I love the cover idea, that's fantastic.
This is really a neat idea. And I have a soft spot for wood cases. Have you considered trying something other than pine or oak? If you don't have access to other types of wood, but would like to try one let me know and I should be able to help out. I have access to all kinds of options.
How do you plan on securing the case? Using some kind of straps, like Datamancer, or something else?
Securing the case is tricky business, unless you are going to with straps. Having some made up would be pretty cheap, particularly if you know someone who can sew. Something like a Velcro strap would probably be easy enough, just pick some nice fabric to make it aesthetically pleasing.This is really a neat idea. And I have a soft spot for wood cases. Have you considered trying something other than pine or oak? If you don't have access to other types of wood, but would like to try one let me know and I should be able to help out. I have access to all kinds of options.
How do you plan on securing the case? Using some kind of straps, like Datamancer, or something else?
i can order what ever wood but if your willing to donate to the project that would be super awesome. as for securing the case i'm still considering options. but yes the idea was inspired by datamancer
Securing the case is tricky business, unless you are going to with straps. Having some made up would be pretty cheap, particularly if you know someone who can sew. Something like a Velcro strap would probably be easy enough, just pick some nice fabric to make it aesthetically pleasing.This is really a neat idea. And I have a soft spot for wood cases. Have you considered trying something other than pine or oak? If you don't have access to other types of wood, but would like to try one let me know and I should be able to help out. I have access to all kinds of options.
How do you plan on securing the case? Using some kind of straps, like Datamancer, or something else?
i can order what ever wood but if your willing to donate to the project that would be super awesome. as for securing the case i'm still considering options. but yes the idea was inspired by datamancer
For wood, I might have some stuff that I can provide, but I'm not sure if it would meet your needs. Thickness is a big factor, since, as I'm sure you know, the thicker it is the harder it is to find, and it gets exponentially more expensive. Most of the stuff I have on hand would be in the 3/4 area. I really would not use pine though, unless you find a hard variety. While oak would be more durable, I can't say I'm a fan of the grain. It reminds me of something out of the 80s. But of course, that is completely my personal taste, so don't let that sway you. :)
Sorry for the comparison but it's essentially a vegan Datamancer 60% case? I'm down; I like that case, but leather? That can **** off. Don't want to support it so I can't buy it :-\
Just a thought but what about using some sort of metal latches to secure the case closed as opposed to leather? Provided that they are tight enough that there is no movement.
My top choice would probably be oak (or walnut if it was available). Pine looks nice and is easy to work with but it is a softer wood and for a case I feel like it will get dented and scratched too easily.
Looking forward to seeing some prototypes of that wooden case and kudos for giving back to the community!
What do you think about some kind of mechanism that allows the top part to slide closed?Could work but might interfere with use as the keys would be down in a box alittle. Space bar at least
I'm not quite sure what is required for this (never worked with wood so I literally have no idea what I'm talking about) but I was just thinking of grooves that run along the long edges of the top and bottom part of the cases so the lid can be slid on securely.
I know most sliding lids are simply a thin piece of wood that slide over a box like this:Show Image(https://img0.etsystatic.com/073/0/11212109/il_570xN.817680744_mhgh.jpg)
Looking at your model, this may be hard to achieve but from a user standpoint would be a cool and convenient feature.
What do you think about some kind of mechanism that allows the top part to slide closed?Could work but might interfere with use as the keys would be down in a box alittle. Space bar at least
I'm not quite sure what is required for this (never worked with wood so I literally have no idea what I'm talking about) but I was just thinking of grooves that run along the long edges of the top and bottom part of the cases so the lid can be slid on securely.
I know most sliding lids are simply a thin piece of wood that slide over a box like this:Show Image(https://img0.etsystatic.com/073/0/11212109/il_570xN.817680744_mhgh.jpg)
Looking at your model, this may be hard to achieve but from a user standpoint would be a cool and convenient feature.
All things are possible but I'm going for as compact as possibleWhat do you think about some kind of mechanism that allows the top part to slide closed?Could work but might interfere with use as the keys would be down in a box alittle. Space bar at least
I'm not quite sure what is required for this (never worked with wood so I literally have no idea what I'm talking about) but I was just thinking of grooves that run along the long edges of the top and bottom part of the cases so the lid can be slid on securely.
