Author Topic: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH  (Read 44353 times)

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Offline absyrd

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #50 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 12:50:51 »
Amazing job.
My wife I a also push her button . But now she have her button push by a different men. So I buy a keyboard a mechanicale, she a reliable like a Fiat.

Offline esoomenona

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #51 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 12:52:54 »
No ****. Looks almost brand new. How much did it run you, if you don't mind my asking?

Offline MOZ

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #52 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 12:53:05 »
This is voodooo!

Offline Photoelectric

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #53 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 12:55:53 »
It was $85 =/  Not cheap, but I've called a few places in the area, and they were all charging around $85 per hour.  I am guessing the guy spent more than an hour, but he was very nice.  It's worth it though--just for the experience and of course to get this beautiful keyboard fixed up.

Meeting with an anodizing person tomorrow morning.  Need to urgently decide how to properly fill the corner dents.  Anodizing could be around $40, which is not too bad.  At least that's what I was quoted by phone.  I would not be surprised if they say it will be more because of X, Y, Z when I get there, in which case I may need to wait a bit.  Oh they also do hard anodizing and some other interesting finishes, but doesn't look like they use any interesting colors for those, other than standard gray / pewter varieties.  So we'll see--I'd probably go for the basic kind in a teal color.
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Offline SpAmRaY

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #54 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 12:57:06 »
Very nice photo! Glad it worked out so far!!

Offline mashby

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #55 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 15:43:35 »
Thank you for posting all the details with this and sharing your numbers. I think the keyboard turned out really well and I can't wait to see what you do with it next.

Offline Sifo

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #56 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 15:46:57 »
holy ****...
I love Elzy

Offline Photekq

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #57 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 15:49:41 »
So awesome to see that you got it restored! What're you gonna do about those dents, marks? Is there any point getting them repaired?
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Offline Photoelectric

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #58 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 16:02:29 »
I've been reading about filling the dents.  There are some metal-to-metal fillers that could be used.  Though perhaps even a better quality "bondo", since the dents are very small.  I've decided to not do anything to them until I show the keyboard to the anodizing people tomorrow.  Not that I could do much other than getting a quart of "Metal to Metal" filler from a supply shop in the area.  It's probably what I need, as it's been recommended in a couple of auto body places



I just don't want to pay $30-40 for a quart of it when I only need a tiny amount. 
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Offline jdcarpe

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #59 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 16:28:27 »
I would think with anodizing, you wouldn't be able to use filler. It may be dissolved by the acid bath. Or if not, the anodizing would not do anything to the filler, and it would look weird. If you use filler to repair the dents, I would suggest powdercoating it, like Batmann did with his.
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Offline Photoelectric

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #60 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 16:30:26 »
I would think with anodizing, you wouldn't be able to use filler. It may be dissolved by the acid bath. Or if not, the anodizing would not do anything to the filler, and it would look weird. If you use filler to repair the dents, I would suggest powdercoating it, like Batmann did with his.

Right, that's why I haven't done anything. The anodizing person said to use metal-based fillers, so I guess it's possible to use *something*.  I just don't know what, so I'll wait until tomorrow to learn.  I'd rather live with two small dents at the bottom where they can't be easily seen and have an anodized case than no dents and a powdercoated case. 
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Offline esoomenona

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #61 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 16:31:26 »
The dents aren't even visible, right? Why not call it what it is and be done with it instead of spending just as much as buying a new one to get it back up to brand new specs?

Offline Tym

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #62 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 16:32:12 »
I was going to say what jd said, but you just seem to have clarified. Don't do what i usually do and grab some of internets right now because im so damn impatient. Then find out tomorrow it wont work.
unless they have some unforeseeable downside (like they're actually made of cream cheese cunningly disguised as ABS)


Offline jdcarpe

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #63 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 16:38:38 »
Just get it reanodized with the dents in, so that you can't see the warping anymore, and call it good. :D

My black LZ-GH has a dent in the corner by the cursor arrows, on the top of the case, and it doesn't really bug me. Seems pretty common for these to have dents. :(
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Offline Photoelectric

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #64 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 16:54:20 »
The dents aren't even visible, right? Why not call it what it is and be done with it instead of spending just as much as buying a new one to get it back up to brand new specs?

