[GB] CF-LX: Carbon Fiber 60% Case [DONE]

[hwood34]

Another update: still talking with 3 separate places, though I'm almost surely going with one already. They've been great with quick responses (usually within 10-20 minutes) and right now are testing something out for me. So expect an interesting update Monday, possibly updates from the other two places sooner.

We eagerly await news. Also really appreciate you being so prompt about updating us.

It's the least I could do after all these delays. Hopefully I've found a good company that I can do business with in the future for projects like this.

[Jersern]

Sounds good. Thanks for the update.

[AdmiralSquid]

Thanks for all the quick updates, hopefully we get them sooner than later, my zealios are in and it's time to make something sexy 

[Ngt]

Another update: still talking with 3 separate places, though I'm almost surely going with one already. They've been great with quick responses (usually within 10-20 minutes) and right now are testing something out for me. So expect an interesting update Monday, possibly updates from the other two places sooner.

Oh yeah! I hope we'll definitely have the news on Monday. Looking forward for your next update.

Did they already give you an estimated time of manufacturing?

Thanks for the fast update. It is appreciated.

[Gyokuro]

Is this still open? I am thinking of making the jump, even though I know I shouldn't...

[hwood34]

Is this still open? I am thinking of making the jump, even though I know I shouldn't...

PM'd

[hwood34]

Got another response from one of the other two places. They had originally quoted me for 1.3mm carbon fiber. They're contacting the manufacturer for a quote on 1.5mm now. This place is using a method that prevents delamination of the carbon fiber so the switch cutouts won't be uneven and will be structurally sound. The first shop is experimenting with a method that would be able to produce it more cheaply but with a different method that would still keep the plate intact. Still waiting on a quote back from the third shop.

[heedpantsnow]

Got another response from one of the other two places. They had originally quoted me for 1.3mm carbon fiber. They're contacting the manufacturer for a quote on 1.5mm now. This place is using a method that prevents delamination of the carbon fiber so the switch cutouts won't be uneven and will be structurally sound. The first shop is experimenting with a method that would be able to produce it more cheaply but with a different method that would still keep the plate intact. Still waiting on a quote back from the third shop.

Pls ask them specifically if they are using genuine CF; there is a fair amount of black woven fiberglass marketed as CF these days. It may help to ask who is their supplier.

[lashiel]

Got another response from one of the other two places. They had originally quoted me for 1.3mm carbon fiber. They're contacting the manufacturer for a quote on 1.5mm now. This place is using a method that prevents delamination of the carbon fiber so the switch cutouts won't be uneven and will be structurally sound. The first shop is experimenting with a method that would be able to produce it more cheaply but with a different method that would still keep the plate intact. Still waiting on a quote back from the third shop.

I assume all of these will be filed, etc. so that we won't need to worry about the horror that is carbon fiber splinters?

[heedpantsnow]

Got another response from one of the other two places. They had originally quoted me for 1.3mm carbon fiber. They're contacting the manufacturer for a quote on 1.5mm now. This place is using a method that prevents delamination of the carbon fiber so the switch cutouts won't be uneven and will be structurally sound. The first shop is experimenting with a method that would be able to produce it more cheaply but with a different method that would still keep the plate intact. Still waiting on a quote back from the third shop.

I assume all of these will be filed, etc. so that we won't need to worry about the horror that is carbon fiber splinters?

I don't think you will need to worry. It doesn't usually splinter like I think you are imagining. Think about it not as a piece of wood but more as a sheet of plastic, with fiber reinforcement. You don't normally encounter the fibers unless you sand, cut, or break it.

[lashiel]

Got another response from one of the other two places. They had originally quoted me for 1.3mm carbon fiber. They're contacting the manufacturer for a quote on 1.5mm now. This place is using a method that prevents delamination of the carbon fiber so the switch cutouts won't be uneven and will be structurally sound. The first shop is experimenting with a method that would be able to produce it more cheaply but with a different method that would still keep the plate intact. Still waiting on a quote back from the third shop.

I assume all of these will be filed, etc. so that we won't need to worry about the horror that is carbon fiber splinters?

I don't think you will need to worry. It doesn't usually splinter like I think you are imagining. Think about it not as a piece of wood but more as a sheet of plastic, with fiber reinforcement. You don't normally encounter the fibers unless you sand, cut, or break it.

Fair enough

Saw your topic in Making Stuff Together earlier today--super cool stuff.

