geekhack
geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: OverThinker on Sat, 10 December 2016, 04:08:12
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I'm relatively new to the keyboard hobby. I only got my first mech (a brown QFR) this year, but I'm no stranger to mechanical keyboards.
I've been thinking about what it would be like to make a custom layouts like 65-68, the more uncommon ones or even attaching a few columns to the left, similar to the layout on the Redscarf. The only problems with this is that finding a case for it is hard. They're not like 60% keyboards that have plenty of after market stuff in ebay.
I though about this for a while. The most common options I see that people use is using a layered acrylic/metal sandwich, or using bent metal and not using any case at all, or even going for a carved wooden case, but I don't like the look these solutions have (except maybe the wooden ones).
Then I recalled my other hobby (it's more of an on off hobby over the years), which is building model kits, and one of the things people do there is make custom parts out of stacked plastic plates where Tamiya plastic solvent is used to fuse cut pieces of plastic which will then be sanded, back filled, sanded again, primed, and then maybe some more sanding (the model kit community is obsessed with sanding to get that perfect surface) and painted into finished parts. I thought that perhaps such a process can apply to keyboard cases.
Obviously, an exacto knife won't cut it for thick plastic, so I'm thinking some rotary action is required.
I'm wondering if the DIY masters and veterans of Geekhack can shed some light into this - feasibility, possible issues and what ever issues may come up. This is usually done with thinner pieces, but I've not seen anyone do this with thicker plates, but I know thicker plastic plates are available. The main issue that concerns me is about structural strength. I don't know if this will hold up well.
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There's plenty of tutorial on recycling HDPE but for a computer case you would need a mold.
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double post, sorry
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When I need a "box" or enclosure for a project, I go to the store and look for common household items that are the same size and shape that I need.
I once bought a cheap doorbell chime enclosure and threw away the internal parts for the case, and have bought things such as desk or utensil organizers, storage containers, plumbing and electrical junction boxes, and sign components to dismantle for their parts. An added bonus is that if you can find a clear one, you can paint it on the inside for an excellent and durable color finish.
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There's plenty of tutorial on recycling HDPE but for a computer case you would need a mold.
Perhaps. Have you seen the kinds of parts that can be custom made out of plastic plates? Those can actually be layered one on top of the other and then sanded and back filled to form complex shapes. I imagine such a process is simpler for a keyboard case.
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Perhaps. Have you seen the kinds of parts that can be custom made out of plastic plates? Those can actually be layered one on top of the other and then sanded and back filled to form complex shapes. I imagine such a process is simpler for a keyboard case.
No, and I would be interested in seeing some examples. Can you post a picture or three?
- Ron | samwisekoi
(Auto-typed by my GH36 Matrix Keypad.)
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@TalkingTree: I imagine this process would not be very feasible for HDPE. Would plaster based molds work for this?
@fohat.digs: That might actually work, but it's not quite what I had in mind. Noted, though.
Perhaps. Have you seen the kinds of parts that can be custom made out of plastic plates? Those can actually be layered one on top of the other and then sanded and back filled to form complex shapes. I imagine such a process is simpler for a keyboard case.
No, and I would be interested in seeing some examples. Can you post a picture or three?
- Ron | samwisekoi
(Auto-typed by my GH36 Matrix Keypad.)
I don't have very good examples that are my own work, but this guy does: [link]https://iamrevolutionary.wordpress.com/2013/05/11/wip-customized-hg-1144-garuda-astrea/[/link]
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I imagine this process would not be very feasible for HDPE. Would plaster based molds work for this?
I've read that HDPE doesn't stick to anything and it's quite slippery. I guess plaster should work just fine.
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(https://iamrevolutionary.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/dsc05756.jpg)
From https://iamrevolutionary.wordpress.com/2013/05/11/wip-customized-hg-1144-garuda-astrea/
Ah. That helps. I think you mean (at least in American English) plastic "sheets":
(http://web4.hobbylinc.com/gr/pls/pls91105.jpg)
http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/pls/pls91105.htm
Like that?
Your post made it sound (at least in American English) like this:
(https://i5.wal.co/asr/e7cea358-1c5a-4854-8556-82d34dd15034_1.56edc1ccddbb52b30ce9432da668946e.jpeg)
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Gibson-Brist-12-Piece-Dinnerware-Set/54339762
Assuming you meant plastic sheets, as are used for model-making, I think the key issue is lateral strength over the length of a keyboard. Probably .060" polystyrene would be too flexible somewhere in the middle of the keyboard, so a metal plate would be required.
Plastic models don't have to provide constant rigidity while being pounded by someone typing.
Could this be done? Probably. It would certainly take some good design and stress-testing to ensure the result was a solid keyboard case, and not simply a model of a keyboard case.
Thanks for the idea!
- Ron | samwisekoi
(Auto-typed by my GH36 Matrix Keypad.)
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That's actually my primary concern - structural integrity. I know the plastics used in model kits aren't the strongest, but I'm confident that I can make the necessary look and basic form.
The plan is basically to make thick layers of plastic sheets surround a metal plate to act as it's enclosure. I know my life would be a lot simpler and easier if I just supported it with stand-offs, but that's not a very satisfying thing to do. It would look hideous as well.
Well, if it ends up that I can't make this work, I know a furniture shop with really good craftsmen who can give me a variety of finishes and price it very competitively.