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

[hwood34]

IT TOOK A REALLY LONG TIME BUT FIRST CASES ARE GOING OUT TOMORROW PRAISE THE LORD

[heedpantsnow]

IT TOOK A REALLY LONG TIME BUT FIRST CASES ARE GOING OUT TOMORROW PRAISE THE LORD

The dream is alive!

[nathanrosspowell]

IT TOOK A REALLY LONG TIME BUT FIRST CASES ARE GOING OUT TOMORROW PRAISE THE LORD

Great job dude.

Can't wait to get building once mine arrives, all in due time 

[axtran]

Everyone, please take build pictures!

[VentureG]

And here are some quick shots of the full cases. I'll work to get some prettier shots once I get the second round of cases

Oh yeah baby! As pretty as I was expecting it to be! When you'll have the time for the prettier shots, do you mind taking some profile pictures with the middle piece as well please? So far it seems to give pretty much the same look as if it was a frosty polycarb middle piece IMO which is awesome!


Did they give you an ETA for the second round of cases btw?


Thanks again Hwood!


P.S: I wonder how much does it weigh as well.

Yeah, the waterjetting seems to have given it sort of a frosted look. I'm just waiting til the first set of people get their cases and confirm that everything is perfect before making the last batch.

And I totally forgot to weigh, guess either someone here can do it or I will if no one does by the time I get the next cases

Will do if I'm on the first batch! I think I like the frosted look more from what I see of it.

[Ngt]

IT TOOK A REALLY LONG TIME BUT FIRST CASES ARE GOING OUT TOMORROW PRAISE THE LORD

Oh yes! Now wait & see!

[hwood34]

All packages shipped out today. Not to get ahead of myself, but I'm looking into another interesting CF project

[lolpes]

All packages shipped out today. Not to get ahead of myself, but I'm looking into another interesting CF project

The same case, but for 40% keyboards? :3 I have been wanting a case for my hypermicro

[hwood34]

All packages shipped out today. Not to get ahead of myself, but I'm looking into another interesting CF project

The same case, but for 40% keyboards? :3 I have been wanting a case for my hypermicro

That is definitely an interesting idea, not sure what sort of market there is for that though

[lolpes]

well there is, the pcb has the same mounting holes as the jd40 and other similar 40% boards i think but regardless, would it be possible to do a one off during the production of your next batch or would it cost too much?

[Ngt]

well there is, the pcb has the same mounting holes as the jd40 and other similar 40% boards i thinkbut regardless, would it be possible to do a one off during the production of your next batch or would it cost too much?

My guess would be that it would cost too much for you as it would be a unique run hence unique machine/tooling configuration and so on.

[hwood34]

well there is, the pcb has the same mounting holes as the jd40 and other similar 40% boards i thinkbut regardless, would it be possible to do a one off during the production of your next batch or would it cost too much?

My guess would be that it would cost too much for you as it would be a unique run hence unique machine/tooling configuration and so on.

Well actually, now that I think about it, waterjetting probably wouldn't be near as subject to MOQ as CNC or something similar. I'll ask the place if someone could get me the CAD files for it

And what I meant originally is that I don't think there would be much demand for 40% cases at all, since this buy only had 35 orders and 60% is a pretty popular layout.

[lolpes]

well yeah, but there is a lot more offering for 60% cases in the market right now, as for 40% that is not the case (lol)

[hwood34]

well yeah, but there is a lot more offering for 60% cases in the market right now, as for 40% that is not the case (lol)

That's also true. I'll look into the case

[lolpes]

awesome! thank you

[Vimto]

Is there a list of who's getting shipped in which batch?

[hwood34]

Is there a list of who's getting shipped in which batch?

First 6 people will already know, then there's just one more round that will get everyone

[mashby]

Mine arrives tomorrow. I'll be sure to post pics!

[exitfire401]

Mine arrives tomorrow. I'll be sure to post pics!

Same, but I probably won't be able to post pics as I'm going out of town

[Ngt]

Mine arrives tomorrow. I'll be sure to post pics!

Hehe looking forward to see these nice pictures! Mine should be here in a week or 2 I guess. It gives me time to learn to solder.

[heedpantsnow]

Got mine today. Everything was packed securely and arrived undamaged.



Here are the weights of the individual pieces:

Top Plate


Smoked Spacer


Bottom Plate (there are some marks on the unfinished side; I might be able to wash them off)


Hardware


I'll do a more detailed examination tomorrow morning but my initial impression is good.

Thanks Hwood for all your hard work on this!  I think everyone will be happy with them.