I typed a long reply and then realized that it's not necessary.  The short answer is, I'm doing this for myself, and I want a certain color.  It's not about the dents that are really not that visible--I'm just trying to get them filled because I'm a perfectionist.  If it will cost an arm and a leg--I won't.  Normally I paint stuff myself, but I can't anodize in my kitchen (yet).  This project is not about monetary value or "spec".  Instead it is about a sentimental value of fixing something I appreciate and customize exactly to my liking.  And finally, no, it still won't cost me as much as a brand new unassembled LZ-GH kit.  I'd rather not bring up the clack parallel of how much something is worth to someone and what is justified, and what isn't.  But there, I did it anyway.

--
JD: I might end up doing that.
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Offline esoomenona

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #65 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 16:56:39 »
The dents aren't even visible, right? Why not call it what it is and be done with it instead of spending just as much as buying a new one to get it back up to brand new specs?

I typed a long reply and then realized that it's not necessary.  The short answer is, I'm doing this for myself, and I want a certain color.  It's not about the dents that are really not that visible--I'm just trying to get them filled because I'm a perfectionist.  If it will cost an arm and a leg--I won't.  Normally I paint stuff myself, but I can't anodize in my kitchen (yet).  This project is not about monetary value or "spec".  Instead it is about a sentimental value of fixing something I appreciate and customize exactly to my liking.  And finally, no, it still won't cost me as much as a brand new unassembled LZ-GH kit.  I'd rather not bring up the clack parallel of how much something is worth to someone and what is justified, and what isn't.  But there, I did it anyway.

But you did bring it up (even though they're not quite parallel, huh?). :p

But I understand. I merely wondered aloud. Good luck.

Offline Photoelectric

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #66 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 17:00:20 »
I brought it up because it looked like you were trying to say that what I'm doing is not worth it for practical reasons.  It is for me (but not because of the dents, because of the color)--and not for practical reasons.
P.S.: this is a DIY subforum.  To put it in perspective.
« Last Edit: Thu, 17 October 2013, 17:02:02 by Photoelectric »
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Offline Photoelectric

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #67 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 17:30:34 »
So yep, from what I've been reading, all of the fillers I've looked up would be damaged by the sulfuric acid bath during the anodizing process, as JD has said.  That includes J-B Weld.  I don't know what the anodizing place was implying by using metal-based fillers.  I've looked up Everything that's been recommended to me so far as well as more I've found on-line.  Perhaps they meant an actual chunk of metal welded and shaped to cover a dent.  Thus filling the dents will be unlikely--unless I learn otherwise tomorrow--and filing to reshape is the probable plan for now (mostly for one of the dents--the other one is very small, and I wouldn't even do anything with it).
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Offline Binge

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #68 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 18:26:11 »
Suggestion #Binge: Just dent the crap out of it to get a uniform texture  :thumb:

I love what you've done with this, and I'm glad someone so cool got this project.
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Offline Photoelectric

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #69 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 18:42:40 »
Yeah, that could work :)

As usual, my camera fails with red LEDs...



(typed on the LZ-GH :D )  So glad it's usable again.  Missed having LEDs too, though perhaps not of this color.  It's amazing how quiet this keyboard is!!!
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Offline Photekq

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #70 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 18:48:18 »
Noooo! Taohao caps on that beautiful board!? Get some thick caps!
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Offline Photoelectric

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #71 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 18:56:03 »
I don't have anything that has proper modifiers :(  And only one other spare set.  All of my keyboards have been standard ANSI.  I ordered my first tsangan kit a few days ago for this keyboard from the Hyper Fuse GB.  Though I think Semi-Solar will be perfect :)
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Offline Defying

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #72 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 19:44:12 »
Wow, I remember seeing this bent LZ-GH in the classifieds a few weeks ago.. Looks great, Photoelectric! Very jealous right now :thumb:

Offline TheFlyingRaccoon

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #73 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 19:52:11 »
Wow, it looks amazing! I can't believe no harm was done to the finish.
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Offline mkawa

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #74 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 20:04:13 »
holy ****!!?!?!?!? is that the same board really? that's AMAZING

it looks like the completely undamaged ones i saw at keycon

your guy is a straight up wizard, photoelectric!

