Kishsaver Club

[ghostjuggernaut]

Autobody shops or like a small machine shop should have em. You can also pick 'em up at like Harbor Freight or hardware stores.

There's a shop that we contract where I work. I'll swing by and speak with them this week and see if they can do anything with it.

[pr0ximity]

Show Image

Just got this yesterday, and so far I am really enjoying it.  It is my first foray into Model F and was surprised at how good it felt. 

Overall the board is in pretty good condition, but could use some TLC.  I want to refinish it sometime, but am not quite sure what color or how to yet.  I have debated paint, powder coat, and cerakote so far. 

Also want to split the right shift out for happy layout, but im in no rush for that.

 ;D

p.s. Sorry for the potato and necro, but I figured we would be seeing some more posts with Ellipse's new project coming up.

Envy'ing pretty hard right now, awesome get!

4704 Model F is truly a special feeling.

[snoopy]

I'm recently using this Kish a lot. (and this club needs a bit more attention)

Combination of ISO APL keycaps, some terminal keycaps and on top Mr. F






And together with its well known brother:






Back in Black:



More: https://imgur.com/a/48jd1

[Lurch]

snoopy.................

[pr0ximity]

We can probably lock this thread now, not sure I can take too many more of Snoopy's pictures

[Joey Quinn]

Every time this thread gets bumped I die a little. A Kish is at the top of my wish list.

Awesome boards snoopy!

[rowdy]

Very splendid

[ghostjuggernaut]

Unicomp blanks arrived today.  Still need to pickup dye for the right shift but that should happen this weekend.



Of course, inspired by snoopy's amazing blackish.

[bocahgundul]

Unicomp blanks arrived today.  Still need to pickup dye for the right shift but that should happen this weekend.

Show Image

Of course, inspired by snoopy's amazing blackish.

How do the texture compare to old model M or F caps? Are they on par to the old ones? 

[ghostjuggernaut]

These are one piece, so that's a big difference from what I have seen with the older caps. Apart from that, they have a better texture as they are newer. I would consider them on par apart from that though.

[rowdy]

Unicomp blanks arrived today.  Still need to pickup dye for the right shift but that should happen this weekend.

Show Image

Of course, inspired by snoopy's amazing blackish.

Nice :)

I like the way the Bronin matches the case :)

[raymogi]

2016 resolution: join this club.

[rowdy]

2016 resolution: join this club.

You know where to go

[raymogi]

2016 resolution: join this club.

You know where to go

Do tell rowdy. Don't hide anything from me.

[rowdy]

2016 resolution: join this club.

You know where to go

Do tell rowdy. Don't hide anything from me.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=73363.0

[raymogi]

2016 resolution: join this club.

You know where to go

Do tell rowdy. Don't hide anything from me.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=73363.0

Oh that. Yeah I'm definitely joining.

I thought there's one for sale right this moment.

[Joey Quinn]

2016 resolution: join this club.

Seconded, but I'm fairly sure I said that last year too. )

[HoffmanMyster]

2016 resolution: join this club.

Seconded, but I'm fairly sure I said that last year too. )

I think I remember you saying that, lol.  )

[sleepy916]

This old thing. I guess it will be a dime a dozen pretty soon. 

[Melvang]

This old thing. I guess it will be a dime a dozen pretty soon. 

Show Image

I don't think$325 for base keyboard with no caps qualifies as "dime a dozen".

[mobbo]

This old thing. I guess it will be a dime a dozen pretty soon. 

Show Image

You mean soon he will have new friends all around the world :3

[sleepy916]

This old thing. I guess it will be a dime a dozen pretty soon. 

Show Image

I don't think$325 for base keyboard with no caps qualifies as "dime a dozen".

I should have used more emoticons.  :))

[Joey Quinn]

This old thing. I guess it will be a dime a dozen pretty soon. 

Show Image

OG Kish > $$$ remake any day

[pr0ximity]

This old thing. I guess it will be a dime a dozen pretty soon. 

Show Image

OG Kish > $$$ remake any day

+1

107-keys are the new hotness :P

[Melvang]

This old thing. I guess it will be a dime a dozen pretty soon. 

