I've been quiet for a while, learning how to work with CAD software in between a terrible work schedule which is finally over. Since I didn't have time to cast I started working on a cap that I could have CNC machined. I posted about this on Reddit some time ago, but I'd like to keep things relatively up to date here, it's nice to have things cataloged in one place.
Here's a few pictures of the prototypes, one in aluminum and the other in stainless. Some measurements and parts of the design have changed between the two (shine-through holes on both sides now). I've been using them daily for a while now and really enjoy them.
![Dodgy's Keycaps 179866-0](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=lnh68imkjh3pe5r06odmrqfmkhkmguco&action=dlattach;topic=85867.0;attach=179867;image)
![Dodgy's Keycaps 179868-1](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=lnh68imkjh3pe5r06odmrqfmkhkmguco&action=dlattach;topic=85867.0;attach=179869;image)
![Dodgy's Keycaps 179870-2](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=lnh68imkjh3pe5r06odmrqfmkhkmguco&action=dlattach;topic=85867.0;attach=179871;image)
I'll also use this as a master for my cast double shot caps, the tolerances and overall profile are a lot better than before and the inlay space is larger & deeper.
As for the machined caps, I was thinking it would be cool to have the "inlay" interchangeable so you could really make the cap look any way you want. The inlay I had machined uses an o-ring which holds it in place really nice and snug (and aligned). Right now the red casted inlay sits slightly high above the cap, which isn't desired, but I thought it looked nice so I wanted to post it. I think there's a lot of exciting possibilities for different inlays/inserts... Different metals, wood, stone, casted, etc...
Aside from that, I finally got my hands on a synth, so I've been spending a lot of time working on some ideas for sculpted caps. I really missed sculpting so it's great to be doing it again.
I have about 50 caps that still need to be sanded and polished from a few months ago, hopefully I can get cracking on those in the next few days and maybe run a small sale.
Anyway, I guess my question is- would anyone be interested in this machined cap idea? I'm going to start casting again either way, but doing both wouldn't be too much to take on.