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Offline Photoelectric

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #75 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 20:08:43 »
He really is... I can barely believe it myself.  I must have told him he was amazing at least 10 times :)  It's so awesome to meet people who just try their best and don't shy from difficult tasks.  He was the first person who said "sure, let's try it" when others just flat out said "no, can't be done".  I'm a lot like him, except he's got decades of experience and a warehouse full of tools and workbenches.  Was definitely worth it to just meet someone like that.  I've now met a few local artisans with family businesses while working on small custom projects (such as when I was constructing large vivariums out of IKEA furniture and needed glass cut to size, etc.)
« Last Edit: Thu, 17 October 2013, 20:10:41 by Photoelectric »
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Offline tjcaustin

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #76 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 20:11:49 »
That's quite the transformation

Offline Photekq

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #77 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 20:12:59 »
Yeah.. I really am impressed with that work. Wizardry indeed..

Those are 1000000000% not taohao caps.
I am 99% sure those are taohao. Back me up/prove me wrong Photo! :-*
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Offline Photoelectric

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #78 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 20:13:27 »
They are--just horrible color reproduction because of the red LEDs.  My camera just chokes with red LED backlight no matter what white balance I select and any amount of post processing :(

More

P.S.: Tai Hao red caps are actually a pretty good set for the Wine Red LZ-GH.  Not the same shade, but they go well together.  But I don't have a complete set for it anyway.  Complete sets will have 1.5x modifiers and 7x spacebars.
« Last Edit: Thu, 17 October 2013, 20:20:32 by Photoelectric »
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Offline tjcaustin

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #79 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 20:16:35 »
Yeah.. I really am impressed with that work. Wizardry indeed..

Those are 1000000000% not taohao caps.
I am 99% sure those are taohao. Back me up/prove me wrong Photo! :-*

I don't see where I ever said that.  No, in fact, my eyes are not being shifty because I enlarged pic after post and saw that the backspace looked nothing like I thought it was and then edited my post quickly.

Offline Photekq

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #80 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 20:18:31 »
 :))
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Offline elton5354

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #81 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 20:18:48 »
Yeah.. I really am impressed with that work. Wizardry indeed..

Those are 1000000000% not taohao caps.
I am 99% sure those are taohao. Back me up/prove me wrong Photo! :-*


I'm pretty sure they're not taohao caps, but they are Tai Hao caps.

Offline Photekq

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #82 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 20:22:23 »
Crap. I always get that wrong.. Tai Hao, taohao, taobao, all so confusing..
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Offline mkawa

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #83 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 20:25:57 »
mumble mumble cl1481? how's that going?

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Offline Photoelectric

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #84 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 20:27:49 »
I haven't had time to do anything on that front yet, but I'll hurry up if that's preferable!
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Offline jdcarpe

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #85 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 20:34:12 »
mumble mumble cl1481? how's that going?

You needed a beta tester?
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Offline bueller

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #86 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 20:52:52 »
So glad this had a happy ending!
It's a good width!  If it's half-width it's too narrow, and full-width is too wide. 

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Offline ninjadoc

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #87 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 20:55:55 »
Wow!! Great job!

Offline Photoelectric

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #88 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 20:58:20 »
I can't take any credit for the fixing, other than the organizing and negotiating and calling a dozen and a half different places.  I realized the repair work was more than I could handle myself.  I can swap LEDs and paint, but metal bending is not my strength :)
« Last Edit: Thu, 17 October 2013, 21:00:49 by Photoelectric »
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Offline bueller

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #89 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 21:03:01 »
I can't take any credit for the fixing, other than the organizing and negotiating and calling a dozen and a half different places.  I realized the repair work was more than I could handle myself.  I can swap LEDs and paint, but metal bending is not my strength :)

You did the right thing, bending something to that extent without the proper tools would've ended in an injury or further damage to the board :D
It's a good width!  If it's half-width it's too narrow, and full-width is too wide. 

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Offline mkawa

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #90 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 21:26:33 »
I haven't had time to do anything on that front yet, but I'll hurry up if that's preferable!
yes, please!

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Offline Photoelectric

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #91 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 21:30:49 »
I haven't had time to do anything on that front yet, but I'll hurry up if that's preferable!
yes, please!

Got it!
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Offline Sifo

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #92 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 21:47:29 »
I wanna get that LZ-GH anodized so badly... let me know if you sell it ;)

you probably won't though :D was your project. a great and successful one at that
I love Elzy

Offline Photoelectric

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #93 on: Thu, 17 October 2013, 21:53:06 »
I know you love teal things as much or nearly as much as I do--you'll be the first to know if I do ever decide to pass it on :)  But I'm just too excited to have it for it to happen soon.
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Offline Photoelectric

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #94 on: Fri, 18 October 2013, 16:16:15 »
*GASP* anodizing-free



All shiny and white.  Looked pretty cool.

