This looks cool but I'm having a hard time visualizing how big it is and how it's supposed to work.
This looks cool but I'm having a hard time visualizing how big it is and how it's supposed to work.
This looks cool but I'm having a hard time visualizing how big it is and how it's supposed to work.
like the Sandy one:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=5187.0;nowap
i'm going to try and design it so that as the two sides slide along the switch it holds it and assists removing it. so a one handed single motion for use in removing the top of the switch.include a bump along the inner wall of the "pincers" creating additional friction so as the downward motion pushes the sides of the switch away releasing the top. the pincers also hold the top of the switch allowing the upward motion to remove it.
This looks cool but I'm having a hard time visualizing how big it is and how it's supposed to work.
like the Sandy one:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=5187.0;nowap
Alright, I can picture it now. But don't you want something that can be squeezed like tweezers, to bite down on the upper housing once you get the clips pushed out of the way? This one, being metal, looks too rigid. Unless you saw a slot through to the ring in the middle. Then you could get some squeeze in there.
This looks cool but I'm having a hard time visualizing how big it is and how it's supposed to work.
like the Sandy one:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=5187.0;nowap
Alright, I can picture it now. But don't you want something that can be squeezed like tweezers, to bite down on the upper housing once you get the clips pushed out of the way? This one, being metal, looks too rigid. Unless you saw a slot through to the ring in the middle. Then you could get some squeeze in there.
That's why the one I mocked up is designed to clip into the stem. (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=79770.0) It should help with removal and with putting the switch back together.
This looks cool but I'm having a hard time visualizing how big it is and how it's supposed to work.
like the Sandy one:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=5187.0;nowap
Alright, I can picture it now. But don't you want something that can be squeezed like tweezers, to bite down on the upper housing once you get the clips pushed out of the way? This one, being metal, looks too rigid. Unless you saw a slot through to the ring in the middle. Then you could get some squeeze in there.
That's why the one I mocked up is designed to clip into the stem. (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=79770.0) It should help with removal and with putting the switch back together.
My concern with the tool being metal would be that it would have a rather high chance of marring the switch housings due to the need of a rather snug fit to open the clamps while pulling the top half of the housing.
A more flexible tool might have better luck, which could be done by CNC'ing a negative mold to make a silicon master, and casting with a tough flexible resin (like alumilite's Flex-80). Now obviously this is quite a bit more work, but it would reduce the likelihood of damage by a good deal.
3D Printing would also potentially work, but you'd need to print with a flexible resin @0.1mm or have a SLA printer to have the requisite strength at that thin a point.
Lots of good fun designing physical things! :))
I wonder how hard I would have to ask @swill to make switch holes for people with cnc's. Similar to the H hole shown above.How would I do stabilizers?
I need to do more testing on the stabs before I speak on that. Those will be tricky.I wonder how hard I would have to ask @swill to make switch holes for people with cnc's. Similar to the H hole shown above.How would I do stabilizers?
I could probably figure out costar stabs. Not sure about alps stabs.
Also, what's the diameter of the tooling usually?
I should be able to make the bit diameter dynamic, so that should be fine.I need to do more testing on the stabs before I speak on that. Those will be tricky.I wonder how hard I would have to ask @swill to make switch holes for people with cnc's. Similar to the H hole shown above.How would I do stabilizers?
I could probably figure out costar stabs. Not sure about alps stabs.
Also, what's the diameter of the tooling usually?
As for the too long diameter currently my smallest bit is 3/32in but its more the inside corners that are the problem as a spinning bit can't make square inside corners. I can get you anything you need. Just let me know
Sounds great. Let me know if you need anything. I'm glad to lend designs as I use your tool on a regular basis and am happy to contribute.I should be able to make the bit diameter dynamic, so that should be fine.I need to do more testing on the stabs before I speak on that. Those will be tricky.I wonder how hard I would have to ask @swill to make switch holes for people with cnc's. Similar to the H hole shown above.How would I do stabilizers?
I could probably figure out costar stabs. Not sure about alps stabs.
Also, what's the diameter of the tooling usually?
As for the too long diameter currently my smallest bit is 3/32in but its more the inside corners that are the problem as a spinning bit can't make square inside corners. I can get you anything you need. Just let me know
I am pretty confident that I could make costar stabs work by just putting the excess cuts on the sides instead of the ends.
I should pm @nudecnc as well to see if he would be OK with me piggybacking off some of his work. I know he put quite a bit of time into making cnc compatible switch cutouts. Maybe he would let me use his cutouts in the builder.