Show Image

OG Kish > $$$ remake any day

Bit I won't feel near as bad cutting and hacking up a remake vs an OG.

Also, does anyone know if there was a non4704 50 key with F internals?

[sleepy916]

This old thing. I guess it will be a dime a dozen pretty soon. 

Show Image

OG Kish > $$$ remake any day

Bit I won't feel near as bad cutting and hacking up a remake vs an OG.

Also, does anyone know if there was a non4704 50 key with F internals?

I think there were some 50 key ones that looked like it used the model m plastic instead of aluminum.

Edit: Found one on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-KEYBOARD-4707-50-KEY-POS-1392560-/172050888228?hash=item280f083624:g:6Q4AAOSwoydWirhK

[Melvang]

This old thing. I guess it will be a dime a dozen pretty soon. 

Show Image

OG Kish > $$$ remake any day

Bit I won't feel near as bad cutting and hacking up a remake vs an OG.

Also, does anyone know if there was a non4704 50 key with F internals?

I think there were some 50 key ones that looked like it used the model m plastic instead of aluminum.

Edit: Found one on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-KEYBOARD-4707-50-KEY-POS-1392560-/172050888228?hash=item280f083624:g:6Q4AAOSwoydWirhK

But with a date of 1998 that is going to be M internals.

[sleepy916]

Hmm this is the one I was thinking about. You can see the inside is clearly a model f.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/49-Key-IBM-Model-M-Keyboard-SDL-to-USB-Soarers-Converter-Remapping-Macros/301402443363?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D33876%26meid%3D8b9fa2158f2748bb805f70f92d06e331%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D3%26sd%3D131690249562

[Melvang]

Hmm this is the one I was thinking about. You can see the inside is clearly a model f.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/49-Key-IBM-Model-M-Keyboard-SDL-to-USB-Soarers-Converter-Remapping-Macros/301402443363?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D33876%26meid%3D8b9fa2158f2748bb805f70f92d06e331%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D3%26sd%3D131690249562

Thanks for that link, the owner of that account is a member here that I have done business with.

[fanpeople]

Hmm this is the one I was thinking about. You can see the inside is clearly a model f.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/49-Key-IBM-Model-M-Keyboard-SDL-to-USB-Soarers-Converter-Remapping-Macros/301402443363?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D33876%26meid%3D8b9fa2158f2748bb805f70f92d06e331%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D3%26sd%3D131690249562

I own one of those.

Edit: except mine is a 50 key and came with the clear relegendable key caps.

[Techno Trousers]

Nice! I've never seen a Model M with "F guts" before.

[Melvang]

Hmm this is the one I was thinking about. You can see the inside is clearly a model f.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/49-Key-IBM-Model-M-Keyboard-SDL-to-USB-Soarers-Converter-Remapping-Macros/301402443363?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D33876%26meid%3D8b9fa2158f2748bb805f70f92d06e331%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D3%26sd%3D131690249562

Thanks for that link, the owner of that account is a member here that I have done business with.

Nice! I've never seen a Model M with "F guts" before.

Except those are M internals.  Well, F style plates with membrane.  Clearly states in the description of all 3 by that seller for the 49 key and the 50, that they are either membrane or 2KRO, with is certain membrane.

[atlas3686]

This old thing. I guess it will be a dime a dozen pretty soon. 

Show Image

OG Kish > $$$ remake any day

Haha thanks sleepy, had a good lol at dime a dozen :)

Joey I also think the OG will always be worth more but personally I couldn't get myself to part with that kind of cash for a board of that age even partly refurbished. The parts just have to be getting old at this point no matter how well it was made and I want to use this as my daily driver so Ellipse's buy is exactly what the doctor ordered :) Joining the F62 club in 2016 :) I am fast approaching my end game, have a type-s that I use at work and will have this for home. IMHO two of the best boards ever made, just need an HHKB HG style alu case for my type-s and I will be in type heaven :)

P.S. Anyone know why my smileys aren't working?

[HoffmanMyster]

P.S. Anyone know why my smileys aren't working?

Because you quoted a pic. 

[atlas3686]

P.S. Anyone know why my smileys aren't working?

Because you quoted a pic. 

