I think they have cooled off a bit, but still expect to pay in the $125 to $150 range for one, though.
Is that for a new board? Or is that a general range for the Model M space saver in general?
thx
I recently sold 2 used space savers at .01 and No Reserve. One went for $76 and one for $94. The cheaper one was missing a height adjuster and both were uncleaned but in good used condition.
I'd rather just have one with the number pad. It's paying less for an extra feature. Sounds logical to me.
Kind of funny how my Model M is much rarer than any space saver and I got it for free.
just saw one going for 130usd on ebay...
I'd rather just have one with the number pad. It's paying less for an extra feature. Sounds logical to me.
Kind of funny how my Model M is much rarer than any space saver and I got it for free.
I think they just look cool without the numpad.
Conformist. Numpad-hater.
I prefer the original Model M. The greater length adds that extra weight and leverage needed to really crack someone's skull, you know what I mean?
SK, don't listen to these dweebs.
The IBM Space Saving Keyboard is the KING OF KEYBOARDS!Show Image(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=8299&stc=1&d=1268339762)
T-shirt not included.
SK, don't listen to these dweebs.
The IBM Space Saving Keyboard is the KING OF KEYBOARDS!
The one I modded with nuts/bolts (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:6615) feels the best. It also has the weird hieroglyphic APL keys for my anti-Otaku moods.
I think you may be thinking of the M4 optional numpad - entirely different beast.
My Model F reminds me of my departed Father In Law's Cadillac DeVille. Nice ride but antiquated.
Show Image(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=8678&stc=1&d=1269500042)
It was just a matter of time before the keyboard pyramid schemes started here...
The IBM Space Saving Keyboard is the KING OF KEYBOARDS!
Indeed it is since - unlike recent wannabes, if I'm not mistaken - it does not lack its numpad. It just places it somewhere else.
I thought this was the King of Keyboards... the IBM Displaywriter Beam Spring.
Show Image(http://geekhack.org/picture.php?albumid=11&pictureid=101)
The only Space Saver I'd go for.
The one I modded with nuts/bolts (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:6615) feels the best. It also has the weird hieroglyphic APL keys for my anti-Otaku moods.
I think you may be thinking of the M4 optional numpad - entirely different beast.
SK, don't listen to this dweeb either, the IBM PC AT 84-key Model F is, and always will be the King of Keyboards
Nothing else compares to buckling springs over capacitive contact key switches. Bag the Model M without the number pad and try the King of Keyboards.
Or, if you're hell bent on getting a keyboard with a small footprint, get yourself a Happy Hacking Professional 2 keyboard. The Topre capacitive key switches don't click, but the typing experience is excellent.
Disclaimer: My collection includes a wide variety of Model Ms but I have not acquired nor typed on a Model M Space Saver. The smaller footprint may provide some advantages related to mousing, etc, but the Model M's buckling springs over membrane key switches feel flat and dull in comparison to the Model F.
PS: Model F keyboards were not assembled using plastic rivets and will never require a "nuts and bolts" mod.
PPS: ripster owns a pristine NIB IBM PC AT 84-key Model F and I bet he would make you a smokin' deal ;)
I thought this was the King of Keyboards... the IBM Displaywriter Beam Spring.Show Image(http://www.welook4things.com/displaywriter_images/dw_1850.jpg)Show Image(http://www.welook4things.com/displaywriter_images/dw_1950.jpg)Show Image(http://www.welook4things.com/displaywriter_images/dw_2050.jpg)Show Image(http://www.welook4things.com/displaywriter_images/dw_2150.jpg)Show Image(http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/pc/images/02108.jpg)
Aha, but AFAIK the majority of those are a type of rubber dome.
* How easy is it to tell between the rubber dome ones and buckling spring ones?
Is this thing as enormous as it looks? Like a big pillow?? Hey, does that speaker work?? I like keyboards with integrated sound. This Displaywriter could house a nice subwoofer.
Other than knowing/researching the model numbers, just by looking, it would be pretty hard to tell, IMO. IIRC, IBM (et. al.) used basically the same overall design for the keycaps as the buckling spring models but modified them to press the dome (there's a pic somewhere around here).
And the 122 Key? Even on my monster keyboard tray it barely leaves room for a trackball.
The Model F AT is a perfect example that obsessing over switches doesn't make for the best keyboard.
The Model F AT is a perfect example that obsessing over switches doesn't make for the best keyboard.
?
Another keyboard that looks more impressive in the pictures than in actual use.
Especially that Nav cluster.
I hear if you keep your Model M in a pyramid, the springs never wear out.
I would just bite the bullet and get a NIB one instead of two used ones. In general it would be rare to find one with worn springs but the NIB ones means you don't have to worry about broken rivets, epoxy fixes, biohazard materials, and dogs having pissed on your keyboard.
Hmm... the Church of Keyboardtology. I'm your host, L. Don Cupboard.
I thought this was the King of Keyboards... the IBM Displaywriter Beam Spring.
