Author Topic: [IC] Stainless Steel or Aluminum SpaceBar (Read 21346 times)

Upcboy · « **on:** Fri, 15 June 2012, 18:05:56 »

I have access to a Machinist shop that might be able to produce this in a limited quantity. There seems to be plenty of Interest and I should be able to get a prototype out by the end of the week. in the mean time if you interested please fill out the form below so I can get an idea of how many or what type everyone is wanting.

Fancy Google Form

Reptile · « **Reply #1 on:** Fri, 15 June 2012, 18:09:56 »

There is enough interest for sure. Get crackin' :thumbup:

f4d3 · « **Reply #2 on:** Fri, 15 June 2012, 19:09:02 »

I think people would provide more interest if there was a price chart or estimate.

megnin · « **Reply #3 on:** Fri, 15 June 2012, 19:12:11 »

... or picture of a prototype. Show us you can make one. ;-)

Aluminum is pretty easy to work with. Stainless Steel, not so much. I would love to have either one. Aluminum in maybe a brushed finish or Stainless in a highly polished mirror finish.

AKIMbO · « **Reply #4 on:** Fri, 15 June 2012, 19:31:26 »

You'd sell out in a minute on this site. The space bar should be made out of the lightest metal your machinist can work with that isn't crazy expensive.

i3oilermaker · « **Reply #5 on:** Fri, 15 June 2012, 20:44:45 »

Interested!

boost · « **Reply #6 on:** Fri, 15 June 2012, 22:23:34 »

I'm down

Upcboy · « **Reply #7 on:** Fri, 15 June 2012, 22:28:33 »

I'm not sure yet. I've got to give him a space bar to look at. but hes confidant he can do it. Hes a Manual Machinist but they also have a CNC Machine that could take a cad design. I don't have a spare Space bar so i've gotta get one for him to work with. Other than that he would be working on it between jobs so the pace at which he can build them won't be Consistent First things first is getting him to make me one :-p then i'll see about producing some for yall if it turns out good.

shawn o · « **Reply #8 on:** Fri, 15 June 2012, 22:30:42 »

I'm in!

jil_jil32 · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 15 June 2012, 23:06:36 »

Do it! <3

Elrick · « **Reply #10 on:** Fri, 15 June 2012, 23:21:25 »

Quote from: Upcboy;614357

I have access to a Machinist shop that might be able to produce this in a limited quantity. Is there any interest for these? If so depending on the Quality how much would they be worth to you.

If it's made out of Stainless Steel I'll put down $100 straight away. But it has to be an extremely good finish with no tell tale machine marks anywhere on the surface.

Wildcard · « **Reply #11 on:** Fri, 15 June 2012, 23:33:20 »

Yes, I'd be down for either. Probably a lighter metal like aluminum.

Elrobo · « **Reply #12 on:** Sat, 16 June 2012, 00:54:22 »

Interested, but interested in a ballpark price and prototype.

CrispyBread · « **Reply #13 on:** Sat, 16 June 2012, 00:58:05 »

I'm interested, depends on the price and quality though, of course.

suprsmo · « **Reply #14 on:** Sat, 16 June 2012, 01:27:18 »

Argh the timing of this..Had only just pm'd feng on this to see if he could get any more.

longweight · « **Reply #15 on:** Sat, 16 June 2012, 01:52:36 »

I am so in.

dorkvader · « **Reply #16 on:** Sat, 16 June 2012, 02:07:01 »

I'm interested!

Though I am wondering what a heavy Stainless Steel spacebar would do to a keyswitch. I imagine it wouldn't work on cherry RED. I guess that's what cherry blacks are for.

Upcboy · « **Reply #17 on:** Sat, 16 June 2012, 02:29:49 »

It should be a Simple build for him.. the only part I'm worried about is the stem holes being correct. other that that it shouldn't be hard at all. does anyone know the Exact dimension for the Stem whole?
The only thing I've found Referencing Dimensions on the Space bar is this....

6.25 units (118mm wide, 3 mounts, 50mm apart)
One center mount and 2 extra mounts 50mm left and right of the center.
Source Link

wilsongunawan · « **Reply #18 on:** Sat, 16 June 2012, 02:34:07 »

i am in as long as the spacebar is universal.

mehkat1974 · « **Reply #19 on:** Sat, 16 June 2012, 02:35:16 »

Quote from: suprsmo;614573

Argh the timing of this..Had only just pm'd feng on this to see if he could get any more.

did he reply? I asked him about these a while back also, he told me there may be some more made soon, bit vague.

