Author Topic: AEK II Alps 60% Plate Buy (Read 34208 times)

nubbinator · « **on:** Mon, 27 April 2015, 20:26:59 »

Fill out the form here I can get an idea of numbers.

Crappy plate render:

Expected price: $29 + paypal fees + shipping

Since they should fit in a flat rate envelope, shipping will likely be $6 for Flat Rate + additional if you want added cardboard or a thin wood shim. Shipping is subject to change, but I don't expect higher that $15 on the absolute high side.

File belongs to JDCarpe and this is a non-profit buy (unless JD wants a little $$ for his services).

Quotes are at 10 units in T-304 16 gauge (0.06in) stainless steel and will likely go down. The local quotes I've gotten so far came back at $21.50 per plate for laser cut and $29 for waterjet cutting at 10 units. I'm waiting to hear back from the others. I'm partial to waterjet over laser.

Price does not include Paypal fees or shipping fees. Since this is a non-profit buy and I expect low numbers, I am not going to add any kind of GB fee, though I may ask for small donations if there's an unexpected added cost.

This is perfect for someone wanting to direct wire an Alps board or for someone who got into Hasu's Alps 60% or expects a round 2.

This will be a quick buy. Orders will close the second week of May and the waterjet place claimed a one business week turn around, so it should be in the mail by the end of May.

DanielT · « **Reply #1 on:** Tue, 28 April 2015, 02:21:02 »

Any chance to get also one with the Dell layout ? I would be in for one so I don't have to butcher my Dell keyboard for the plate.

nubbinator · « **Reply #2 on:** Tue, 28 April 2015, 02:29:58 »

Quote from: DanielT on Tue, 28 April 2015, 02:21:02

Any chance to get also one with the Dell layout ? I would be in for one so I don't have to butcher my Dell keyboard for the plate.

If someone is willing to make a template for the plate and you can get 10 people on board I can do another run for that after this is done.

nubbinator · « **Reply #3 on:** Wed, 29 April 2015, 16:22:38 »

Alright, it's looking like I'm at 11 plates (included mine) right now. I'm missing responses from CPTBadAss, mashby, and echo0 who all said they wanted one, but I'm looking at getting several extras made and seeing if I can get another price break at 20. If those three commit, I should be at 15 + 5 extras.

I'm also leaning toward the laser cut over waterjet since it's about 30% cheaper.

And I know I originally said the second week of May, but I'm looking to expedite it and get it going next week. I'll be paying out of pocket to make it quicker, so I would appreciate a quick turnaround with invoices when I send them out.

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #4 on:** Wed, 29 April 2015, 16:24:16 »

Just saw this and filled it out. You know I'm in.

lishi · « **Reply #5 on:** Wed, 29 April 2015, 16:38:28 »

Will pay once I get my invoice, thanks nubbinator for putting this together

nubbinator · « **Reply #6 on:** Wed, 29 April 2015, 16:39:00 »

Quote from: CPTBadAss on Wed, 29 April 2015, 16:24:16

Just saw this and filled it out. You know I'm in.

Yeah, I was going to count you and mashby in the numbers anyways since I know you're both good for it. I'll probably be getting 20 so there are some extras.

sprit · « **Reply #7 on:** Fri, 01 May 2015, 18:50:44 »

I'd like in 1 or 2

njbair · « **Reply #8 on:** Fri, 01 May 2015, 18:53:30 »

Has there been a commitment on R2 for the PCBs yet? If so I'm in for a plate.

nubbinator · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 01 May 2015, 18:54:14 »

Quote from: njbair on Fri, 01 May 2015, 18:53:30

Has there been a commitment on R2 for the PCBs yet? If so I'm in for a plate.

Not yet. If it does go again, there should be a few extras and I can always run it again.

njbair · « **Reply #10 on:** Fri, 01 May 2015, 19:10:33 »

No guts no glory. I'm in. I'll get a PCB one way or another.

Heliosphere · « **Reply #11 on:** Fri, 01 May 2015, 20:36:04 »

I'll get one, but I do need a PCB to go with it.

jacobolus · « **Reply #12 on:** Fri, 01 May 2015, 22:50:34 »

I recommend cutting a plate with test holes using your planned materials and process before you go all the way through with cutting a bunch of full keyboard plates. 16 gauge is actually slightly on the thick side for keyboard plates: both Alps and MX are ideally intended for more like 17–18 gauge steel, and might have trouble clipping into a 16 gauge plate.

