Before we start making the mailbox, figure out where it will be installed. In apartment buildings, mailboxes are placed directly in the entrances, between the first and second floors, and represent a single prefabricated structure. Therefore, to think about how to make a mailbox, you need someone who lives in a private building. And in private homes, mailboxes are located on the street. How long does a cardboard box last in the open air, rain or snow, even if it is protected by a visor?
Mailbox Design
The word “box” in the name of such a product implies the presence of a back, front and side walls, as well as a bottom and top cover. The dimensions of these components of the mailbox are determined, of course, by the "designer" himself. After all, each has its own mail, including the format and volume of correspondence. To fasten all the elements of the box together, you can use small nails or screws (screws). However, the preferred option is when the fastening is done using a corner.
It is best to use duralumin, and “tens” will be enough. The use of a corner, firstly, will ensure the rigidity of the entire structure, and secondly, facilitate its repair (if necessary). It is much easier to loosen the screws and nuts than to remove the screws. Screwing in and out when it comes to wood material leads to wear. And if you use puff plywood, then the corner is much better. Screwing the screw into the glued layers is quite difficult, since it is also necessary to maintain the accuracy of the direction of the “stroke” of the screw. A little to the side, and he is already outside.
All mailboxes differ in the location of the slots for correspondence.It should be noted that if it is located on the top cover, then it is convenient for the postman. However, precipitation will fall on top of the box. So, in addition, you need to install a protective visor. If the gap is made on the front wall (top), then the postman is uncomfortable, the correspondence will wrinkle, but precipitation will not penetrate practically.
The question is how to better position the door for the seizure of newspapers and letters. You can make it on the front wall of the box, but it will require extreme accuracy in fitting parts. If there is a gap between the door and the wall, then it will become a good "loophole" for the same rain. And the visor here is of little help. Therefore, it is better to make the door for the recess from below, and it should not be done separately. It may happen that some kind of “message” simply gets stuck in a box. It will be correct to make the entire lower part of the box (bottom) reclining. Small loops are not a problem; they can be bought at any furniture store. Naturally, it will be necessary to provide for the installation of brackets for the lock so that too curious neighbors do not look at someone else's correspondence. We also have such people, so the safety of registered letters must be ensured.
It remains only to think about the external design of a homemade box. Here is one psychological point. If the box is designed too “loudly”, elaborately, then there are surely a lot of people who want to throw more advertising there.