Upcboy I am interested, if you can make one of the same quality out of any shiny metal

el2k · « **Reply #20 on:** Sat, 16 June 2012, 03:03:55 »

longweight · « **Reply #21 on:** Sat, 16 June 2012, 03:45:29 »

Easily $100 if the sample is really nice.

suprsmo · « **Reply #22 on:** Sat, 16 June 2012, 04:24:03 »

Quote from: mehkat1974;614598

did he reply? I asked him about these a while back also, he told me there may be some more made soon, bit vague.

Upcboy I am interested, if you can make one of the same quality out of any shiny metal

Yeah he pretty much did the same thing to me too. The manufacturer he normally got them through has stopped making them. But said they may do a run of them in a few months. But I wouldn't be holding my breath!

damorgue · « **Reply #23 on:** Sat, 16 June 2012, 04:51:00 »

Quote from: Upcboy;614592

It should be a Simple build for him.. the only part I'm worried about is the stem holes being correct. other that that it shouldn't be hard at all. does anyone know the Exact dimension for the Stem whole?
The only thing I've found Referencing Dimensions on the Space bar is this....

6.25 units (118mm wide, 3 mounts, 50mm apart)
One center mount and 2 extra mounts 50mm left and right of the center.
Source Link

I just made one if you want it. I have only added the points for my keyboard so far as those are the ones I could measure. If you are sure that there is one in the exact center, I could easily add it. Any more compatibilities?

Edit: I just read your link, it seems to have what I need.

GMC · « **Reply #24 on:** Sat, 16 June 2012, 08:21:55 »

+1 interested but dependant on price and seeing pics of a prototype - preferably aluminium

Upcboy · « **Reply #25 on:** Sat, 16 June 2012, 14:21:59 »

Quote from: damorgue;614640

I just made one if you want it. I have only added the points for my keyboard so far as those are the ones I could measure. If you are sure that there is one in the exact center, I could easily add it. Any more compatibilities?

Edit: I just read your link, it seems to have what I need.

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

That would be great if you could add the other mounting points to make it a true universal one it would be great. Only issue is i'd prefer the space bar blank but other than that your cad image will be prefect.

damorgue · « **Reply #26 on:** Sat, 16 June 2012, 14:37:22 »

Quote from: Upcboy;614910

That would be great if you could add the other mounting points to make it a true universal one it would be great. Only issue is i'd prefer the space bar blank but other than that your cad image will be prefect.

Yeah, I already made one in my thread. It seems close to impossible to get it compatible with all though. There is a step-file in case he wants one.

gimpster · « **Reply #27 on:** Sat, 16 June 2012, 19:04:34 »

Definitely interested in this. I'd prefer stainless steel, but that might be too heavy for a 45g switch like my browns. I had this problem somewhat with the gold-plated zinc keys that feng was selling. So it would either need to be really thin wall stainless steel or aluminum.

Elrick · « **Reply #28 on:** Sat, 16 June 2012, 21:05:21 »

Quote from: Upcboy;614357

I have access to a Machinist shop that might be able to produce this in a limited quantity.

Please above all else use 100% certified Stainless Steel produced in USA steel mills. Don't go cheap and use Chinese-grade stainless it is absolutely horrible in quality. I've seen it corrode faster than any low quality carbon steel made anywhere in the world. Plus it can not be milled successfully into any complex shapes and/or extrusions. It essentially is the worst example of Steel sold into any market today. They usually sell it to cheapskates and scumbags for quick money.

It's far easier to work Stainless with cutting gear that is all made in the USA, and I do know for a fact you guys still make, cut and use Stainless Steel through out your consumer economy. US-made steel is quite good in quality and strength so please use that and not any foreign made garbage passing off as so-called, Stainless Steel.