[heedpantsnow]

Got another response from one of the other two places. They had originally quoted me for 1.3mm carbon fiber. They're contacting the manufacturer for a quote on 1.5mm now. This place is using a method that prevents delamination of the carbon fiber so the switch cutouts won't be uneven and will be structurally sound. The first shop is experimenting with a method that would be able to produce it more cheaply but with a different method that would still keep the plate intact. Still waiting on a quote back from the third shop.

I assume all of these will be filed, etc. so that we won't need to worry about the horror that is carbon fiber splinters?

I don't think you will need to worry. It doesn't usually splinter like I think you are imagining. Think about it not as a piece of wood but more as a sheet of plastic, with fiber reinforcement. You don't normally encounter the fibers unless you sand, cut, or break it.

Fair enough

Saw your topic in Making Stuff Together earlier today--super cool stuff.

Thx bro. Progress is sooooo slowww though lol.

[Ngt]

Really cool to update us so often Hwood. Personally I like it that way. Thank you.

[hwood34]

The first company is sending me a sample of something interesting we're working on. Updates on that in a few days.

[Ngt]

The first company is sending me a sample of something interesting we're working on. Updates on that in a few days.

I'm excited like a virgin! Damn. Is it something different than the first spec?

[hwood34]

The first company is sending me a sample of something interesting we're working on. Updates on that in a few days.

I'm excited like a virgin! Damn. Is it something different than the first spec?

Aesthetically and weight-wise it should be the same. That's all I'll say for now

[nathanrosspowell]

The first company is sending me a sample of something interesting we're working on. Updates on that in a few days.

I'm excited like a virgin! Damn. Is it something different than the first spec?

Aesthetically and weight-wise it should be the same. That's all I'll say for now

youhadmycuriosity.gif

[Ngt]

The first company is sending me a sample of something interesting we're working on. Updates on that in a few days.

I'm excited like a virgin! Damn. Is it something different than the first spec?

Aesthetically and weight-wise it should be the same. That's all I'll say for now

Damn you got me right there. I wonder what it could it be so it doesn't impact neither aesthetic nor weight ...

[hwood34]

[hwood34]

[Ngt]

I'm pretty curious, what is it? Is it a numpad plate?


Does your test project with them was positive in the end? Will it be the end-game manufacturer?

[hwood34]

I'm pretty curious, what is it? Is it a numpad plate?


Does your test project with them was positive in the end? Will it be the end-game manufacturer?

This was actually just a little sample the guy sent me. And yea, it's looking really good so far. I'm almost definitely gonna end up using this place

[Ngt]

I'm pretty curious, what is it? Is it a numpad plate?


Does your test project with them was positive in the end? Will it be the end-game manufacturer?

This was actually just a little sample the guy sent me. And yea, it's looking really good so far. I'm almost definitely gonna end up using this place

What do you need to check with them for you to say "almost"?

[hwood34]

So while I won't be going with them unfortunately (found another place I liked more), I'd just like to say that Brydgeworks (and Steve who I assume is the owner) is a great place that is super helpful and responds incredibly quickly to answer all your questions (even after hours). Right now I'm just confirming the quote from the other place and then we can move forward with payment and production. And once I get all the cases in, I'll be sure to get them out the next day.

[lashiel]

So while I won't be going with them unfortunately (found another place I liked more), I'd just like to say that Brydgeworks (and Steve who I assume is the owner) is a great place that is super helpful and responds incredibly quickly to answer all your questions (even after hours). Right now I'm just confirming the quote from the other place and then we can move forward with payment and production. And once I get all the cases in, I'll be sure to get them out the next day.

[grav3serker]

I'm assuming this is MX only, and not Alps compatible?

[manofinterests]

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but if the cutouts are the same as the ones in the render it should be alps compatible I believe.

[Jersern]

Regardless of whether or not the switches would fit, the Alps stabs wouldn't work at all.

[Ngt]

So while I won't be going with them unfortunately (found another place I liked more), I'd just like to say that Brydgeworks (and Steve who I assume is the owner) is a great place that is super helpful and responds incredibly quickly to answer all your questions (even after hours). Right now I'm just confirming the quote from the other place and then we can move forward with payment and production. And once I get all the cases in, I'll be sure to get them out the next day.

Oh yeah sweet baby Jesus! Thanks for the update. Did they tell you how long it would take to manufacture our project?

[hwood34]

Just sent off all the technical drawings just to make sure we get all the dimensions right. They're sending me a sample of a switch cutout and screw hole just to make sure the cutting process will work.

[Ngt]

Just sent off all the technical drawings just to make sure we get all the dimensions right. They're sending me a sample of a switch cutout and screw hole just to make sure the cutting process will work.

