AI-supported woodworking: Building an up-and-over tool chest with a clever hinge

The author used Claude Opus 5.5 (about 28 million tokens) to design a self-built version of the ECE Montagebox, a carry box whose front lid swings up over the handle and folds flat on top to form an upright cabinet. The AI simulated the hinge in Python, produced a 3D model, parts lists, drawings and DXF files for laser-cut steel, and handled parts sourcing; the build cost around 220 EUR. The post includes full dimensions, cut lists, 1:1 templates, a hinge simulator script and STEP CAD files.