[heedpantsnow]

By the way the stock plastic case weighs 132g, and the Ti plate weighs 107g.  I weighed those last year in this post: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54825.msg1727946#msg1727946

[heedpantsnow]

Hwood I have some questions, sent you a PM.

[Ngt]

Got mine today. Everything was packed securely and arrived undamaged.

Show Image

Here are the weights of the individual pieces:

Top Plate

Show Image

Smoked Spacer

Show Image

Bottom Plate (there are some marks on the unfinished side; I might be able to wash them off)

Show Image

Hardware

Show Image

I'll do a more detailed examination tomorrow morning but my initial impression is good.

Thanks Hwood for all your hard work on this!  I think everyone will be happy with them.

It is going to be some real light keyboard! Might need to use good pads on the back for it not to slide on the desk though. What do you guys think?

[axtran]

Yeah. Pads would be good.

Another thing to consider is noise since CF is loud! We need a sound clip if one of you guys can do one.

[VentureG]

Sorbothane feet or something of the like would be good.

[hwood34]

Well, if anyone feels confident enough with CAD drawing to draw up a new top plate (maybe just add to Swills plate) have at it. Dr. Hubble obviously can't.

Honestly don't know why I trusted him enough not to at least have an acrylic proto done first.

[heedpantsnow]

Well, if anyone feels confident enough with CAD drawing to draw up a new top plate (maybe just add to Swills plate) have at it. Dr. Hubble obviously can't.

Honestly don't know why I trusted him enough not to at least have an acrylic proto done first.

Sorry bro.

[Vimto]

What's happened? Is something wrong with the plates?

[hwood34]

If anyone was planning on doing some custom handwiring thing with this, please PM me

[Ngt]

If anyone was planning on doing some custom handwiring thing with this, please PM me

Does the problem only concern people for handwiring?

Yeah. Pads would be good.

Another thing to consider is noise since CF is loud! We need a sound clip if one of you guys can do one.

What is a sound clip? Do you have a link to share? 

[Vimto]

I'm a little confused. Is this still on its way to production or have more issues been found which need correcting?

[heedpantsnow]

I'm a little confused. Is this still on its way to production or have more issues been found which need correcting?

When I started to assemble my case there were some issues with the design, issues in the original spacing that was done by DrHubble. We Skyped about it and agree that it is a major issue.

So now Hwood is working to get the design fixed.  This is not his fault; he was relying on a well-known designer's expertise. We can all be extra encouraging to him as he's got extra work now to get this fixed, plus the issue of 6(?)x cases produced that are now useless for anything other than handwiring.

[hwood34]

I'm a little confused. Is this still on its way to production or have more issues been found which need correcting?

The switch holes were incorrectly spaced by the person who designed the standard layout (the happy was done in part by someone else, so it might be fine). From what heedpants has told me, the keycaps still fit fine, so if someone wants to simply handwire the case, they can.

[Ngt]

I'm a little confused. Is this still on its way to production or have more issues been found which need correcting?

When I started to assemble my case there were some issues with the design, issues in the original spacing that was done by DrHubble. We Skyped about it and agree that it is a major issue.

So now Hwood is working to get the design fixed.  This is not his fault; he was relying on a well-known designer's expertise. We can all be extra encouraging to him as he's got extra work now to get this fixed, plus the issue of 6(?)x cases produced that are now useless for anything other than handwiring.

Damn that sucks hard. I thought the GB was done. Do we need to redo the whole case or just the top plate? I guess this means money has been wasted for the 6 first cases. You did good Hwood by not producing all the cases at once! Poor Hwood, I bet you were happy that it was finally coming to an end ... That's a pity you can't rely on someone to do the job properly (talking about the designer not Hwood).

[hwood34]

I'm a little confused. Is this still on its way to production or have more issues been found which need correcting?

When I started to assemble my case there were some issues with the design, issues in the original spacing that was done by DrHubble. We Skyped about it and agree that it is a major issue.

So now Hwood is working to get the design fixed.  This is not his fault; he was relying on a well-known designer's expertise. We can all be extra encouraging to him as he's got extra work now to get this fixed, plus the issue of 6(?)x cases produced that are now useless for anything other than handwiring.

Damn that sucks hard. I thought the GB was done. Do we need to redo the whole case or just the top plate? I guess this means money has been wasted for the 6 first cases. You did good Hwood by not producing all the cases at once! Poor Hwood, I bet you were happy that it was finally coming to an end ... That's a pity you can't rely on someone to do the job properly (talking about the designer not Hwood).

Well, I haven't heard about problems from people who ordered the happy cases, so I'm not sure there's a problem there. I think if we redesign it right I'll only have to replace the top plate.


still sucks though.