If you make the holes slightly longer than the standard Alps plate spec, you can get them to clip in pretty well, but if you make the holes tight, then you’ll end up stressing and possibly breaking the little plastic clips, especially if the switches are later removed to use in another context.

nubbinator · « **Reply #13 on:** Fri, 01 May 2015, 23:04:43 »

It's no big deal to move to 0.05" steel. I was going off a couple of people's stated preferences for thickness that I typically trust on issues like this. I re-measured two Apple plates and see 0.05", so when I ask for an updated quote at the higher 20-25 units, I'll include the updated 18ga (0.05") thickness. The thinner gauge will hopefully result in a lower price.

On the other hand, most the MX plates I've measured are ~0.06" thick.

Right now we're sitting at 20 plates if I count mashby who isn't in the form yet.

wakko · « **Reply #14 on:** Sat, 02 May 2015, 03:39:55 »

21 now

jacobolus · « **Reply #15 on:** Sat, 02 May 2015, 03:47:03 »

There are definitely 16 gauge Alps plates out there. For instance, those Leading Edge boards. I just find they tend to lead to a lot of broken plastic clips.

sprit · « **Reply #16 on:** Sat, 02 May 2015, 05:02:14 »

I'd prefer 0.05" if possible. For it is sturdy enough for 60% size, many people might be happy with that feeling.

nubbinator · « **Reply #17 on:** Wed, 06 May 2015, 19:48:49 »

Sent in for the revised quote request and I'll be putting in the order for 25 in 18ga T304 next week.

NoahBC · « **Reply #18 on:** Thu, 07 May 2015, 08:51:38 »

I'm not too late, am I?

nubbinator · « **Reply #19 on:** Thu, 07 May 2015, 19:56:06 »

Alright, got the revised quote. It's now a little under $20 a plate. I'll get the order in either tomorrow or early next week and pay for it out of pocket, so I'd really appreciate quick payment of invoices when they go out. I won't know the cheapest way of shipping until I get the plates.

I plan on going with the cheapest shipping you are comfortable with. So far the options appear to be the following:

Priority Mail Flat Rate Padded Envelope or Tyvek envelope - should be about $6 within the US
Priority Mail Regional Rate A Box - varies based on distance, but for a rough idea, it calculates as $5.50 within California and $10 to New York.
Medium Flat Rate Box - about $12

There are potentially other cheaper options like parcel select, but they have no tracking and no insurance.

Quote from: NoahBC on Thu, 07 May 2015, 08:51:38

I'm not too late, am I?

No, the 25 plates includes a few extras that I'm paying for out of pocket, but it closes tomorrow.

njbair · « **Reply #20 on:** Thu, 07 May 2015, 20:05:30 »

Nubs, just go with the flat rate envelope, as far as I'm concerned. I'm sure the plate won't bend.

spoonypirate · « **Reply #21 on:** Fri, 08 May 2015, 07:04:06 »

Just saw this and put myself in for one, hope I wasn't too late

njbair · « **Reply #22 on:** Fri, 08 May 2015, 08:40:04 »

Hey nubbinator where did you get the measurements for the holes on the plate? I could use those numbers for a case I'm working on.

jdcarpe · « **Reply #23 on:** Fri, 08 May 2015, 08:42:11 »

Quote from: njbair on Fri, 08 May 2015, 08:40:04

Hey nubbinator where did you get the measurements for the holes on the plate? I could use those numbers for a case I'm working on.

I designed the plate for the buy, but I believe this is what you're looking for:

Quote from: obra on Wed, 17 December 2014, 22:50:21

As a starting point for a discussion, I believe this to be the canonical set of dimensions for a 60% board.

Show Image

nubbinator · « **Reply #24 on:** Fri, 08 May 2015, 08:42:18 »

JD did the plate.

njbair · « **Reply #25 on:** Fri, 08 May 2015, 09:05:10 »

Quote from: jdcarpe on Fri, 08 May 2015, 08:42:11

Quote from: njbair on Fri, 08 May 2015, 08:40:04
Hey nubbinator where did you get the measurements for the holes on the plate? I could use those numbers for a case I'm working on.

