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geekhack Community => geekhack Media => Topic started by: Badwrench on Sun, 25 August 2013, 07:56:34

Title: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Badwrench on Sun, 25 August 2013, 07:56:34
I have some ideas, but will post something once the tops arrive.

Ok, getting started.  Covers arrived - one grey, one black.  Also picked up some materials to wrap them  ;).  Not sure how this is going to work, but that's part of the fun. 

[attachimg=1]


Close up of the black material:

[attachimg=2]
Yup, it's alligator print.

Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not to bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Badwrench on Sun, 25 August 2013, 07:56:54
First one is done.   :thumb:

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

[attachimg=3]

Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 02 September 2013, 11:47:38
Quick preview before better pictures when there is more light.

[attachimg=1]

Better pics:
[attachimg=2]

[attachimg=3]

[attachimg=4]
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Tym on Mon, 02 September 2013, 11:49:11
What does it feel like?
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Puddsy on Mon, 02 September 2013, 11:50:05
That's really cool.

I was thinking of doing something similar, so now I've gotta go hoard magazines.
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: JPG on Mon, 02 September 2013, 11:51:56
Hippies, they are everywhere!

Good job man, looks very good!
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: AGmurdercore on Mon, 02 September 2013, 12:14:36
This looks really interesting, good job!
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 02 September 2013, 13:19:48
Quote from: Tym on Mon, 02 September 2013, 11:49:11
What does it feel like?

It is completely glued, so there is no loose cloth, but overall it is very soft.  I used just enough glue to get a good bond, but not enough to soak through and make the cloth feel like plastic. 
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Photoelectric on Mon, 02 September 2013, 13:30:28
Awesome, I'm always a fan of color, and you have loads of it on the first cover :D  It's got something of an impressionist style and watercolor look, while also looking velvety and textured.
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 02 September 2013, 13:37:13
Quote from: Photoelectric on Mon, 02 September 2013, 13:30:28
Awesome, I'm always a fan of color, and you have loads of it on the first cover :D  It's got something of an impressionist style and watercolor look, while also looking velvety and textured.

Thanks.  There were a ton of different fabrics, so I went with something a bit over the top.  This one was also a proof of concept for me before I try the other fabric.  This fabric was very thin, so I didn't have to sand any of the plastic down to clear the keys, but the alligator print is very think and will require quite a bit of filing to make room. 
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Photoelectric on Mon, 02 September 2013, 13:38:37
I wonder if you can coat it with something to make it durable and washable.  Some kind of a nylon clear coat or some such--something that wouldn't cause yellowing either. 
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 02 September 2013, 13:41:23
Quote from: Photoelectric on Mon, 02 September 2013, 13:38:37
I wonder if you can coat it with something to make it durable and washable.  Some kind of a nylon clear coat or some such--something that wouldn't cause yellowing either.

I was thinking of using some 3M fabric sealer (like the stuff used on convertible tops) to keep it bright and help keep oils and dirt from staining it. 
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Badwrench on Sun, 08 September 2013, 19:51:12
Well, since I had a third cover, I figured I would try something different.  Color is a light teal/sky blue over pearl white scallops.  This is before clear.  Gonna let is gas out a cure a couple days before clear. 

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 09 September 2013, 15:31:35
Well, it was beautiful out today, so I put the cover out to cure and what do you know, ready for clear.  Clear is on and now it is mounted. 
Cable is actually teal, but it always photographs blue  :rolleyes:
[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

[attachimg=3]
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 09 September 2013, 15:34:09
Quote from: Badwrench on Mon, 02 September 2013, 11:47:38
Quick preview before better pictures when there is more light.

(Attachment Link)

Better pics:
(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

I missed this before, this is absolutely awesome. I love it!!
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Sifo on Mon, 09 September 2013, 19:18:55
Quote from: Badwrench on Mon, 09 September 2013, 15:31:35
Well, it was beautiful out today, so I put the cover out to cure and what do you know, ready for clear.  Clear is on and now it is mounted. 
Cable is actually teal, but it always photographs blue  :rolleyes:
(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

Approved/voted/+1
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Krogenar on Tue, 10 September 2013, 08:43:09
I love the tie-dyed look -- that is awesome!
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: thebeargentile on Tue, 10 September 2013, 08:52:36
All of those look awesome.  I'm interested to see how well the fabric ones hold up... I think the sealer is a great idea, but if you end up using it regularly, I wonder to what how long it will take to show wear.  We'll need a followup!  :D
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Jixr on Tue, 10 September 2013, 10:03:41
do a real leather one!
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Binge on Tue, 10 September 2013, 12:15:16
More
(http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=47544.0;attach=34776;image)

^such a hand-e-cap :D  LOVE IT!!!
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: do_Og@n on Sat, 14 September 2013, 14:09:43
Color inspired by a hand-e-cap.....awesome job on this.
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Badwrench on Sat, 14 September 2013, 14:51:26
Quote from: do_Og@n on Sat, 14 September 2013, 14:09:43
Color inspired by a hand-e-cap.....awesome job on this.

Yup.  Could not help it, such a great color.  As an added bonus, should match quite well with the incoming Miami set.  Acid vision FTW!
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: viatical08 on Sun, 15 September 2013, 00:50:56
Where did you get those covers? Link?
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 15 September 2013, 03:47:59
Quote from: viatical08 on Sun, 15 September 2013, 00:50:56
Where did you get those covers? Link?