[Ngt]

I'm a little confused. Is this still on its way to production or have more issues been found which need correcting?

When I started to assemble my case there were some issues with the design, issues in the original spacing that was done by DrHubble. We Skyped about it and agree that it is a major issue.

So now Hwood is working to get the design fixed.  This is not his fault; he was relying on a well-known designer's expertise. We can all be extra encouraging to him as he's got extra work now to get this fixed, plus the issue of 6(?)x cases produced that are now useless for anything other than handwiring.

Damn that sucks hard. I thought the GB was done. Do we need to redo the whole case or just the top plate? I guess this means money has been wasted for the 6 first cases. You did good Hwood by not producing all the cases at once! Poor Hwood, I bet you were happy that it was finally coming to an end ... That's a pity you can't rely on someone to do the job properly (talking about the designer not Hwood).

Well, I haven't heard about problems from people who ordered the happy cases, so I'm not sure there's a problem there. I think if we redesign it right I'll only have to replace the top plate.


still sucks though.

Well mine (HAPPY designed) should arrived soon so I could test for you if you want. How much does a top plate cost?


Which sucks even more is that it should be neither you nor us to take the financial-toll for the redo.

[hwood34]

I'm a little confused. Is this still on its way to production or have more issues been found which need correcting?

When I started to assemble my case there were some issues with the design, issues in the original spacing that was done by DrHubble. We Skyped about it and agree that it is a major issue.

So now Hwood is working to get the design fixed.  This is not his fault; he was relying on a well-known designer's expertise. We can all be extra encouraging to him as he's got extra work now to get this fixed, plus the issue of 6(?)x cases produced that are now useless for anything other than handwiring.

Damn that sucks hard. I thought the GB was done. Do we need to redo the whole case or just the top plate? I guess this means money has been wasted for the 6 first cases. You did good Hwood by not producing all the cases at once! Poor Hwood, I bet you were happy that it was finally coming to an end ... That's a pity you can't rely on someone to do the job properly (talking about the designer not Hwood).

Well, I haven't heard about problems from people who ordered the happy cases, so I'm not sure there's a problem there. I think if we redesign it right I'll only have to replace the top plate.


still sucks though.

Well mine (HAPPY designed) should arrived soon so I could test for you if you want. How much does a top plate cost?


Which sucks even more is that it should be neither you nor us to take the financial-toll for the redo.

The top plate I'm guessing is probably two thirds of the cost.

[Ngt]

I'm a little confused. Is this still on its way to production or have more issues been found which need correcting?

When I started to assemble my case there were some issues with the design, issues in the original spacing that was done by DrHubble. We Skyped about it and agree that it is a major issue.

So now Hwood is working to get the design fixed.  This is not his fault; he was relying on a well-known designer's expertise. We can all be extra encouraging to him as he's got extra work now to get this fixed, plus the issue of 6(?)x cases produced that are now useless for anything other than handwiring.

Damn that sucks hard. I thought the GB was done. Do we need to redo the whole case or just the top plate? I guess this means money has been wasted for the 6 first cases. You did good Hwood by not producing all the cases at once! Poor Hwood, I bet you were happy that it was finally coming to an end ... That's a pity you can't rely on someone to do the job properly (talking about the designer not Hwood).

Well, I haven't heard about problems from people who ordered the happy cases, so I'm not sure there's a problem there. I think if we redesign it right I'll only have to replace the top plate.


still sucks though.

Well mine (HAPPY designed) should arrived soon so I could test for you if you want. How much does a top plate cost?


Which sucks even more is that it should be neither you nor us to take the financial-toll for the redo.

The top plate I'm guessing is probably two thirds of the cost.

Outch! I hope there will be no problem on the Happy version then.

[exitfire401]

I'm a little confused. Is this still on its way to production or have more issues been found which need correcting?

When I started to assemble my case there were some issues with the design, issues in the original spacing that was done by DrHubble. We Skyped about it and agree that it is a major issue.

So now Hwood is working to get the design fixed.  This is not his fault; he was relying on a well-known designer's expertise. We can all be extra encouraging to him as he's got extra work now to get this fixed, plus the issue of 6(?)x cases produced that are now useless for anything other than handwiring.

Damn that sucks hard. I thought the GB was done. Do we need to redo the whole case or just the top plate? I guess this means money has been wasted for the 6 first cases. You did good Hwood by not producing all the cases at once! Poor Hwood, I bet you were happy that it was finally coming to an end ... That's a pity you can't rely on someone to do the job properly (talking about the designer not Hwood).

Well, I haven't heard about problems from people who ordered the happy cases, so I'm not sure there's a problem there. I think if we redesign it right I'll only have to replace the top plate.


still sucks though.

