New fence, gate and mail dropbox

Lorraine28

We fixed 2 broken fences around our backyard after rough weather damage in Gisborne which inspired us to put up a new fence in the front then a gate and create a mail dropbox for parcels

We viewed youtube vids and used our sons makita tools he left with us before he relocated to Aussie keeping the cost just for materials and worked on the project every weekend for about 2 months

Materials

Corrugated iron, wood, karaka paint, cement, hinges latches, an old bbq handle, latches, screws and 4 handles, bolts, wheels x2, nails

Tools

Makita tools, nail gun, drill, table saw, grinder, paint brush, clamps, level, chalk string

Steps

Step 1

dig holes put in posts and set in concrete

Step 2

paint all 3x karaka paint

Step 3

Finished fence

Step 4

Constructing gate

Step 5

corrugated iron up

Step 6

gate complete

Step 7

constructing mail dropbox

Step 8

mail dropbox set up before cementing base

Step 9

inside of mail dropbox before putting in cushions for parcel drop

Step 10

our self made mail dropbox!

My partner designed a triangle piece to point to the latch that opens the dropbox and we took the handle off an old bbq to use to pull

JacobZ

Hi @Lorraine28,

The fence looks fantastic and that gate is one of the sturdiest looking gates I think I've ever seen.

I love the idea behind your parcel drop box and the execution is fantastic. The corrugated iron also looks fantastic alongside your choice of paint.

You and your partner should be very proud of what you have accomplished here. This is some fantastic work.

Thank you for sharing your project.

Jacob

Girlfromgoldie1

@Lorraine28

Great fence and mailbox makeover - can I ask where the materials are from?

Lorraine28

Hi thank you

We got all materials from Bunnings and Mitre10 except the mailbox handle was from an old barbecue🙂

AlanM52

Hi @Lorraine28,

Looks great like a pro job and I had to wait for the missus to leave the room before reading this because she has been onto me for a while 'do something about that front fence!'.

Here is my Post or Parcel Drop setup.

When expecting deliveries I put out the sign.

Modified dish washing tray 🙂

Over the years the posties and couriers (order lots online) have adapted so well there are usually no issues if I forget to put the sign out.

The Sandleford letterbox from Bunnings was installed in 2016.

to replace this one 😯

You may be interested in my Mailbox Delivery System.

When the mailbox door flap is pushed open a wi-fi contact sensor triggers the wi-fi servo actuator which raises the flag.

Also triggered are Amazon Alexa Routines and the announcement 'Alan... You have a mailbox delivery' is sent my phone and other selected devices'.

A reminder notification is sent again after 10 mins and if don't respond within 20 mins (total 30 mins) by resetting the mail flag (to down position) a text message is sent to my phone.

The mailbox camera also sends a motion detection alarm to my phone and of course that shows if what's in there maybe junk mail and I won't bother going out collect... do that later at my convenience. To conserve battery usage (solar panel) a wi-fi switch turns off the camera at dusk and on again at dawn.

Cheers

EricL

Hi @AlanM52

Thank you for sharing your mailbox delivery system. That is an amazing piece of D.I.Y. and I think you should post it as a project in the future.

Eric

AlanM52

Hi @EricL,

Thanks for the compliment and I am intending to post that plus other stuff but...

This 14" Bandsaw is consuming a lot of time to prepare for posting as a workshop project.

BTW: That saw is 95% Bunnings and the other 5% special items from niche suppliers.

The project build took like 5 months and they are the main build categories and for each one I can only select a chosen handful and even then I will need to present as Part 1... Part 2... etc.

Cheers

EricL

Hi @AlanM52

That bandsaw project looks very interesting. We look forward to seeing all the projects you've prepared.

Eric

Lorraine28

WOW!🫨your mailbox set up is amazing! Love the added tech sensor notifications with the flag raising! It is such a cool nostalgic kiwi way to announce the mail

I remember there was a flag on the mailbox on my grandads farm. This is awesome idea. Alexa saying you have a mailbox delivery blows my mind lol i think we need to upgrade our dropbox with tech like yours!👍😁

Dave-1

Good Afternoon @Lorraine28

Thats a nice solid looking fence plus a interesting drop box I wouldnt even realise it was there from the outside!

I love when we reuse stuff and it looks fit for purpose!

So whats the largest parcel you have recieved since the new drop box?

Dave