DIY Wooden BTC Key

Hey all, I'm posting today to show you all a woodworking project I made a few years ago. When BTC was trading at about $650..(June 2014) Oh that I could have held... Anyway I had taken a few pictures along the way and thought I'd share so anyone who wants to can recreate this nifty project!

Here is a current photo of the Key.

Step 1: Planning and Rough Cut

I drew out the basic outline on two pieces of wood, I believe they were segments of 1"x3"x8'. The "011" on the end of the key is binary for "3" I like the number three and thought it'd be clever to use binary for the keys teeth. All of the shaded area will be removed.

Here is an angle to show the function of the key. The circle will be split in half(see failed attempt to the left) and the shaft will wedge over the base to keep it closed.

Step 2: Split The Base and Notch the Shaft

Now the key is rough cut in two pieces. We next notch the shaft/locking mechanism, split the base down the center, and notch the outer edge of the base to receive the shaft. After the base is split we sand the inside faces smooth and put a nail through the outer edge to allow swiveling. Note1: You may need to cut the nail so it doesn't penetrate through the back of the key base. Note2: The notches should be cut less than you think, you can always sand/cut more but if it's too loose you'll be starting attempt #2 haha.

Step 3: Dremeling and Sanding

Now we need to dremel out a storage space for the microSD card and the logo. I made this for bitcoin so I used "฿" but you can use any symbol you like. Then its just the finishing touches, sanding smooth/clean and staining/clear coating. I used mineral oil to keep it from getting dirty and seal it a little.

I've been getting back into woodworking so there is a likelyhood that there will he more of these posts to come. If anyone makes anything similar I'd love to see it!