I designed the plate for the buy, but I believe this is what you're looking for:

Quote from: obra on Wed, 17 December 2014, 22:50:21
As a starting point for a discussion, I believe this to be the canonical set of dimensions for a 60% board.

Show Image

This is perfect. Thank you!!!

njbair · « **Reply #26 on:** Fri, 08 May 2015, 10:11:32 »

Quote from: jdcarpe on Fri, 08 May 2015, 08:42:11

Quote from: njbair on Fri, 08 May 2015, 08:40:04
Hey nubbinator where did you get the measurements for the holes on the plate? I could use those numbers for a case I'm working on.

I designed the plate for the buy, but I believe this is what you're looking for:

Quote from: obra on Wed, 17 December 2014, 22:50:21
As a starting point for a discussion, I believe this to be the canonical set of dimensions for a 60% board.

Show Image

Actually JD, that drawing seems to be missing some key dimensions, namely:

The precise X,Y location of the DIP switch pocket
The Y locations of the two topmost holes (the ones with the 24.8 and 25.4 X dimensions

I'm guessing the DIP switch pocket shares its left X dimension with the centerline of the hole directly above it, and its Y is central to the plate. If that's true, and if the two topmost holes share the same Y dimension, then that would tell me everything I need to know. But if you have precise numbers it would be good for me to be sure before hitting go on a CNC machine!

nubbinator · « **Reply #27 on:** Mon, 11 May 2015, 22:05:39 »

Went ahead and ordered the plates today. So I should have them by next week.

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #28 on:** Tue, 12 May 2015, 08:36:04 »

Quote from: nubbinator on Mon, 11 May 2015, 22:05:39

Went ahead and ordered the plates today. So I should have them by next week.

Sounds good. Are you going to invoice us later?

nubbinator · « **Reply #29 on:** Tue, 12 May 2015, 09:54:04 »

Quote from: CPTBadAss on Tue, 12 May 2015, 08:36:04

Quote from: nubbinator on Mon, 11 May 2015, 22:05:39
Went ahead and ordered the plates today. So I should have them by next week.

Sounds good. Are you going to invoice us later?

Yeah. The plates should be ~$21 after tax (I calculated $20.84) + shipping + $0.30 PayPal flat fee +2.5% PayPal fee. I'm still figuring it the best shipping method, but it should end up being $28-35 total for a single plate shipped within the US. I'm holding off on invoicing until I know for sure on shipping method.

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #30 on:** Tue, 12 May 2015, 10:50:36 »

Metalliqaz sent his epsilon with cardboard protecting the plate and PCB and then in a flat rate box. I think Tyvek envelope + Cardboard + bubble wrap will be fine.

nubbinator · « **Reply #31 on:** Tue, 12 May 2015, 10:53:34 »

Quote from: CPTBadAss on Tue, 12 May 2015, 10:50:36

Metalliqaz sent his epsilon with cardboard protecting the plate and PCB and then in a flat rate box. I think Tyvek envelope + Cardboard + bubble wrap will be fine.

I might be able to send them in regional boxes for the same price or less, but the Tyvek envelopes may work too, I'm just concerned about the size. I'll figure out the best and cheapest after I have one on hand.

sprit · « **Reply #32 on:** Wed, 13 May 2015, 05:20:26 »

Big Thanks for All the efforts!

wazup · « **Reply #33 on:** Tue, 19 May 2015, 23:49:12 »

Are there any more of these available? I would jump on one for sure. Let me know and I will fill out the google doc with paypal info.

nubbinator · « **Reply #34 on:** Tue, 19 May 2015, 23:55:27 »

Quote from: wazup on Tue, 19 May 2015, 23:49:12

Are there any more of these available? I would jump on one for sure. Let me know and I will fill out the google doc with paypal info.

I doubt it, but if anyone backs out, I'll be running down the list for extras.

nubbinator · « **Reply #35 on:** Sun, 24 May 2015, 19:28:04 »

Still waiting on the laser cutter to get back to me. Hopefully I'll have them Tuesday or Wednesday.

jevvix · « **Reply #36 on:** Mon, 25 May 2015, 22:22:44 »

Is this already closed? Round 2 PCB just started so I'd imagine more people will be hopping on this (maybe myself too).

