geekhack

geekhack Community => Other Geeky Stuff => Topic started by: Tym on Fri, 18 January 2013, 15:16:09

Title: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Fri, 18 January 2013, 15:16:09
So, you may have noticed I have a few projects on the go at the moment, and for that I am sorry, I am out of games, maybe when the DayZ standalone comes out or Battlefield 4 and ever Company of Hero's 2. Moving swiftly on!

So I saw someones awesome looking metal case for their keyboard, and for the life of me I can't remember who's (they had 2, looked like poker chip cases?) [REAPER! IT WAS REAPER, cheers Dgsbllx] anyway I would like to credit them! And  I thought to my self ♫...What a wonderful world...♪. But no, seriously I thought why not build myself one? I had a brilliant idea, which I hope you guys enjoy!

So I am going to start with this...
[attachimg=1]
A ammunition box for 105mm HOW (Which I presume is the 105mm Howitzer but of that I cannot be sure, feel free to correct me!) Christ knows where I got this, its been in my other room for years, all I know is I own it :D

My plan is to clean it up, not aesthetically because I think it looks bad-ass, but on the inside  of general crud, then glue in some foam and see what you guys think! Hopefully the most awesome Keyboard Case Ever! If there is a more awesome case please tell me, so I can go and destroy it!

>> MOAR IMAGES <<
Inside
[attachimg=2]
I hope you enjoy this Project and I appreciate any support, you guys have been great to me so far!
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Fri, 18 January 2013, 15:16:29
Day2:
Foam has been ordered! I don't know if it will arrive on Monday, but it should be here by Tuesday at the latest!
Day3:
So much sanding, you can look at some more images later on in the thread!
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Dgsbllx on Fri, 18 January 2013, 15:19:46
I have a few of these in the garage but they are more box shaped than this. Isn't it crazy heavy?
It will make for one heck of a keyboard case though  :))

I'm sure it was reaper who used the poker chip case
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Alessandro on Fri, 18 January 2013, 15:21:41
This is going to be epic. Best of luck!
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Fri, 18 January 2013, 15:36:48
I have a few of these in the garage but they are more box shaped than this. Isn't it crazy heavy?
It will make for one heck of a keyboard case though  :))

I'm sure it was reaper who used the poker chip case

Oh course it was reaper! Cheers and yeah, it weighs a tonne!
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 18 January 2013, 15:46:04
You should make a plate and a case out of that. Your keyboard will then double as free weights.  :p

Seriously though, I'm looking forward to seeing how this goes. Rapid's Whitewidow mod was really cool so I have high hopes for this one as well.
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Fri, 18 January 2013, 15:47:53
You should make a plate and a case out of that. Your keyboard will then double as free weights.  :p

Seriously though, I'm looking forward to seeing how this goes. Rapid's Whitewidow mod was really cool so I have high hopes for this one as well.
Haha! Although I don't think you know quite how long it is, ill take a picture now :D.
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 18 January 2013, 15:50:07
You should make a plate and a case out of that. Your keyboard will then double as free weights.  :p

Seriously though, I'm looking forward to seeing how this goes. Rapid's Whitewidow mod was really cool so I have high hopes for this one as well.
Haha! Although I don't think you know quite how long it is, ill take a picture now :D.

If it's that long, obviously you use the remainder to create a badass custom desk for you room (from your other thread).
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Fri, 18 January 2013, 16:02:50
You should make a plate and a case out of that. Your keyboard will then double as free weights.  :p

Seriously though, I'm looking forward to seeing how this goes. Rapid's Whitewidow mod was really cool so I have high hopes for this one as well.
Haha! Although I don't think you know quite how long it is, ill take a picture now :D.

If it's that long, obviously you use the remainder to create a badass custom desk for you room (from your other thread).