Well mine (HAPPY designed) should arrived soon so I could test for you if you want. How much does a top plate cost?


Which sucks even more is that it should be neither you nor us to take the financial-toll for the redo.

The top plate I'm guessing is probably two thirds of the cost.

Correct because that's what takes all of the cutting time

[Spaceman1200]

Would the incorrect cases that require hand wiring be available for purchase to help recoup some cost?

[nathanrosspowell]

Would the incorrect cases that require hand wiring be available for purchase to help recoup some cost?

Well if they are I would assume it's not going to be the whole case. It's only the top plate that is incorrectly spec'd.

[exitfire401]

Would the incorrect cases that require hand wiring be available for purchase to help recoup some cost?

If you would like and if hwood agrees, you can pay him for a case, I can ship you the incorrectly cut one, and he can just ship me a corrected one when there is one available.

[hwood34]

Would the incorrect cases that require hand wiring be available for purchase to help recoup some cost?

If you would like and if hwood agrees, you can pay him for a case, I can ship you the incorrectly cut one, and he can just ship me a corrected one when there is one available.

Yep, this is what I was planning to do. I'm not sure that I'd find six people for it, but I'd like to sell as many as I could to recoup the costs

[exitfire401]

Would the incorrect cases that require hand wiring be available for purchase to help recoup some cost?

If you would like and if hwood agrees, you can pay him for a case, I can ship you the incorrectly cut one, and he can just ship me a corrected one when there is one available.

Yep, this is what I was planning to do. I'm not sure that I'd find six people for it, but I'd like to sell as many as I could to recoup the costs

Awesome, sounds like a plan! Also, ridiculously impressed with how it came out. Absolutely beautiful.

[hwood34]

For someone who has a case, can you test to make sure that the keycaps aren't affected by the spacing problems?

[mashby]

Been crazy busy, but I took some photos of the case and posted them on Flickr. I haven't built up the board yet, but I did put it together with the bolts that I have.

First Impressions

• There are some bubbles/imperfections/scratches in the epoxy on both the top and bottom plates. These might be able to be buffed out?
• There was some dirt on the inside of the bottom plate, but windex cleaned it up nicely.
• There might be a flaw in the middle layer. The gap where the USB plug is doesn't secure at the end, so it appears to flare outward. This might change once there is a board in the case, but I don't see how.
• The only bolts provided are for the four inside mount points. What are we suppose to use for the four outside corners?

I'll try and get some switches and key caps on the top plate at least to test the fit and report back when I can.

[nathanrosspowell]

Been crazy busy, but I took some photos of the case and posted them on Flickr. I haven't built up the board yet, but I did put it together with the bolts that I have.

First Impressions

• There are some bubbles/imperfections/scratches in the epoxy on both the top and bottom plates. These might be able to be buffed out?
• There was some dirt on the inside of the bottom plate, but windex cleaned it up nicely.
• There might be a flaw in the middle layer. The gap where the USB plug is doesn't secure at the end, so it appears to flare outward. This might change once there is a board in the case, but I don't see how.
• The only bolts provided are for the four inside mount points. What are we suppose to use for the four outside corners?

I'll try and get some switches and key caps on the top plate at least to test the fit and report back when I can.

Thanks for the pictures. Fingers crossed the happy plate lines up well with a pcb.

I am loving the color of the acrylic body 

[hwood34]

Been crazy busy, but I took some photos of the case and posted them on Flickr. I haven't built up the board yet, but I did put it together with the bolts that I have.

First Impressions

• There are some bubbles/imperfections/scratches in the epoxy on both the top and bottom plates. These might be able to be buffed out?
• There was some dirt on the inside of the bottom plate, but windex cleaned it up nicely.
• There might be a flaw in the middle layer. The gap where the USB plug is doesn't secure at the end, so it appears to flare outward. This might change once there is a board in the case, but I don't see how.
• The only bolts provided are for the four inside mount points. What are we suppose to use for the four outside corners?

I'll try and get some switches and key caps on the top plate at least to test the fit and report back when I can.

With the middle layer, when the case is totally secured, it should hold itself in line with the case. It's not the best solution, and now that part of the board is being changed anyway, it's possible that gets revised as well. I somehow screwed up counting the screws and standoffs. I'm ordering more, and all the first round people in addition to the second rounders will have screws for all 8 holes.

[lashiel]

Hey hwood,

Just wanted to say I continue to appreciate the communication. It sucks that stuff has gone wrong, but I love that things still feel like their moving.

Let me know if I can help. I have no skills in CAD or anything like that, but I wouldn't mind throwing a little extra money your way, if that would help.