I know most sliding lids are simply a thin piece of wood that slide over a box like this:Show Image(https://img0.etsystatic.com/073/0/11212109/il_570xN.817680744_mhgh.jpg)
Looking at your model, this may be hard to achieve but from a user standpoint would be a cool and convenient feature.
Yeah that's what I thought. I wasn't sure if there was any other way to cut the wood to give the lid more space to hang over the keys but you'd probably end up with a pretty ugly fat lip on the bottom part.
post the layout of the keyboard you're planning to build, I might be able to give keycaps.Awesome. It will likely be a standard jd40 style like the one off keyboard layout editor
Sorry for the comparison but it's essentially a vegan Datamancer 60% case? I'm down; I like that case, but leather? That can **** off. Don't want to support it so I can't buy it :-\
it would likely NOT be leather. i like the Velcro idea but like elastic even better. the straps dont have to be terribly binding just enough to hold the top portions together.
also if it comes out as nice i i'd like it to i could be persuaded to begin manufacturing them for sale. giving a portion back to GH on every sale.
Oh sorry I guess I misunderstoodSorry for the comparison but it's essentially a vegan Datamancer 60% case? I'm down; I like that case, but leather? That can **** off. Don't want to support it so I can't buy it :-\
it would likely NOT be leather. i like the Velcro idea but like elastic even better. the straps dont have to be terribly binding just enough to hold the top portions together.
also if it comes out as nice i i'd like it to i could be persuaded to begin manufacturing them for sale. giving a portion back to GH on every sale.
I meant the Datamancer case has leather included :rolleyes:
post the layout of the keyboard you're planning to build, I might be able to give keycaps.Awesome. It will likely be a standard jd40 style like the one off keyboard layout editor
Epic! Thanks so much JD!post the layout of the keyboard you're planning to build, I might be able to give keycaps.Awesome. It will likely be a standard jd40 style like the one off keyboard layout editor
Since you are donating all the profits from this toward Geekhack, I will donate a set of HONEY/FORTY caps from 7bit's Round 5, along with the JD40 PCB I'm sending you. skcheng paid me for the keycaps back when I bought them in the group buy, but before they shipped. He has since given away his JD40, so he told me I can donate the caps. Therefore, you get them for this project!
post the layout of the keyboard you're planning to build, I might be able to give keycaps.Awesome. It will likely be a standard jd40 style like the one off keyboard layout editor
Since you are donating all the profits from this toward Geekhack, I will donate a set of HONEY/FORTY caps from 7bit's Round 5, along with the JD40 PCB I'm sending you. skcheng paid me for the keycaps back when I bought them in the group buy, but before they shipped. He has since given away his JD40, so he told me I can donate the caps. Therefore, you get them for this project!
This is awesome. I don't know how to do **** with anything like this. Useless. But I can show support and HYPE!(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160107/9d92b8312c8ed6eceb8786c453c2bbf9.jpg)
i come form a family or wood workers. i also have a CNC and can carve it out myself :3Air dried wood is always good. Mahogany is great. Just make sure you plane it (which I'm sure you know). You could use 2 pieces of wood, each 3/4 or 1inch thick as well. But I like the idea of the case being a single piece cut into two halves. On a wood that doesn't have a heavy obvious grain it makes that less obvious of course.
worst case i can laminate pieces together but i'm going to try hard not to do that as it can break over time.
i need to talk to my father. he has some ruff cut mahogany thats about 20yrs old air dried. some 2" thick :D
thoughts on that hardwood?
Sweet I will. I do want to get my hand on some aromatic cedar at some point for another project. PM me if you can get some and let me know pricingi come form a family or wood workers. i also have a CNC and can carve it out myself :3Air dried wood is always good. Mahogany is great. Just make sure you plane it (which I'm sure you know). You could use 2 pieces of wood, each 3/4 or 1inch thick as well. But I like the idea of the case being a single piece cut into two halves. On a wood that doesn't have a heavy obvious grain it makes that less obvious of course.
worst case i can laminate pieces together but i'm going to try hard not to do that as it can break over time.
i need to talk to my father. he has some ruff cut mahogany thats about 20yrs old air dried. some 2" thick :D
thoughts on that hardwood?
If you do find that you are in need of some wood, let me know and I'll be happy to look for something that would fit the need.