Haha! Although its not that big eaither :D let me recharge my camera and ill get a photo :D
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: reverkiller on Fri, 18 January 2013, 16:46:49
I also use a poker chip box. I took out the chip part, and put in a piece of foam. I'll have to take a picture at some point.
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Fri, 18 January 2013, 16:48:25
I also use a poker chip box. I took out the chip part, and put in a piece of foam. I'll have to take a picture at some point.
Sounds awesome! I was thinking exactly along those lines, but my full sized keyboard was too big D:
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Fri, 18 January 2013, 18:03:56
You should make a plate and a case out of that. Your keyboard will then double as free weights.  :p

Seriously though, I'm looking forward to seeing how this goes. Rapid's Whitewidow mod was really cool so I have high hopes for this one as well.

Finally got around to taking that photo!
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 18 January 2013, 20:49:18
You should make a plate and a case out of that. Your keyboard will then double as free weights.  :p

Seriously though, I'm looking forward to seeing how this goes. Rapid's Whitewidow mod was really cool so I have high hopes for this one as well.

Finally got around to taking that photo!
(Attachment Link)

I seriously misunderstood what you meant by case. I thought you meant a case like this (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=35213.0).

Still badass though. Gotta love that military theme.
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Sat, 19 January 2013, 06:47:01
You should make a plate and a case out of that. Your keyboard will then double as free weights.  :p

Seriously though, I'm looking forward to seeing how this goes. Rapid's Whitewidow mod was really cool so I have high hopes for this one as well.

Finally got around to taking that photo!
(Attachment Link)

I seriously misunderstood what you meant by case. I thought you meant a case like this (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=35213.0).

Still badass though. Gotta love that military theme.

OH! Right! Sorry :D Yeah :) Glad you understand, sorry for making less obvious!
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Sat, 19 January 2013, 08:09:11
This is going to be epic. Best of luck!
Sorry never noticed your comment, cheers :D
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Rapid on Sat, 19 January 2013, 15:39:31
You should make a plate and a case out of that. Your keyboard will then double as free weights.  :p

Seriously though, I'm looking forward to seeing how this goes. Rapid's Whitewidow mod was really cool so I have high hopes for this one as well.

Thanks :P

This sounds like a freaking sweet project and can't wait to see how this comes out, I'm here if you need advice for anything!:)
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Sun, 20 January 2013, 12:48:02
So after a couple of hour sanding session, i have roughed up the base so whatever adhesive I use will grip better, and I made a good start on one of the sides, each end is rubber so that wont be sanded, but there is a whole other side which I am not looking forward too either :( Also I cleaned up on of the warning logos, because it wasn't previously legible...and now it is!
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Sun, 20 January 2013, 12:51:14
U.K Government Explosive (Just encase you don't know who is shelling you :D)
[attachimg=1]

Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Rapid on Sun, 20 January 2013, 12:59:48
U.K Government Explosive (Just encase you don't know who is shelling you :D)
(Attachment Link)

Are you planning to paint it?
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Sun, 20 January 2013, 13:35:28
U.K Government Explosive (Just encase you don't know who is shelling you :D)
(Attachment Link)

Are you planning to paint it?
Oh yeah, cheers for the support before :D (I enjoyed your mod too) And no, I like the "rugged" & "military" feel. I am planning on completely stripping down the inside though and shinning it up, although I don't have any experience shining Aluminum.
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Sun, 20 January 2013, 16:54:50
Quick picture-less update, one of thè hinges was rusted to hell, so I WD-40'd the crap out of it and not it works nearly as well as the other one :) Yey!

Just looking for any advice as to how I should go about making the Aluminium shiny? Cheers guys!
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 21 January 2013, 03:55:32
Interesting.  Don't know that I'd want to lug it around to a LAN party, although it would be a great conversation piece :)

MOAR pictures please, there's a good chap :D
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Mon, 21 January 2013, 16:00:22
Interesting.  Don't know that I'd want to lug it around to a LAN party, although it would be a great conversation piece :)

MOAR pictures please, there's a good chap :D
Haha :D I would love to take it too land just for the banter :D More pictures up soon :D
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Mon, 21 January 2013, 16:11:12
Interesting.  Don't know that I'd want to lug it around to a LAN party, although it would be a great conversation piece :)