For me cost isn't an issue but QUALITY has to be 100%. With no short-cuts taken.

dorkvader · « **Reply #29 on:** Sat, 16 June 2012, 22:26:22 »

Quote from: Elrick;615162

Please above all else use 100% certified Stainless Steel produced in USA steel mills. Don't go cheap and use Chinese-grade stainless it is absolutely horrible in quality. I've seen it corrode faster than any low quality carbon steel made anywhere in the world. Plus it can not be milled successfully into any complex shapes and/or extrusions. It essentially is the worst example of Steel sold into any market today. They usually sell it to cheapskates and scumbags for quick money.

It's far easier to work Stainless with cutting gear that is all made in the USA, and I do know for a fact you guys still make, cut and use Stainless Steel through out your consumer economy. US-made steel is quite good in quality and strength so please use that and not any foreign made garbage passing off as so-called, Stainless Steel.

For me cost isn't an issue but QUALITY has to be 100%. With no short-cuts taken.

Elrick wants us to use ZDP-189 for the steel, then.
(just kidding, that'd be super expensive, but I still agree that using a decent steel isn't a bad idea, depending on the final cost of course.)

transcend3nt · « **Reply #30 on:** Sun, 17 June 2012, 10:10:55 »

it'd be great if it came in multiple colors. like shiny red, green, blue etc..

gimpster · « **Reply #31 on:** Sun, 17 June 2012, 13:44:30 »

Quote from: dorkvader;615205

Elrick wants us to use ZDP-189 for the steel, then.
(just kidding, that'd be super expensive, but I still agree that using a decent steel isn't a bad idea, depending on the final cost of course.)

I thought that powder was made in Japan? Either way, I love my ZDP-189 pocket knife. Would be awesome for a spacebar.

mkawa · « **Reply #32 on:** Sun, 17 June 2012, 14:06:22 »

build up the model and g-code and mill a sample. otherwise i think this IC is, though well intended, pretty pointless.

lots of people have access to machine shops (treble runs one). the difference is in those who have the skills to design the part and machines with high enough tolerances to get a good fit for parts as small as keys. if you don't have this then please don't get everyone's hopes up.

edit: i want to add that even if your guy could do something precise enough by hand, his labor would absolutely not be worth the time it would take to make one. otoh once you have the cad work done you can just pump them out, so get that done first and then do an IC.

Upcboy · « **Reply #33 on:** Sun, 17 June 2012, 15:32:02 »

I don't know the least about coloring the spacebars as someone asked. But I'm Pretty sure he can build one to look decent then i can sand/polish it to make it look fancy The hardest part will be the stems.. past that its a simple build.

mkawa · « **Reply #34 on:** Sun, 17 June 2012, 18:24:28 »

so what you're saying is you don't have access to a cnc mill? you cannot build these, sorry. you really can't build these by hand with the precision you need

Maarten · « **Reply #35 on:** Mon, 18 June 2012, 03:58:01 »

Damascus steel or GTFO

dorkvader · « **Reply #36 on:** Mon, 18 June 2012, 09:52:04 »

Quote from: Maarten;616078

Damascus steel or GTFO

It'd corrode/wear too easily, unfortunately. You'd have to clearcoat it or something which defeats the purpose, in my opinion.

Still, composites always look good. Check out kershaw's leek composite.

telepete · « **Reply #37 on:** Mon, 18 June 2012, 10:07:49 »

Quote from: gimpster;615592

I thought that powder was made in Japan? Either way, I love my ZDP-189 pocket knife. Would be awesome for a spacebar.

It is indeed Japanese. CPMS90V instead I guess. Lol.

Maarten · « **Reply #38 on:** Mon, 18 June 2012, 10:30:55 »

Quote from: dorkvader;616204

It'd corrode/wear too easily, unfortunately. You'd have to clearcoat it or something which defeats the purpose, in my opinion.

Still, composites always look good. Check out kershaw's leek composite.

LIES! Benchmade and various jewelers have used some pretty darn nice looking full stainless 'Damascus' steels in the past. Wont rust any quicker than any regular stainless steel and if you wear out any steel space-bar you prolly need to work on those anger issues.

gimpster · « **Reply #39 on:** Mon, 18 June 2012, 12:31:49 »

Quote from: dorkvader;616204

It'd corrode/wear too easily, unfortunately. You'd have to clearcoat it or something which defeats the purpose, in my opinion.

Still, composites always look good. Check out kershaw's leek composite.