Testing Hoff's theory   

Edit: Confirmed 

[HoffmanMyster]

P.S. Anyone know why my smileys aren't working?

Because you quoted a pic. 

Testing Hoff's theory   

Edit: Confirmed 

Yeah it's a weird glitch.    And if you quote two posts, both with photos, smileys will work.    Don't ask why.  )

[Melvang]

Would it be reasonable to put up a fully built remake with caps for even trade even 1:1 for an original in any complete condition regardless of caps?

[CPTBadAss]

Would it be reasonable to put up a fully built remake with caps for even trade even 1:1 for an original in any complete condition regardless of caps?

I wouldn't trade mine for an Ellipse one. I think that project is great but it's not the same board to me.

[Melvang]

Would it be reasonable to put up a fully built remake with caps for even trade even 1:1 for an original in any complete condition regardless of caps?

I wouldn't trade mine for an Ellipse one. I think that project is great but it's not the same board to me.

Very true, I want an original, not because of nostalgia but made in US, rather than China.

[snoopy]

I would always prefer the real deal over fakes. For me it means a lot that they are vintage and made by IBM.

[Melvang]

I agree with you snoopy and CBA as well.  And I realize that the originals are always going to be worth more than the remakes.  I wouldn't call them fakes as they are not being marketed as originals like the guy on the corner selling "Oakley" out of a garbage bag and "Rolex" out of the inside of his coat.  I would call these reproduction pieces.

What I was hoping to trade for would be a basket case that at least has all the functional parts, but in bad shape cosmetically and doesn't have the drive or skill to get built back up again.

[riotonthebay]

What I was hoping to trade for would be a basket case that at least has all the functional parts, but in bad shape cosmetically and doesn't have the drive or skill to get built back up again.

I don't think that would be an unreasonable trade at all. From a "value" standpoint, the pricetag of the reproduction Model F's are consistent with the recent going prices of Kishsavers, from what I've seen. Whether or not someone exists with the situation you're describing is another thing, but I don't think you're out of your mind to try.

[SixtyLife]

got this in the mail today. it'll stay with me til I die and then be passed on to my favorite child. I believe it comes from the same batch of kishsavers that tinlong found a few years ago.


it's dated 1986 and little different from most of the kishes I've seen. instead of two screws holding the top and bottom of the case, it has 4, as can be seen in the bottom side pic:


upon opening, we can see that the screws go from the bottom case straight through the plate assembly to the top case. this is different from the other kishes(mainly 1983s) I've seen that have separate internal screws that hold the plate assembly against just the top case and a 3rd set of middle screws that hold the top and bottom together. I personally like the older kish's method of having separate set of screws better, but I also like the fact that the 1986 case is being held together by 4 screws vs just 2.


ibm also seemed to have done away with the plastic strips that were sandwiched between the plate assembly and the top case. the plate assembly lies right against the screw threads:


another difference is how thick the walls of the top case are compared to the older kishes:


the difference in thickness can be seen against this picture (from wcass):


those are the main differences I could see. the paint seems to be in good shape, though there are a couple large chips on the bottom corners. I think I'll give it a good cleaning and keep the original paint for now. the plate has significant corrosion and will be stripped and repainted:


the top plate has a slight curvature that I would like get straightened at machine shop:


if anyone knows any shops in the san jose area that they'd recommend for straightening it out, please let me know!

[jerue]

got this in the mail today. it'll stay with me til I die and then be passed on to my favorite child. I believe it comes from the same batch of kishsavers that tinlong found a few years ago.

Show Image

it's dated 1986 and little different from most of the kishes I've seen. instead of two screws holding the top and bottom of the case, it has 4, as can be seen in the bottom side pic:

Show Image

upon opening, we can see that the screws go from the bottom case straight through the plate assembly to the top case. this is different from the other kishes(mainly 1983s) I've seen that have separate internal screws that hold the plate assembly against just the top case and a 3rd set of middle screws that hold the top and bottom together. I personally like the older kish's method of having separate set of screws better, but I also like the fact that the 1986 case is being held together by 4 screws vs just 2.

