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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: ShawnMeg on Tue, 12 August 2014, 21:09:59

Title: Help with repair of Model F foot
Post by: ShawnMeg on Tue, 12 August 2014, 21:09:59

I was hoping some of the experts here on the forum can give me some suggestions on the best way to fix this.  I'm not much of a repair person.  The plastic foot is broken.

Thanks.

Title: Re: Help with repair of Model F foot
Post by: E TwentyNine on Tue, 12 August 2014, 21:24:50

Before you do anything you're going to need to pull the back off and remove the foot from the case.  It comes out easy.

I think a good two-part liquid epoxy - gorilla has some that come in a dual syringe, don't get the fast-setting stuff - would do the trick nicely.

I have no direct experience doing that with this particular part but have used it on M cases (which are not the same type of material) with success.

Also think I saw someone selling these or the maybe AT foot on shapeways.

Title: Re: Help with repair of Model F foot
Post by: Muh Fugen on Wed, 13 August 2014, 18:29:43

If you can find someone who has the appropriate tools, ultrasonic welding would probably be your best bet.

Title: Re: Help with repair of Model F foot
Post by: ShawnMeg on Wed, 13 August 2014, 19:17:25

Thanks.  I saw the webpage with the 3D printing of the foot.  I'll see if there is anyone closeby who can do ultrasonic welding.

Title: Re: Help with repair of Model F foot
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 13 August 2014, 19:19:41

I would try a good quality epoxy first. It can be very strong.

Funny to see that break. Usually it is the "ears" that break off.

Title: Re: Help with repair of Model F foot
Post by: Parak on Wed, 13 August 2014, 19:44:09

A recent delivery of a 'few' Model Fs resulted in 5 with broken handles on the feet, and only three of them were recovered. So, I'm in a similar boat. Sigh.

Title: Re: Help with repair of Model F foot
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 13 August 2014, 20:00:05

Quote from: Parak on Wed, 13 August 2014, 19:44:09

broken handles on the feet, and only three of them were recovered.

I successfully filed the broken stubs flat and sanded the circles to a pretty nice finish.

That gave me a pair of "tab-less" feet (they still work fine if you simply push them with your finger) and it can't happen again!

Title: Re: Help with repair of Model F foot
Post by: Parak on Wed, 13 August 2014, 20:51:38

Quote from: fohat.digs on Wed, 13 August 2014, 20:00:05

Quote from: Parak on Wed, 13 August 2014, 19:44:09

broken handles on the feet, and only three of them were recovered.

I successfully filed the broken stubs flat and sanded the circles to a pretty nice finish.

That gave me a pair of "tab-less" feet (they still work fine if you simply push them with your finger) and it can't happen again!

Most excellent idea sir - I'll do that, thanks :D

Title: Re: Help with repair of Model F foot
Post by: E TwentyNine on Wed, 13 August 2014, 21:26:31

Quote from: fohat.digs on Wed, 13 August 2014, 20:00:05

I successfully filed the broken stubs flat and sanded the circles to a pretty nice finish.

That gave me a pair of "tab-less" feet (they still work fine if you simply push them with your finger) and it can't happen again!

I think this would be a better look than stock, the tabs seem useless.