I can just draw the outline right? Or do I need to draw the machine pathing?Sounds great. Let me know if you need anything. I'm glad to lend designs as I use your tool on a regular basis and am happy to contribute.I should be able to make the bit diameter dynamic, so that should be fine.I need to do more testing on the stabs before I speak on that. Those will be tricky.I wonder how hard I would have to ask @swill to make switch holes for people with cnc's. Similar to the H hole shown above.How would I do stabilizers?
I could probably figure out costar stabs. Not sure about alps stabs.
Also, what's the diameter of the tooling usually?
As for the too long diameter currently my smallest bit is 3/32in but its more the inside corners that are the problem as a spinning bit can't make square inside corners. I can get you anything you need. Just let me know
I am pretty confident that I could make costar stabs work by just putting the excess cuts on the sides instead of the ends.
I should pm @nudecnc as well to see if he would be OK with me piggybacking off some of his work. I know he put quite a bit of time into making cnc compatible switch cutouts. Maybe he would let me use his cutouts in the builder.
So after 3 revisions i feel like this prototype will work the best. its small efficient and easy to make. it works well however i give major props to anyone wanting to take these things appart. OMG so many tiny pieces that fall out of them ;D
i'm sure once soldered to a PCB they are much less annoying.
the final revision was influenced by @nubbinator 's build but i came to the realization after testing it with out the center post realizing the benefit of having the center of the switch captured. that being said i will make measurements of the design's trident open source shortly.
I would like to offer these for sale in the immediate future if anyone is interested. or just wait till i post the model and 3D print/CNC your own.
and now for the pictures
(Attachment Link) Prototype v1 works but kinda awkward and the inner dimple is too far back.
(Attachment Link) it works YAY proof of concept
(Attachment Link) 2 revisions later
(Attachment Link) we shall call him the "Alps Trident" or something like that
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I want to say thanks to @bcredbottle for the switches. with out them this project would not have happened. and to @nubbinator for inspiration. @swill for your plate tool and GeekHack.org for making this all possible.
i'll be getting a new bit Wen.
planning on a short run limited edition Aluminum parts. (no count yet)
numbered. 001-010?
will also do a small batch of acrylic. (10-20?)
going to do 8$ each plus shipping on acrylic (combined shipping OK)
3$ to GH for each sold.
Limited ed AL will be 20$ plus shipping (combined shipping OK)
5$ per part to GH
i'm a parts in hand kind of guy so i will not commit to pre orders prior to having stock (sorry its for your benefit)
after the initial batch i will Open Source this project and give it back to the community. i will continue to take orders if interest is there after that point. This is the game plan anyway.
i'll be getting a new bit Wen.
planning on a short run limited edition Aluminum parts. (no count yet)
numbered. 001-010?
will also do a small batch of acrylic. (10-20?)
going to do 8$ each plus shipping on acrylic (combined shipping OK)
3$ to GH for each sold.
Limited ed AL will be 20$ plus shipping (combined shipping OK)
5$ per part to GH
i'm a parts in hand kind of guy so i will not commit to pre orders prior to having stock (sorry its for your benefit)
after the initial batch i will Open Source this project and give it back to the community. i will continue to take orders if interest is there after that point. This is the game plan anyway.
Really want an aluminum one. And since they are limited edition, numbered, donate to geekhack (and under my budget) $20 is actually a good price. Is this with shipping?
i'll be getting a new bit Wen.
planning on a short run limited edition Aluminum parts. (no count yet)
numbered. 001-010?
will also do a small batch of acrylic. (10-20?)
going to do 8$ each plus shipping on acrylic (combined shipping OK)
3$ to GH for each sold.
Limited ed AL will be 20$ plus shipping (combined shipping OK)
5$ per part to GH
i'm a parts in hand kind of guy so i will not commit to pre orders prior to having stock (sorry its for your benefit)
after the initial batch i will Open Source this project and give it back to the community. i will continue to take orders if interest is there after that point. This is the game plan anyway.
Really want an aluminum one. And since they are limited edition, numbered, donate to geekhack (and under my budget) $20 is actually a good price. Is this with shipping?
no sorry all prices EXCLUDE shipping. but i ship USPS so you can get an idea of the cost. which wont be that bad. (7$ at most if i ship flat rate) i will do my best to keep shipping costs at a minimum
i'll be getting a new bit Wen.
planning on a short run limited edition Aluminum parts. (no count yet)
numbered. 001-010?
will also do a small batch of acrylic. (10-20?)
going to do 8$ each plus shipping on acrylic (combined shipping OK)
3$ to GH for each sold.