Show Image

Show Image

ibm also seemed to have done away with the plastic strips that were sandwiched between the plate assembly and the top case. the plate assembly lies right against the screw threads:

Show Image

another difference is how thick the walls of the top case are compared to the older kishes:

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

the difference in thickness can be seen against this picture (from wcass):

Show Image

Show Image

those are the main differences I could see. the paint seems to be in good shape, though there are a couple large chips on the bottom corners. I think I'll give it a good cleaning and keep the original paint for now. the plate has significant corrosion and will be stripped and repainted:

Show Image

the top plate has a slight curvature that I would like get straightened at machine shop:

Show Image

if anyone knows any shops in the san jose area that they'd recommend for straightening it out, please let me know!

That is lovely. Nice get! Some days I am tempted to put my Displaywrite SSK up for trade for an OG kish...

p.s. I keep thinking that Sixty is back every time I see you post  :(

[ghostjuggernaut]

got this in the mail today. it'll stay with me til I die and then be passed on to my favorite child. I believe it comes from the same batch of kishsavers that tinlong found a few years ago.

Show Image

it's dated 1986 and little different from most of the kishes I've seen. instead of two screws holding the top and bottom of the case, it has 4, as can be seen in the bottom side pic:

Show Image

upon opening, we can see that the screws go from the bottom case straight through the plate assembly to the top case. this is different from the other kishes(mainly 1983s) I've seen that have separate internal screws that hold the plate assembly against just the top case and a 3rd set of middle screws that hold the top and bottom together. I personally like the older kish's method of having separate set of screws better, but I also like the fact that the 1986 case is being held together by 4 screws vs just 2.

Show Image

Show Image

ibm also seemed to have done away with the plastic strips that were sandwiched between the plate assembly and the top case. the plate assembly lies right against the screw threads:

Show Image

another difference is how thick the walls of the top case are compared to the older kishes:

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

the difference in thickness can be seen against this picture (from wcass):

Show Image

Show Image

those are the main differences I could see. the paint seems to be in good shape, though there are a couple large chips on the bottom corners. I think I'll give it a good cleaning and keep the original paint for now. the plate has significant corrosion and will be stripped and repainted:

Show Image

the top plate has a slight curvature that I would like get straightened at machine shop:

Show Image

if anyone knows any shops in the san jose area that they'd recommend for straightening it out, please let me know!

Very nice man! 

I'll be powder coating mine soon. Just need to finally settle on a color. I also need to find a cable I'm happy with. The paracord one that the prior owner used with it doesn't do it for me. I do think the original paint looks amazing and wish I found one that still had it. But when it comes to these boards, gotta take what you can get.

[vivalarevolución]

I'm recently using this Kish a lot. (and this club needs a bit more attention)

Combination of ISO APL keycaps, some terminal keycaps and on top Mr. F

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

And together with its well known brother:

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Back in Black:

Show Image

More: https://imgur.com/a/48jd1

Mmm Mmm Mmm.  I also wonder how this club will be affected by Ellipse's project.

I kinda wish I still was a member of this club.  But the funds from my Kishsaver sale immediately were put into XTant parts, so I don't feel so bad about the sale of my Kishsaver.  In the long run, I don't care for having my naveigation keys on the function layer.  Or at least that's what I keep telling myself.

[SixtyLife]

got this in the mail today. it'll stay with me til I die and then be passed on to my favorite child. I believe it comes from the same batch of kishsavers that tinlong found a few years ago.

Show Image

it's dated 1986 and little different from most of the kishes I've seen. instead of two screws holding the top and bottom of the case, it has 4, as can be seen in the bottom side pic:

Show Image

upon opening, we can see that the screws go from the bottom case straight through the plate assembly to the top case. this is different from the other kishes(mainly 1983s) I've seen that have separate internal screws that hold the plate assembly against just the top case and a 3rd set of middle screws that hold the top and bottom together. I personally like the older kish's method of having separate set of screws better, but I also like the fact that the 1986 case is being held together by 4 screws vs just 2.