Not much to report--I got to the anodizing place rather late, since it took me over an hour longer to get there than I had anticipated, and I did not leave early.  So I just had time to play with some color options and plan how to finish it on Monday.  Going to have to come up with some hooks to be able to hold the cover for dying without touching it.  I'm thinking longer bolts that go into the bottom of the cover where the switch plate normally screws in.  Attach nuts to those and fashion hooks or loops to pull some metal string through.  Basically touching anodized aluminum in any way before dying it can result in uneven color, hence trying to avoid it entirely is good.

They don't have any light initial colors, but I liked the semi-transparent combination of blue and green.  Actually just plain clear anodizing looked awesome too.  It was a slightly milky white-gray--very nice effect. 

So I'm going to continue thinking about how to fashion something useful to hang the cover from, and will hopefully have more to report on Monday ;)
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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #95 on: Fri, 18 October 2013, 16:35:55 »
*GASP* anodizing-free

Show Image


All shiny and white.  Looked pretty cool.

Not much to report--I got to the anodizing place rather late, since it took me over an hour longer to get there than I had anticipated, and I did not leave early.  So I just had time to play with some color options and plan how to finish it on Monday.  Going to have to come up with some hooks to be able to hold the cover for dying without touching it.  I'm thinking longer bolts that go into the bottom of the cover where the switch plate normally screws in.  Attach nuts to those and fashion hooks or loops to pull some metal string through.  Basically touching anodized aluminum in any way before dying it can result in uneven color, hence trying to avoid it entirely is good.

They don't have any light initial colors, but I liked the semi-transparent combination of blue and green.  Actually just plain clear anodizing looked awesome too.  It was a slightly milky white-gray--very nice effect. 

So I'm going to continue thinking about how to fashion something useful to hang the cover from, and will hopefully have more to report on Monday ;)

Thanks for the update! Looking good so far
HHKB Pro 2   SmallFry Keyboard

Offline meiosis

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #96 on: Fri, 18 October 2013, 16:39:16 »
*GASP* anodizing-free

Show Image


All shiny and white.  Looked pretty cool.

Not much to report--I got to the anodizing place rather late, since it took me over an hour longer to get there than I had anticipated, and I did not leave early.  So I just had time to play with some color options and plan how to finish it on Monday.  Going to have to come up with some hooks to be able to hold the cover for dying without touching it.  I'm thinking longer bolts that go into the bottom of the cover where the switch plate normally screws in.  Attach nuts to those and fashion hooks or loops to pull some metal string through.  Basically touching anodized aluminum in any way before dying it can result in uneven color, hence trying to avoid it entirely is good.

They don't have any light initial colors, but I liked the semi-transparent combination of blue and green.  Actually just plain clear anodizing looked awesome too.  It was a slightly milky white-gray--very nice effect. 

So I'm going to continue thinking about how to fashion something useful to hang the cover from, and will hopefully have more to report on Monday ;)


Have you decided how to fill the cracked parts? (or whatever detached part)

I am trying to find a sure proof way to fill in small scratches.
Keyboards:
Filco Majestouch 2 - Sakura Edition [MX Blue]
Filco Majestouch 2 - Lotus Edition [MX Brown]
Realforce 23ub - Modded with 55g Domes.
Aripeko TKL

Offline Photoelectric

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #97 on: Fri, 18 October 2013, 16:40:51 »
No, you can't really fill it with anything other than metal, I think.  The acid bath will eat away at most fillers.  I haven't found anything that will hold.  However, after a test clear anodizing, the dents look really nice, after I smoothed them out.  As in barely noticeable.  Part of why they were noticeable before was the color and texture differential.  Acid bath and reanodizing smooths a lot of that out and makes the color uniform.  They are located on the inner bottom corners, facing diagonally down, so basically after all that, you can't see them unless you focus on them.
- Keyboards: LZ-GH (Jailhouse Blues)M65-a, MIRA SE, E8-V1, MOON TKL, CA66
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Offline mashby

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #98 on: Fri, 18 October 2013, 16:53:04 »
I had no idea you could de-anodize something. Learn something new everyday.

Really love this project Photoelectric. Thanks for doing this "master class" for us.  :p

Offline mkawa

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Re: Keyboard Repair project: LZ-GH
« Reply #99 on: Fri, 18 October 2013, 17:15:04 »
ooooh, raw polished 6061. love it!

to all the brilliant friends who have left us, and all the students who climb on their shoulders.