Limited ed AL will be 20$ plus shipping (combined shipping OK)
5$ per part to GH
i'm a parts in hand kind of guy so i will not commit to pre orders prior to having stock (sorry its for your benefit)
after the initial batch i will Open Source this project and give it back to the community. i will continue to take orders if interest is there after that point. This is the game plan anyway.
Really want an aluminum one. And since they are limited edition, numbered, donate to geekhack (and under my budget) $20 is actually a good price. Is this with shipping?
no sorry all prices EXCLUDE shipping. but i ship USPS so you can get an idea of the cost. which wont be that bad. (7$ at most if i ship flat rate) i will do my best to keep shipping costs at a minimum
Still a pretty good price, when do you think the group buy will start?
Needs an integrated bottle opener.
i'll be getting a new bit Wen.
planning on a short run limited edition Aluminum parts. (no count yet)
numbered. 001-010?
will also do a small batch of acrylic. (10-20?)
going to do 8$ each plus shipping on acrylic (combined shipping OK)
3$ to GH for each sold.
Limited ed AL will be 20$ plus shipping (combined shipping OK)
5$ per part to GH
i'm a parts in hand kind of guy so i will not commit to pre orders prior to having stock (sorry its for your benefit)
after the initial batch i will Open Source this project and give it back to the community. i will continue to take orders if interest is there after that point. This is the game plan anyway.
Really want an aluminum one. And since they are limited edition, numbered, donate to geekhack (and under my budget) $20 is actually a good price. Is this with shipping?
no sorry all prices EXCLUDE shipping. but i ship USPS so you can get an idea of the cost. which wont be that bad. (7$ at most if i ship flat rate) i will do my best to keep shipping costs at a minimum
Still a pretty good price, when do you think the group buy will start?
hopefully in a week. i ordered a new bit and materials for the AL ones. i have some acrylic as is. so i can machine from that now, well as soon as i get the bit in.
hopefully i can start making acrylic ones mid week.
Kinda reminds me of some sort of kinky sex toy.bruh....
Apparently there were a few people working on stuff to this end. I was shown one made from a pen (not sure if that's the one your talking about) and another from a user which is where I first saw the center post holder. But did realize I was going to need it after trial and error.
I have no Alps. But a friend on here sent me a few to test with. I have to say I kind of like them. I offered to develop this as one of the many ways I try to give back to GH.
Glad to see the nub idea from mine made it. I'd still love to see it be a dual use tool, maybe have an MX tool on the other side and have a second with a MX tool abd something on the other end. Or maybe have cutouts so a couple alps switches fit in the handle so you can pop them open then have a mini lubing station. Just trying to spitball ideas so it's not a single use tool.
Bit and aluminum came in today so I'm just going to park the hype train right here.Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160302/2e4b379e504c98a371962b4609fa3323.jpg)
1 - 5
Each takes over an hour of work. Hand tuned and tested. Numbered. On sale soon. Selling 4.
Acrylic will also be on sale soon too.Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160303/6f25ae996acbdce6b1ec79409e9376f8.jpg)
1 - 5
Each takes over an hour of work. Hand tuned and tested. Numbered. On sale soon. Selling 4.
Acrylic will also be on sale soon too.Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160303/6f25ae996acbdce6b1ec79409e9376f8.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160303/40335862f77d4605aa734e8f0901fef4.jpg) I got to 10 then had to do aluminum ones.1 - 5
Each takes over an hour of work. Hand tuned and tested. Numbered. On sale soon. Selling 4.
Acrylic will also be on sale soon too.Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160303/6f25ae996acbdce6b1ec79409e9376f8.jpg)
If you make this many, can I have acrylic #14?
i have tested both acrylic and aluminum on some clear switches with no signs of marring the part i can't speak to how the classic black housings would fare but i have tested 12 acrylic and now 2 aluminum ones with no real signs of scratching. when i get home tonight i'll take a much closer look but i dont anticipate any issues. i totally understand any reservation on the aluminum ones. they are somewhat more of a novelty to be honest. but they did come out nice :)
For sure. Its a cool noveltyi have tested both acrylic and aluminum on some clear switches with no signs of marring the part i can't speak to how the classic black housings would fare but i have tested 12 acrylic and now 2 aluminum ones with no real signs of scratching. when i get home tonight i'll take a much closer look but i dont anticipate any issues. i totally understand any reservation on the aluminum ones. they are somewhat more of a novelty to be honest. but they did come out nice :)
That's good to hear. :) I guess I'd just be wary and use plastic anyway, BUT I think, of course, that many people would be very happy with an aluminum tool just out of durability and cool factor. :)
noooooooooo CONUS only :(
What if I pay extra for shipping?