Show Image

Show Image

ibm also seemed to have done away with the plastic strips that were sandwiched between the plate assembly and the top case. the plate assembly lies right against the screw threads:

Show Image

another difference is how thick the walls of the top case are compared to the older kishes:

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

the difference in thickness can be seen against this picture (from wcass):

Show Image

Show Image

those are the main differences I could see. the paint seems to be in good shape, though there are a couple large chips on the bottom corners. I think I'll give it a good cleaning and keep the original paint for now. the plate has significant corrosion and will be stripped and repainted:

Show Image

the top plate has a slight curvature that I would like get straightened at machine shop:

Show Image

if anyone knows any shops in the san jose area that they'd recommend for straightening it out, please let me know!

Very nice man! 

I'll be powder coating mine soon. Just need to finally settle on a color. I also need to find a cable I'm happy with. The paracord one that the prior owner used with it doesn't do it for me. I do think the original paint looks amazing and wish I found one that still had it. But when it comes to these boards, gotta take what you can get.

did you decide on powdercoating color? I started painting my plate and now am actually tempted to strip the outer paint and powdercoat it also lol.. really breathes new life into them. Also, I saw that your case had a bent edge.. were you able to straighten that out?

[ghostjuggernaut]

got this in the mail today. it'll stay with me til I die and then be passed on to my favorite child. I believe it comes from the same batch of kishsavers that tinlong found a few years ago.

Show Image

it's dated 1986 and little different from most of the kishes I've seen. instead of two screws holding the top and bottom of the case, it has 4, as can be seen in the bottom side pic:

Show Image

upon opening, we can see that the screws go from the bottom case straight through the plate assembly to the top case. this is different from the other kishes(mainly 1983s) I've seen that have separate internal screws that hold the plate assembly against just the top case and a 3rd set of middle screws that hold the top and bottom together. I personally like the older kish's method of having separate set of screws better, but I also like the fact that the 1986 case is being held together by 4 screws vs just 2.

Show Image

Show Image

ibm also seemed to have done away with the plastic strips that were sandwiched between the plate assembly and the top case. the plate assembly lies right against the screw threads:

Show Image

another difference is how thick the walls of the top case are compared to the older kishes:

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

the difference in thickness can be seen against this picture (from wcass):

Show Image

Show Image

those are the main differences I could see. the paint seems to be in good shape, though there are a couple large chips on the bottom corners. I think I'll give it a good cleaning and keep the original paint for now. the plate has significant corrosion and will be stripped and repainted:

Show Image

the top plate has a slight curvature that I would like get straightened at machine shop:

Show Image

if anyone knows any shops in the san jose area that they'd recommend for straightening it out, please let me know!

Very nice man! 

I'll be powder coating mine soon. Just need to finally settle on a color. I also need to find a cable I'm happy with. The paracord one that the prior owner used with it doesn't do it for me. I do think the original paint looks amazing and wish I found one that still had it. But when it comes to these boards, gotta take what you can get.

did you decide on powdercoating color? I started painting my plate and now am actually tempted to strip the outer paint and powdercoat it also lol.. really breathes new life into them. Also, I saw that your case had a bent edge.. were you able to straighten that out?

Still undecided on the color, but am considering a purple or blue.  In terms of the case, I was able to apply some pressure to it and straighten it some.  It's not as noticeable as it was, but I still may take into a shop to get it fixed, idk yet.

[SixtyLife]

Still undecided on the color, but am considering a purple or blue.  In terms of the case, I was able to apply some pressure to it and straighten it some.  It's not as noticeable as it was, but I still may take into a shop to get it fixed, idk yet.

either color would be really interesting to see. I mean... I've seen glittery purple on cptbadass's board but haven't seen any blues yet I'm contemplating finding a shop to straightening out some bowing on my case but scared it might crack. glad you were able to straighten it a bit.

[ghostjuggernaut]

Still undecided on the color, but am considering a purple or blue.  In terms of the case, I was able to apply some pressure to it and straighten it some.  It's not as noticeable as it was, but I still may take into a shop to get it fixed, idk yet.

either color would be really interesting to see. I mean... I've seen glittery purple on cptbadass's board but haven't seen any blues yet I'm contemplating finding a shop to straightening out some bowing on my case but scared it might crack. glad you were able to straighten it a bit.

Yeah i'm still on the fence.  With the massive amount of colors available, its tough narrowing it down to one.