Probably from here: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47471.0
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Badwrench on Sun, 29 September 2013, 13:02:45
Ok, tried something different, and well, keyboard science failure:

[attachimg=1]

New finding.  QFR top can't cope with 105C temps. 
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Photoelectric on Sun, 29 September 2013, 13:05:31
Quote from: Badwrench on Sun, 29 September 2013, 13:02:45
Ok, tried something different, and well, keyboard science failure:

(Attachment Link)

New finding.  QFR top can't cope with 105C temps.

(http://www.arabesque-gifts.co.uk/acatalog/dali-clock-s7-big.jpg)

By the way, what's the color that you used for the turquoise keyboard above?  It looks suspiciously close to a desktop case I painted with Rust-Oleum satin "Aqua" that's standing in my living room :)  I love that color.
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Badwrench on Sun, 29 September 2013, 13:15:33
Quote from: Photoelectric on Sun, 29 September 2013, 13:05:31
Quote from: Badwrench on Sun, 29 September 2013, 13:02:45
Ok, tried something different, and well, keyboard science failure:

(Attachment Link)

New finding.  QFR top can't cope with 105C temps.

Show Image
(http://www.arabesque-gifts.co.uk/acatalog/dali-clock-s7-big.jpg)


By the way, what's the color that you used for the turquoise keyboard above? It looks suspiciously close to a desktop case I painted with Rust-Oleum satin "Aqua" that's standing in my living room :)  I love that color.

Ding ding....winner.  It was the closest color I could find for my hand-e cap.  It is a nice soft blue with just a touch of teal.  Unfortunately, it makes the pearl while look very silver.  Before I taped off for the scallops, I had the whole thing in the pearl white and it looked very white. 

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: do_Og@n on Sun, 29 September 2013, 13:18:06
Quote from: Badwrench on Sun, 29 September 2013, 13:02:45
Ok, tried something different, and well, keyboard science failure:

(Attachment Link)

New finding.  QFR top can't cope with 105C temps. 

I have to admit.....I cried a little. At least your other top turned out awesome!
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 29 September 2013, 20:17:48
Quote from: Badwrench on Sun, 29 September 2013, 13:02:45
Ok, tried something different, and well, keyboard science failure:

(Attachment Link)

New finding.  QFR top can't cope with 105C temps. 

Could be the start of a new ergonomic keyboard.
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Krogenar on Mon, 30 September 2013, 07:03:25
Quote from: Badwrench on Sun, 29 September 2013, 13:02:45
New finding.  QFR top can't cope with 105C temps.

Can't make keyboard science without melting some cases. +1 to you, Badwrench, for having the balls to post failures.
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 30 September 2013, 17:39:29
Got a little bored and added a little something.  Made my stencil from some print outs in special elite font, and sprayed in royal blue.  I re-wetsanded the whole thing and recleared.  Will polish tomorrow after curing. 

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Photoelectric on Mon, 30 September 2013, 17:41:35
:)  Another person to do a stencil!

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47490.msg1025719#msg1025719

Came out great!!
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 30 September 2013, 17:44:54
Quote from: Photoelectric on Mon, 30 September 2013, 17:41:35
:)  Another person to do a stencil!

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47490.msg1025719#msg1025719

Came out great!!

Yeah, yours gave me the idea, but mine came out a little janky.  I cut mine directly on the case by putting the painters tape down and taping the print out over that.  I then cut it directly and pulled the letters out the leave the area to be painted. 

Hope I didn't step on any toes. 
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Photoelectric on Mon, 30 September 2013, 17:52:16
Not at all!  I've been so tired lately, I'm disappointed with myself for not doing enough on my projects!  It's great that the stencil actually works :)  I'll add mine soon.

The jagged edges are intentional though! ;)
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 30 September 2013, 17:55:01
Quote from: Photoelectric on Mon, 30 September 2013, 17:52:16
Not at all!  I've been so tired lately, I'm disappointed with myself for not doing enough on my projects!  It's great that the stencil actually works :)  I'll add mine soon.

The jagged edges are intentional though! ;)

Cool, thanks.  What I meant by janky on mine was the second e and the k, look closely.  Good from far, but far from good. 

Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Photoelectric on Mon, 30 September 2013, 17:56:27
Oh, if you hadn't said anything, I wouldn't have even noticed!  It's all pretty coherent with the font :)  And I'm a fan of that aqua - Miami theme, of course!

You have my vote with this one!
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Angrychair on Mon, 21 April 2014, 20:51:18
hah man good work and good laughs on that warped board!
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: blackbox on Fri, 13 June 2014, 18:44:12
That alligator skin one was very cool!
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: barkinos98 on Mon, 04 August 2014, 15:59:46
that geekhack edition QFR looks great man :)
also, you should somehow adapt that top and make a dali edition QFR :D
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Anole on Mon, 09 February 2015, 19:21:08
That tie-die board is shmexy! I gotta try that!  :p
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: just66in on Fri, 23 October 2015, 19:26:26
Wow, the work in this is sooo good. Well  done!!
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: FranklinScudder on Tue, 03 November 2015, 13:00:18
The material one looks AMAZING! How did you get the corners so neat? seriously 10/10 would try myself  :thumb:
Title: Re: Badwrench's hopefully not too bad QFR top mods.
Post by: Badwrench on Tue, 03 November 2015, 20:50:14
Quote from: FranklinScudder on Tue, 03 November 2015, 13:00:18
The material one looks AMAZING! How did you get the corners so neat? seriously 10/10 would try myself  :thumb:

Thank you.  I had a ton of fun doing these up.  The corners just took a bit of measuring and trimming before applying the spray adhesive to make sure they lined up perfectly.   I have had a ton of practice over the years doing car upholstery and motorcycle seats (along with the odd household re upholstery here and there).