So this is just for the acrylic ones, right? When are we going to get a shot at the aluminum ones?Hopefully tomorrow I will finish making the rest and I'll post soon as I'm done.
as promised ;)
It's like SNL Celebrity Jeopardy, when Sean Connery did so badly they actually took money away from his charity.as promised ;)
You donated negative $3?!
It's like SNL Celebrity Jeopardy, when Sean Connery did so badly they actually took money away from his charity.as promised ;)
You donated negative $3?!
as promised ;)
You donated negative $3?!
VERY nice work.
I'll definitely buy a few!
VERY nice work.
I'll definitely buy a few!
;D
sounds great!
after playing with these switches (new to me) i'm going to be putting in an order for some of your switches for an upcoming layout i'm tinkering with :)
PMed you since I didn't see an email.
releasing the OS model a little early. i promised to cut 2 more of these if there is still interest. if not it will end here at 03-05. i have one that wasn't quite decent enough that i'll sell for half price if anyone's interested. it wont be numbered or engraved.I was holding off on buying one because I have the means to make my own so I figured I'd give everyone else a chance. But if you've still got some left to make I'll totally take an Alu one.
i'm going to leave this up till monday then lock the thread. a massive thank you to everyone involved.
even tho i'm throwing this thing out open source. i'll still be happy to cut more for people if people become interested. and i have materials to do so. if not will have to make a mini GB so buying materials makes sense to cut parts.
:thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
https://grabcad.com/library/465042
Just got my aluminum tool today. Works exactly as advertised and I love the machining quality and engraving. Kinda reminds me of the engraving we see at work. Really stoked to have a quality tool :DSweet. Looks like the profile was machined in three steps, is that right?Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/jZ8KH4k.jpg)
Sweet. Looks like the profile was machined in three steps, is that right?
I would do the engraving first, because otherwise the part would be hard to hold without the screws, which would get in the way.Sweet. Looks like the profile was machined in three steps, is that right?
I would guess so. Drill the holes out so you can hold the blank, outside profile, inside profile where the stem holder is, clean up, and engraving?
I dig my tool too :)
Only issue is that you have to make a different one for SKCL switches which have the LED cutout now ;)
I dig my tool too :)
Only issue is that you have to make a different one for SKCL switches which have the LED cutout now ;)
Doesn't work with greens? I haven't tried mine on greens yet. It didn't work on Lock switches, but worked on a Blue.
https://grabcad.com/library/465042
https://grabcad.com/library/465042
Thank you very much for that! Unfortunately, I don't have Autodesk 360 and can not open your file. Is it possible to save the file as STL? If my googling didn't fail me, that can be easily done for you.
with all the further replies and interest i am willing to start pre-orders for aluminum tools. i have to order more materials so anyone who pre-orders may experience a delay in shipping. i do have afew tools in acrylic ready to shipPM you or email if we want to pre-order?
shipping is flat 6$ ConUS
world wide you pay shipping cost
acrylic 8$
aluminum 25$
thanks again for everyone who has shown interest and is keeping this alive. i'm really excited to be able to contribute to the community as a vendor of sorts.
with all the further replies and interest i am willing to start pre-orders for aluminum tools. i have to order more materials so anyone who pre-orders may experience a delay in shipping. i do have afew tools in acrylic ready to shipPM you or email if we want to pre-order?
shipping is flat 6$ ConUS
world wide you pay shipping cost
acrylic 8$
aluminum 25$
thanks again for everyone who has shown interest and is keeping this alive. i'm really excited to be able to contribute to the community as a vendor of sorts.
give this a try
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2tKyfWiYZD4UGJpNmtFRVhNVzg/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2tKyfWiYZD4UGJpNmtFRVhNVzg/view?usp=sharing)
give this a try
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2tKyfWiYZD4UGJpNmtFRVhNVzg/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2tKyfWiYZD4UGJpNmtFRVhNVzg/view?usp=sharing)
Thank you very much! Sorry, it took me so long to answer.
My friend with the 3D-printer can read this format but he says it is 2D only and the depth is missing. He says STL would be his preferred format. Is that possible?
just saw this thread now. Filled in the form!Awesome sent you a response
Sorry, I can only find png and f3d
dxf is only Autodesk 360 and not readable with any other CAD program. I was looking for an STL file. It should be very easy for you to convert from dxf to stl.
That link again is only png and f3d.
dxf is the other one.