When you say "composites" I think "carbon fiber", which I would totally buy.

digitalleftovers · « **Reply #40 on:** Mon, 18 June 2012, 12:49:03 »

Quote from: Maarten;616078

Damascus steel or GTFO

heck yes

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 53180[/ATTACH]

The_Beast · « **Reply #41 on:** Mon, 18 June 2012, 12:57:30 »

I'd rather spend a bit more money up front to get better grade steel than cheap out and have to deal with rust later. Plus, this spacebar should never wear out, think of this as an investment

longweight · « **Reply #42 on:** Mon, 18 June 2012, 13:49:23 »

I want no expense spared really, top quality all the way!

dorkvader · « **Reply #43 on:** Mon, 18 June 2012, 15:58:17 »

Quote from: Maarten;616224

LIES! Benchmade and various jewelers have used some pretty darn nice looking full stainless 'Damascus' steels in the past. Wont rust any quicker than any regular stainless steel and if you wear out any steel space-bar you prolly need to work on those anger issues.

Any High carbon steel, or steel with a high carbon component will have worse corrosive resistance than good stainless steel. There are reasons for Damascus steel, but I don't think it'd be good here. What we want is two stainless steels that are folded in a similar fashion (and therefore expensive). Keep in mind that this would be in a somewhat corrosive environment for almost all it's life, especially compared to the usual usage pattern for a Damascus knife. I mean, who would want a Damascus dive knife?

Quote from: gimpster;616300

When you say "composites" I think "carbon fiber", which I would totally buy.

Carbon fiber is a composite, but composite really means "made up of multiple materials", we could have an extruded brass matrix with epoxy in it, and it'd be a composite as well. Check this picture of a Steel / Copper / Steel (Sandvik 14c28N copper D2) composite blade:
http://www.manventureoutpost.com/product_images/out/main/kerspic1660cb.jpg

I'd love to see that on a spacebar, though the copper bit would war/corrode faster, if it were in between the steel layers where you don't hit it with a finger, I imagine it'd be fine.

Maarten · « **Reply #44 on:** Mon, 18 June 2012, 16:06:22 »

Quote from: dorkvader;616439

I mean, who would want a Damascus dive knife?

MEMEME!! OH PICK ME! Just think of how beautiful the tuna slices id make with that end up looking. *drool*

The_Beast · « **Reply #45 on:** Mon, 18 June 2012, 16:22:36 »

Quote from: Maarten;616443

MEMEME!! OH PICK ME! Just think of how beautiful the tuna slices id make with that end up looking. *drool*

Rusty, that's how

digitalleftovers · « **Reply #46 on:** Mon, 18 June 2012, 16:39:14 »

As long as we are dreaming...

These ceramic kitchen knives also come with damascus-like patterns on them, however, IMO they probably just draw it on there to make it look cool. If you could work out the logistics of a stem, ceramics would make interesting key cap materials in general.

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 53191[/ATTACH]

zakazak · « **Reply #47 on:** Mon, 18 June 2012, 16:59:27 »

Interested as well

dorkvader · « **Reply #48 on:** Mon, 18 June 2012, 23:41:46 »

Quote from: digitalleftovers;616470

As long as we are dreaming...

These ceramic kitchen knives also come with damascus-like patterns on them, however, IMO they probably just draw it on there to make it look cool. If you could work out the logistics of a stem, ceramics would make interesting key cap materials in general.

(Attachment Link) 53191[/ATTACH]

I've been after ceramic keycaps for a while now. Using powder processing techniques (SLS, etc. Heck, you could even uniaxial mould it) making it out of alumina is easily within our reach. They'd be dye-sub'able, and would basically never wear or corrode.

Maarten · « **Reply #49 on:** Tue, 19 June 2012, 00:46:50 »

Quote from: dorkvader;616745

making it out of alumina i<...> never wear or corrode.

Erm... Alumina basically IS fancy corroded aluminium right? Thats like saying that rust will never rust (which ofc in a way is true).

However, about the whole metal cap thing.... i think i really need to type on a board with all metal caps one of these days because i have a feeling that it could suck quite a bit if you're a very fast typer (mass being slow and everything). Anyone here have some experience with long/fast typing on full metal?

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Author Topic: [IC] Stainless Steel or Aluminum SpaceBar (Read 21346 times)