Also, these are the stabilizers it accepts correct?

nubbinator · « **Reply #37 on:** Mon, 25 May 2015, 22:25:21 »

Yup, it's closed.

jevvix · « **Reply #38 on:** Mon, 25 May 2015, 22:39:45 »

Quote from: nubbinator on Mon, 25 May 2015, 22:25:21

Yup, it's closed.

Well poop.

Karura · « **Reply #39 on:** Mon, 25 May 2015, 22:47:44 »

Is it possible to do another round for the guys who missed out on the R1 PCB buy?

rsadek · « **Reply #40 on:** Mon, 25 May 2015, 23:20:17 »

Quote from: nubbinator on Tue, 19 May 2015, 23:55:27

Quote from: wazup on Tue, 19 May 2015, 23:49:12
Are there any more of these available? I would jump on one for sure. Let me know and I will fill out the google doc with paypal info.

I doubt it, but if anyone backs out, I'll be running down the list for extras.

+1! I'm excited about PCB round 2, and would love to get a few of these plates. If we can do round two I'd be in for a few

-R

Pyrelink · « **Reply #41 on:** Wed, 27 May 2015, 12:17:21 »

+3 for round 2

nubbinator · « **Reply #42 on:** Thu, 28 May 2015, 19:38:24 »

Just got an email back from them (they're not the best at communication). They said the fitment looks good from the samples I left, but I'll be checking on it tomorrow during my lunch. They said it should be done in a couple of days after that. So I said this week, but it looks like it will be next week.

njbair · « **Reply #43 on:** Thu, 28 May 2015, 20:16:57 »

You know, I may just have this plate & PCB in hand and assembled with some orange Alps switches before my round-2 Infinity with Matias switches arrives from Massdrop. And for cheaper.

nubbinator · « **Reply #44 on:** Fri, 29 May 2015, 20:10:25 »

Saw plate sample today. Popped switches in and stabilizers. All seemed good. There was some dross on the bottom and I wasn't happy with it, but he said there's an option that should take care of that, I just have to wait on a quote. If it's $1-2 I'll add it, otherwise, I'll see if I can clean the plates up easily myself. The top was fine though, just some dross on the bottom.

njbair · « **Reply #45 on:** Fri, 29 May 2015, 20:21:11 »

Quote from: nubbinator on Fri, 29 May 2015, 20:10:25

Saw plate sample today. Popped switches in and stabilizers. All seemed good. There was some dross on the bottom and I wasn't happy with it, but he said there's an option that should take care of that, I just have to wait on a quote. If it's $1-2 I'll add it, otherwise, I'll see if I can clean the plates up easily myself. The top was fine though, just some dross on the bottom.

Scotch Brite will clean off anything. But it's some elbow grease.

badboybry9000 · « **Reply #46 on:** Sun, 31 May 2015, 21:31:54 »

I'd also like to express interest in a second round.

ninjadoc · « **Reply #47 on:** Tue, 02 June 2015, 10:29:50 »

Quote from: nubbinator on Mon, 25 May 2015, 22:25:21

Yup, it's closed.

ninjadoc · « **Reply #48 on:** Tue, 02 June 2015, 10:30:56 »

Quote from: rsadek on Mon, 25 May 2015, 23:20:17

Quote from: nubbinator on Tue, 19 May 2015, 23:55:27
Quote from: wazup on Tue, 19 May 2015, 23:49:12
Are there any more of these available? I would jump on one for sure. Let me know and I will fill out the google doc with paypal info.

I doubt it, but if anyone backs out, I'll be running down the list for extras.

+1! I'm excited about PCB round 2, and would love to get a few of these plates. If we can do round two I'd be in for a few
-R

I would be in for 2

nubbinator · « **Reply #49 on:** Fri, 05 June 2015, 16:51:20 »

Just got a phone call that they are ready. No quote was received for the finishing, so I'm assuming that hasn't been done. I'll take a look at them and make sure they're okay and will probably try and figure out a way to get them looking nice this weekend if they have little bits of dross or anything.

As such, it looks like I'll be doing some clean up on them myself. I will not be charging for the clean up if I do it, but if you want to give a little extra for it when the time comes, I would not be opposed.

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Author Topic: AEK II Alps 60% Plate Buy (Read 34208 times)