A file ending in STL is the one that I am looking for. And that was never posted before. Thank you again for your help!
Is this more complicated than I thought?
Can someone who has the tool tell me the measurements please? I am interested in depth, length and width in their largest part.
@mrbishop: I've had the Alps Trident tool for some time now, but I had occasion to use it for the first time today to open a seemingly dead green Alps switch on a Zenith Z-150 board.
The tool worked beautifully to open the switch. I cleaned the interior of the switch, put it back together, and now it works just fine.
Questions:
1. Do you have a recommended technique for putting Alps switches back together when the lower half is still soldered into the keyboard? The main issue I had today was keeping the spring in place. I've seen the Alps switch cleaning video from Chyros -- just wondering if you had anything to add to this.
2. Are you still selling the plexiglass trident tools?
Thanks.
@mrbishop: I've had the Alps Trident tool for some time now, but I had occasion to use it for the first time today to open a seemingly dead green Alps switch on a Zenith Z-150 board.
The tool worked beautifully to open the switch. I cleaned the interior of the switch, put it back together, and now it works just fine.
Questions:
1. Do you have a recommended technique for putting Alps switches back together when the lower half is still soldered into the keyboard? The main issue I had today was keeping the spring in place. I've seen the Alps switch cleaning video from Chyros -- just wondering if you had anything to add to this.
2. Are you still selling the plexiglass trident tools?
Thanks.
@mrbishop: Always looking for new tips, so I would welcome anything you might care to add about working on Alps switches. The plexiglass Alps Trident works beautifully. I would probably favor it over a metal one in order to prevent scratching the switches. Please let us know if you decide to make and sell more of these tools -- it would be good to have spares of something this useful.
@mrbishop: Always looking for new tips, so I would welcome anything you might care to add about working on Alps switches. The plexiglass Alps Trident works beautifully. I would probably favor it over a metal one in order to prevent scratching the switches. Please let us know if you decide to make and sell more of these tools -- it would be good to have spares of something this useful.
i'm always up for taking orders however i'm about to start a group buy among other projects so if i was to make any it would likely be after all that. perhaps October when my schedule clears up more. i do have some tools that didn't quite make the cut so to speak that still work fine i'd sell at a discount if not just give away. PM me
@mrbishop: Always looking for new tips, so I would welcome anything you might care to add about working on Alps switches. The plexiglass Alps Trident works beautifully. I would probably favor it over a metal one in order to prevent scratching the switches. Please let us know if you decide to make and sell more of these tools -- it would be good to have spares of something this useful.
i'm always up for taking orders however i'm about to start a group buy among other projects so if i was to make any it would likely be after all that. perhaps October when my schedule clears up more. i do have some tools that didn't quite make the cut so to speak that still work fine i'd sell at a discount if not just give away. PM me
I would be interested, maybe I can finally stop using guitar picks to pry open these switches!
What is your upcoming GB? Any information you could share with us?
@mrbishop: Always looking for new tips, so I would welcome anything you might care to add about working on Alps switches. The plexiglass Alps Trident works beautifully. I would probably favor it over a metal one in order to prevent scratching the switches. Please let us know if you decide to make and sell more of these tools -- it would be good to have spares of something this useful.
i'm always up for taking orders however i'm about to start a group buy among other projects so if i was to make any it would likely be after all that. perhaps October when my schedule clears up more. i do have some tools that didn't quite make the cut so to speak that still work fine i'd sell at a discount if not just give away. PM me
I would be interested, maybe I can finally stop using guitar picks to pry open these switches!
What is your upcoming GB? Any information you could share with us?
its for my Pawn 35% mobile keyboard
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83967.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83967.0)
@mrbishop: Always looking for new tips, so I would welcome anything you might care to add about working on Alps switches. The plexiglass Alps Trident works beautifully. I would probably favor it over a metal one in order to prevent scratching the switches. Please let us know if you decide to make and sell more of these tools -- it would be good to have spares of something this useful.
i'm always up for taking orders however i'm about to start a group buy among other projects so if i was to make any it would likely be after all that. perhaps October when my schedule clears up more. i do have some tools that didn't quite make the cut so to speak that still work fine i'd sell at a discount if not just give away. PM me
I would be interested, maybe I can finally stop using guitar picks to pry open these switches!
What is your upcoming GB? Any information you could share with us?
its for my Pawn 35% mobile keyboard
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83967.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83967.0)
Oh of course! I saw the thread on DT. Unfortunately it's too small for me but I think it's a great idea for mobile users, congrats! :thumb: