First Conversion | IBM Model F AT | ANSI, Spacebar, Flossmod, Soarers

[lions2]

Pictured below is my first keyboard mod which is ~95% done.
I was lucky enough to purchase an IBM Model M and Model F XT on the cheap for parts to accomplish this (still missing L-ALT and Up Arrow (not pictured) keycaps) I have the R-ALT, but both will need to be taken down a bit as it sticks under the case by a millimeter or so.

As you can see the spacebar is currently replaced with a caps lock key.. I cannot get the Model M spacebar to actuate properly!

Pictured to the right of the spacebar is a washer (I have two) which I attempted to retrofit around the barrels below the 'C' and '<' keycaps.
The spacebar's stabilizer bar was then sandwiched between the washers and the barrel plate, but to no avail. The flossmod is also done which removes the 'ping' completely without any other noticeable effect. It is literally a dream to use.

How would I set it up such that my L-CTRL + F1-F8 would be able to act as F9-F16? (using Soarer's)
I tried a function layer, but that completely removed the normal functionality of L-CTRL

Does anyone more experienced have tips on getting my model M spacebar to actuate?
Bonus points if I don't have to take it all apart again.

Thank you so much for viewing!

[fohat.digs]

The easy way to stabilize the space bar is by using 7/16" SAE washers as wcass discovered.

I have tried many other washers (stock and modified, including fiber and rubber) and none work as well as the 7/16" SAE.

Otherwise, in my guide I show bending tabs out of sheet metal and using epoxy to adhere them.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48288.msg1034243#msg1034243

[lions2]

Cool, I've ordered two 7/16" SAE washers online (could not find them locally!) and will follow up.

I was lucky enough to pick up two black buckling spring keyboards from eBay this week; An IBM Model M13 13H6705 and Unicomp UB20416. The former has one piece caps which I am really excited for. Whichever one I like least will be donating the complete black keycap set to this Model F (thus completing my dream keyboard)

I've also figured out how to best remap LCTRL + F1 to be F9, etc if anyone else is ever curious:

Code: [Select]

macroblock
macro F1 LCTRL
PUSH_META CLEAR_META all
PRESS F9
POP_ALL_META
endmacro
endblock


[Giorgio]

Is there any picture of the washers put in place with the spacebar wire? thanks

How does the modded spacebar feel compared to the original spacebar? Is it wobblier or just as smooth? I wonder if the work is worth the effort, or if I can just live with it, by making the spacebar softer (modifying the curvature of the wire, but how much?)