MOAR pictures please, there's a good chap :D

MOAR pictures, although you  didn't specify what off, so here is le dog, and le foot :D
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Mon, 21 January 2013, 16:14:41
Now for actual pictures :D
Got my hands on a power tool, so much more sanding, and alot better and alot faster! Nearly done sanding now! Hopefully foam should be here tomorrow!
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Alessandro on Mon, 21 January 2013, 16:15:26
Awesome! I really hope you'll be putting more than one keyboard in this! :D
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Mon, 21 January 2013, 16:18:39
And
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Mon, 21 January 2013, 16:19:57
Awesome! I really hope you'll be putting more than one keyboard in this! :D

I shall have to buy more than one keyboard first D:
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: fohat.digs on Mon, 21 January 2013, 16:39:14
How about a list of dimensions and the "stripped bare" weight of this beast?

Talk about overkill, I think that you should cut several layers of keyboard-thickness foam and cut rectangular holes for the keyboards to insert into. Then alternate layers of solid foam and inserted keyboard layers.

Looks like you could fit 2 end-to-end and go 3 high in stacks.

Finally, a solid reason for detachable cables.
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Mon, 21 January 2013, 16:43:27
How about a list of dimensions and the "stripped bare" weight of this beast?

Talk about overkill, I think that you should cut several layers of keyboard-thickness foam and cut rectangular holes for the keyboards to insert into. Then alternate layers of solid foam and inserted keyboard layers.

Looks like you could fit 2 end-to-end and go 3 high in stacks.

Finally, a solid reason for detachable cables.

Hmm well I'm currently lying in bed with my ipad (wish it was my "girlfriend" or something but sadly not, anyhow it was approx 6"x33"x11"

I like the keyboard cut out idea, but I am not fully sure about how to cut foam, again this is something I can look into when it arrives, which should hopefully be tomorrow :D
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: fohat.digs on Mon, 21 January 2013, 16:50:58
At furniture shops, etc, they do it with a hot wire, but if it were me, I would use a very sharp knife and a metal straightedge.

If it is more than an inch or two thick, it will be very hard for an amateur to get a clean cut.

Maybe take it to an upholstery shop?
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Mon, 21 January 2013, 16:55:37
At furniture shops, etc, they do it with a hot wire, but if it were me, I would use a very sharp knife and a metal straightedge.

If it is more than an inch or two thick, it will be very hard for an amateur to get a clean cut.

Maybe take it to an upholstery shop?

I know a few (that word that iPad refuses to acknowledge its existence) who I probably could ask to do it, I will wait and see what it looks like, I bought some reconstituted stuff for the under layer (shock absorber) and should proof egg shaped job for above that and on the under side of the lid. So it's just time to play the waiting game I guess, chees for your help though. :)
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Tue, 22 January 2013, 12:03:04
MOAR Pictures :D Just arrived how to find the foam ♫ Rhyming! ♫ Anyhow will do a mock up later :D
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Tue, 22 January 2013, 12:07:44
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Rapid on Tue, 22 January 2013, 14:58:38
MOAR Pictures :D Just arrived how to find the foam ♫ Rhyming! ♫ Anyhow will do a mock up later :D
(Attachment Link)


Looking good buddy! The hot wire sounds like the best idea (and not that expensive if I remember correctly)
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Tue, 22 January 2013, 15:44:09
Under layer :D
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Tue, 22 January 2013, 15:49:13
And the topping :D (Doesn't quite fit)
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: verbhal on Tue, 22 January 2013, 15:52:11
Looks like a pretty easy fix.  And coming along nicely. 
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Tue, 22 January 2013, 15:58:09
Looks like a pretty easy fix.  And coming along nicely. 

Have already sorted it, simple kitchen knife to it, and sorted, just cba positing photos :D maybe tomorrow, maybe the day after :3
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Wed, 23 January 2013, 14:48:48
Fits!
Title: Re: Project X - Building The Ultimate Keyboard Case?
Post by: Tym on Fri, 25 January 2013, 15:17:02
Argh, sanding tool broke :( No way am I doing anything else by hand :3 I think mine has nearly fallen off already AND i previously had CTS which doesn't help D: So no pictures atm but some soon ? Maybe!