[Jersern]

Just sent off all the technical drawings just to make sure we get all the dimensions right. They're sending me a sample of a switch cutout and screw hole just to make sure the cutting process will work.

Awesome! My Zealios are demanding some love!

[Vimto]

Is this still open? I'd love to get this case, I love Carbon Fiber and this would be my first custom keyboard.

[natemz]

Is this still open? I'd love to get this case, I love Carbon Fiber and this would be my first custom keyboard.

I'd be willing to let you take my spot. I just had a kid so I don't think I'm going to have the time to actually build another keyboard anytime soon.

If you're interested just PM me and we can figure out the details.

[manofinterests]

Hey Hwood! How is this current vendor turning out? The sample picture from your post a while back looks pretty sharp!

You have me pretty excited for this carbon case

[kiwi24x]

Is this still open? I'd love to get this case, I love Carbon Fiber and this would be my first custom keyboard.

I'd be willing to let you take my spot. I just had a kid so I don't think I'm going to have the time to actually build another keyboard anytime soon.

If you're interested just PM me and we can figure out the details.

i know it's probably too late but any chance that position all open?

[hwood34]

So apparently the machine needed maintenance and due to the holidays they had to wait to get parts in and fix it. So a switch cutout sample is getting sent to me today

[nathanrosspowell]

I just got an invoice where the case is $94 instead of $79 in the OP. I didn't see that communicated in the thread. Any explanation?

[hwood34]

I just got an invoice where the case is $94 instead of $79 in the OP. I didn't see that communicated in the thread. Any explanation?

not sure where I talked about it but earlier in the thread I stated that there had to be a price increase since the quotes I was originally getting were incorrect

[nathanrosspowell]

I just got an invoice where the case is $94 instead of $79 in the OP. I didn't see that communicated in the thread. Any explanation?

not sure where I talked about it but earlier in the thread I stated that there had to be a price increase since the quotes I was originally getting were incorrect

Not a problem. I just wanted to check in. Looking forward to getting my hands on it!

[Ngt]

So apparently the machine needed maintenance and due to the holidays they had to wait to get parts in and fix it. So a switch cutout sample is getting sent to me today

Neat! Looking forward to your feedbacks on this sample. I hope the requirements will be met and we'll move forward on the project. 


Thanks for your work Hwood. It has been frustrating for us but I bet you had the worst position as you were in the frontline between the manufacturers and us.

[LeandreN]

If it ends up to not work out with the current manufacturer, i can probably manufacture it with my factory if you want.

[Ngt]

If it ends up to not work out with the current manufacturer, i can probably manufacture it with my factory if you want.

That's nice of you to offer this solution as well. I hope this manufacturer will be fine.

[Hellcatz]

got a standard case up for grabs payed 99 usd pm me if you want it

[Ngt]

Did you receive the sample Hwood?

[hwood34]

Did you receive the sample Hwood?

Yep, got it today. Cuts and everything looks great. Luckily I now see that the person who drew up the design for me had the incorrect dimensions height-wise so the switch won't fit in the hole. So once I get that sorted out we'll be good to go

[heedpantsnow]

Did you receive the sample Hwood?

Yep, got it today. Cuts and everything looks great. Luckily I now see that the person who drew up the design for me had the incorrect dimensions height-wise so the switch won't fit in the hole. So once I get that sorted out we'll be good to go

When you have time could you please post some pics?  Do you know the specs of the CF?

[hwood34]

Did you receive the sample Hwood?

Yep, got it today. Cuts and everything looks great. Luckily I now see that the person who drew up the design for me had the incorrect dimensions height-wise so the switch won't fit in the hole. So once I get that sorted out we'll be good to go

When you have time could you please post some pics?  Do you know the specs of the CF?

The marks around the hole are really emphasized by the light, just looking at it from a normal distance in my room I really can't tell it's there.

[heedpantsnow]

Did you receive the sample Hwood?

Yep, got it today. Cuts and everything looks great. Luckily I now see that the person who drew up the design for me had the incorrect dimensions height-wise so the switch won't fit in the hole. So once I get that sorted out we'll be good to go

When you have time could you please post some pics?  Do you know the specs of the CF?

The marks around the hole are really emphasized by the light, just looking at it from a normal distance in my room I really can't tell it's there.

Show Image

Show Image

I think it looks great. Looks like 1.5mil 3k twill weave. Should be awesome!

[Ngt]

Did you receive the sample Hwood?

Yep, got it today. Cuts and everything looks great. Luckily I now see that the person who drew up the design for me had the incorrect dimensions height-wise so the switch won't fit in the hole. So once I get that sorted out we'll be good to go

Thank you for your answer.