Can the wood top piece also be cut in such a way as to double as a wrist rest when not in use? I would think the whole case might have to be thicker then, or have some kind of feet to get the right height, but I don't work with wood, so I have no idea.I've long wanted to use magnets for this type of thing. I even have some on hand to try. But the trouble is magnets, particularly the powerful ones that would be needed for something like this, have no business being around electronic equipment. It can cause all kinds of unwanted trouble.
How difficult would it be to sink and secure small magnets into both sides so it could simply snap into place and be held that way?
Sweet I will. I do want to get my hand on some aromatic cedar at some point for another project. PM me if you can get some and let me know pricing
I feel custom wrist wrests coming onCan the wood top piece also be cut in such a way as to double as a wrist rest when not in use? I would think the whole case might have to be thicker then, or have some kind of feet to get the right height, but I don't work with wood, so I have no idea.I've long wanted to use magnets for this type of thing. I even have some on hand to try. But the trouble is magnets, particularly the powerful ones that would be needed for something like this, have no business being around electronic equipment. It can cause all kinds of unwanted trouble.
How difficult would it be to sink and secure small magnets into both sides so it could simply snap into place and be held that way?Sweet I will. I do want to get my hand on some aromatic cedar at some point for another project. PM me if you can get some and let me know pricing
I have access to aromatic cedar. Next time I hit up the lumber yard I'll take a look at what they have and let you know. :thumb:
Can the wood top piece also be cut in such a way as to double as a wrist rest when it is removed? I would think the bottom portion of the case might have to be thicker then (or have some kind of feet to get the right height) but I don't work with wood, so I have no idea. Just seems like it might be nice to use the top when it is off of the keyboard.Not sure I'll tinker with some designs
How difficult would it be to sink and secure small magnets into both sides so it could simply snap into place and be held that way?
layout
Choo ****ing CHOO! Hype train.
I love how it came to be that the top is angled and is now the wristrest. Y'all are clever.
Love this idea and it's actually really close to a project I'm working on right now. Is the JD40 layout set in stone or are you open to a more usable layout? I'm in pcb design phase right now, but hopefully I will be getting some made soon. The hardest part of my project so far is the wooden case with lid almost identical to yours. I don't have a lot of wood working experience and am not entirely sure how I'm going to build mine XD.
Anyways, would love to be a part of this. Let me know if I can be of use.
Tinkering with some plate ideas. Although clear acrylic may be too subtle in the end.
Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160130/bcb1d60b2a9989a691d5a87655de11a9.jpg)Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160130/d7169a98bdacc980949f615fff0cc0fd.jpg)Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160130/d2fc97216c868491decf0a22fb0e903d.jpg)
Tinkering with some plate ideas. Although clear acrylic may be too subtle in the end.
Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160130/bcb1d60b2a9989a691d5a87655de11a9.jpg)Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160130/d7169a98bdacc980949f615fff0cc0fd.jpg)Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160130/d2fc97216c868491decf0a22fb0e903d.jpg)
I'm planning to do an auction as this one will be a special one off but I may continue to make the case if there is any interest.Tinkering with some plate ideas. Although clear acrylic may be too subtle in the end.
Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160130/bcb1d60b2a9989a691d5a87655de11a9.jpg)Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160130/d7169a98bdacc980949f615fff0cc0fd.jpg)Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160130/d2fc97216c868491decf0a22fb0e903d.jpg)
This looks so fantastic... How are you thinking about selling this? Auction or First Come First Serve at a price?
Would cherry work? I think it would go well with the round 5 caps. Is the jd40 PCB compatible with leds?Yeah cherry or oak. I may be able to source some mahogany too. But I'll be prototyping in pine or popular.
Would cherry work? I think it would go well with the round 5 caps. Is the jd40 PCB compatible with leds?Yeah cherry or oak. I may be able to source some mahogany too. But I'll be prototyping in pine or popular.
Love this idea and it's actually really close to a project I'm working on right now. Is the JD40 layout set in stone or are you open to a more usable layout? I'm in pcb design phase right now, but hopefully I will be getting some made soon. The hardest part of my project so far is the wooden case with lid almost identical to yours. I don't have a lot of wood working experience and am not entirely sure how I'm going to build mine XD.
