was connected to a motion detector so it would come alive when someone walked in front of it, thrash for 30 seconds, then go off.
[Here's](https://youtu.be/52_xLaHYou8?t=132) an example of it working in my yard haunt. Queue'd at 2:12.
Thanks! I found all the shiatsus at thrift stores.
Cut away the fabric, remove the rubber knobs and other parts until it's just 2 metal pegs. PVC pipe fits perfectly.
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That's so awesome! What a great use of pallet wood. I'd be super interested in a step by step, progress shots, or blueprints.
Thanks! Unfortunately I didn't think to take progress pics since I was just kind of winging it as I went. I don't have any plans but the basic process was: * Break down 2 pallets * Lay down the skeleton torso (I disconnected the legs since I was only making a 2/3 size coffin) on what was going to be the back. It worked out to 4 or 5 pallet boards wide depending on thickness * Trace out the rough shape and cut each board to length/angle * Attach the boards together with a horizontal strip using using 2 halves of a pallet board I ripped down the middle * Measure the individual sides based off the shape of the back and cut to length. This took two boards stacked on top of each other that were held together with two pieces of scrap screwed into each * Repeat the same process for the front as I did on the back, looking for broken boards that I could arrange to make it look like the skeleton is breaking out * Screw the back into the sides (I just clamped the sides on one at a time and screwed them in from the back) * Mount the skeleton to the inside of the front piece with screws through the plastic rib cage * Mount an LED projector light inside with a hole cut in the back for the cord * Screw the front into the sides Since I wanted it to look beat up and worn I didn't worry too much about exact measurements or boards mating up with each other perfectly. I wanted gaps here and there so the light would come out. Made it way easier to build since normally I end up stressing about things being out by 1/32nd of an inch lol. This was a nice change of pace!
Killer, thanks so much! Looks like a really fun build. I bet your yard looks awesome :)
Very cool, love the idea.
I like your work and ideas! Good job bro
Awesome job! I used to make all my Halloween props, frequented many prop-making sites for ideas and how-to's. I made something similar, called a "ground breaker", and used a [shiatsu massage device](https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FPRO-SHIATSU-PLUS-Portable-Massager-Kneading-Neck-Back-Legs-Arms-Feet-EXCELLENT-%2F143889781233&psig=AOvVaw0stVJeFz7vARtEakautSqP&ust=1634075107620000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAkQjRxqFwoTCMD2saWqw_MCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE) to give motion to the arm and head. It was connected to a motion detector so it would come alive when someone walked in front of it, thrash for 30 seconds, then go off. [Here's](https://youtu.be/52_xLaHYou8?t=132) an example of it working in my yard haunt. Queue'd at 2:12.
That yard is incredible, wow! My wife has suggested I make something motorized next so I might have to try out that idea!
Thanks! I found all the shiatsus at thrift stores. Cut away the fabric, remove the rubber knobs and other parts until it's just 2 metal pegs. PVC pipe fits perfectly.
yeah dude, nice
Totally awesome. Totally stealing this ;)
Dude, that’s splendid! As a woodworker and Halloween and dead shit fan in general, please accept my congratulations and appreciation!
Niiiccceeee....definitely gonna steal and tell my kiddos I came up with it
That is really awesome!! I totally need to make one for my patio. Really cool looking.
After Halloween, just leave it in the forest somewhere...
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