Anyways, would love to be a part of this. Let me know if I can be of use.
thats awesome!
as for the JD40. i have the PCB in hand so that is in stone but let me know about your wood working needs. i may be able to donate my CNC skills to your project :)
First official prototype
Body too shallow. But you get the idea.Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160205/ccc9d877cc00b23d8cc57aa3a826da86.jpg)
Got wood?Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160206/3ec9253aaf7dadc9b25f2706f3f81e68.jpg)
Some 2in 30yr old mahogany
Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160202/50ad2ab6743535c9b577f105319dbc23.jpg)Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160202/bd1f2a5c1961296c6690286972b11193.jpg)
Suggestions?
Yeah I spoke with JDcarpe and he said to flush mount them.Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160202/50ad2ab6743535c9b577f105319dbc23.jpg)Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160202/bd1f2a5c1961296c6690286972b11193.jpg)
Suggestions?
Not sure how it is in your wood case but in the standard JD40 sandwhich you take the black spacers off the pins and have the Teensy as close to the PCB as possible. I cut the thick pins with the cutting part of some old pliers as they looked too thick for wire cutters, not the cleanest method but it worked...
Got wood?Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160206/3ec9253aaf7dadc9b25f2706f3f81e68.jpg)
Some 2in 30yr old mahogany
Decided on a plate. Official prototype
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160211/0c27e3e9816a4a23433afa9e46064411.jpg) (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160211/0c27e3e9816a4a23433afa9e46064411.jpg)
It's beautiful!Show ImageDecided on a plate. Official prototype
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160211/0c27e3e9816a4a23433afa9e46064411.jpg) (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160211/0c27e3e9816a4a23433afa9e46064411.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160211/b51da3db0d2b7ccc7c34b9e4687ee9f4.jpg) (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160211/b51da3db0d2b7ccc7c34b9e4687ee9f4.jpg)
Decided on a plate. Official prototypeShow Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160211/0c27e3e9816a4a23433afa9e46064411.jpg)Show Image(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160211/b51da3db0d2b7ccc7c34b9e4687ee9f4.jpg)
Just wanted to throw an update out here.
no i haven't forgotten about this project
yes i'm still working on things. life has made me extremely busy plus i'm trying to get my business up and running. which brings me to my next statement / question
i want to finish this however with things taking so long and lots of other things going on i have a plan B. its somewhat cheating and somewhat of a cop-out but here goes.
i want anyone's opinion
i can either
A) continue to work on this project and roll it out when ever that may be
B) cut a aluminum plate and get this thing out super fast
give me your thoughts guys.
Just wanted to throw an update out here.
no i haven't forgotten about this project
yes i'm still working on things. life has made me extremely busy plus i'm trying to get my business up and running. which brings me to my next statement / question
i want to finish this however with things taking so long and lots of other things going on i have a plan B. its somewhat cheating and somewhat of a cop-out but here goes.
i want anyone's opinion
i can either
A) continue to work on this project and roll it out when ever that may be
B) cut a aluminum plate and get this thing out super fast
give me your thoughts guys.
My opinion is that this is a labor of love, and you're doing it because you're interested. I'm sure it will be awesome either way- just do what you want.
I've been following this project because I like the craftsmanship and the idea. But I'll admit I'm really uninterested in a wood case. I personally really dislike wood and keyboards/anything computer related. I think it's 70s tacky. So if I were to pay for it, I'd rather see an aluminum case. But I think for you and this situation, I'd stick to the original project. You've already spent all this time.
this is awesome, really nice to see. as cpt said, I would also probably prefer an aluminum case, but once you've got the finalized design for the wood case, I imagine it wouldn't be impossible to tweak the design for aluminum (probably making everything a bit thinner, just to save on cost). I have access to some facilities that include a CNC mill, and would be happy to donate the time/materials if you're interested.
Need to decide on a nice wood. Something hard. Suggestions?
masarando
masarando
I've not heard of that before, and don't see it in the wood database. Does it have another name?
I got into wood for unusual applications with backing on Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1584169644/spellbook-gaming-boxes
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/754081504/wyrmwood-magnetic-dice-tower-system
I really think it adds an unusual touch of class.
That's so cool! How did you do the engraving on the top? There's some good detail in that! And that's a really popular shape apparently for dice boxes.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1584169644/hex-chests
But I like your design better.
I also got in on this one:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/754081504/the-dice-vault-a-handcrafted-wooden-case-for-gamin/description
I really like the straight line design, and the magnetic closure is what sold me on it.