You've made your point. Maybe the BS enthusiasts should say the Space Saver is the king (or queen) of tenkeyless keyboards ;-)
Check out the "Did Quality Decline?" thread in the Keyboard Mods forum. I think you'll find that it really doesn't matter what year or manufacturer your Model M is from. They're all about the same, especially mechanically.
As much as I love the Model F, my favorite all-rounder has to be the Model M13. Sure it's not as tactile, but it makes up for it by having a mouse that doesn't require you to move your hands off the home row.
Interesting looking keyboard. Layout is sorta odd with the tiny backspace and Fn keys on the left of the board. So does this keyboard feel more like a Reaflforce/HHKB2 or an IBM BS keyboard?
What do these sell for? A quick search on ebay only turned up the 83 key model?
Maybe the M13 with the original IBM Trackpoint instead of this POS Unicomp one would be usable on a modern computer but I kinda doubt I'd like it for everyday use. Just too much work to get that thing around a modern screen resolution - fine for my 1024 x 600 tablet.
Plus going numpadless increases your frontal lobe size and results in better sex.
Ask my wife or ItlnStln's GF. Or ask my wife after she meets ItlnStln. Whaaa????
SK, the 84-key Model F is in a class of its own. It does not feel anything like a Topre keyboard and is also quite different than the Model M's buckling springs over membrane keyswitches.
The key presses on a well kept (or NIB) 84-key Model F are crisp and precise with the best on-center feel of any keyboard. They also require less force than the Model Ms.
I can routinely type close to 100 wpm on my 84-keys. They are a joy to type on.
I'm also a big fan of the Topre keyboards, but for different reasons.
You can pick up a used 84-key Model F on e-bay or even occasionally on the geekhack Classifieds for $100 or less. The more pristine 84-keys are in the $200 range and the extremely rare NIB is $450 to $600.
Go get a Space Saver Model M. But if you ever have the chance to get your hands on an 84-key Model F, check it out. Don't waste your money on the 83-key PC/XT Model F. It's incompatbile with modern PCs (without a converter) and also has a useless layout for US touch typists.
Hahaha!
As long as it's Dame Edna on Broadway I'm happy.
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I'm comfortable with my feminine side. After all, I have Balls of Steel.
The keyboard from Comptek2wkShow Image(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=8681&stc=1&d=1269536849)
And it IS Space Saving. Not Space Saver.
It depends. If keypress force were no object - IBM Space Saving. The Realforce is much lighter (the regular model, not the 55g. version). My thing is, if you are going to spend all that money on the Realforce, I would take a hard look at the HHKB. The layout is pretty awesome, and I really dig mine. I am not sure if the Topre switches are really worth the money themselves.
Now... if Unicomp would just start making the Space Saving Keyboard again. Where's Welly when you need him?
The Topres are nice switches, but I agree that its the layout of the HHKB that makes it.
I miss my model m mini, but it just doesn't play well with my KVM switch.
And I have been using the HHKB now for two months without swapping out....I do like the sound the keys make when I type.
For me the Space Saver, Realforce 87u or 103u layout is the cat's pajamas, HHKB doesn't work for me but it depends on what you're doing with it.
Consider noise. Buckling Springs are too loud for some people, or people near some people. I work in an office like Neo on the Matrix does, it's quiet enough to hear the squeegie of the window cleaner hanging off the building, so a click-kapow-ping BS board isn't an option.
Collectibility... I'd say the IBM Space Saver if it's in great condition. They aren't making them anymore and even if they start again, there are people like me who will always prefer the original USA made by IBM versions of Model M's.
Hmm.....well I'd just use your Blue Cherry as a starting point. IF you want something stiffer but like the clicks and stronger tactile point go for the IBM Mini (Space Saver vs. Space Saving is no biggie).
IF you were raised on rubber domes and want something lighter I'd go with a Topre.
Like I've posted before the Buckling Springs and Topre's are polar opposites.
IBM Mini - sharp tactile point and clickyShow Image(http://web.archive.org/web/20041129054629/http://www5f.biglobe.ne.jp/~silencium/keyboard/gif/ibmss.gif)
Topre - soft domey feel. I find the feedback, uh, "vague" but comfortable.Show Image(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=4598&d=1253159648)
P.S. And you COULD argue the DIP switched Topres will be collectible someday. I mean SOMEDAY they'll get rid of those. Geekhack year 3000 will have people arguing whether the goldplated DIP switches are really better.
I was told by someone here on GH that 25% of the HHKB2 users cannot get accustomed to the layout. And that I should purchase the 55G Realforce which is a safer bet. And for that reason, I passed on picking up an HHKB2. So you feel that the layout is "awesome" and took no adjusting to?
Depends. The layout and small size of the HHKB is great for those who do things suited to the layout (command line users)
Really it boils down to the following - do you think a switch lighter than the Blue Cherry would be something you'd like?
I am a buckling spring fan, but the Topre is definitely second on my list after that.
They have drugs for that now. :biggrin1:
Soft domey feel. Feedback comfortable.Show Image(http://blogphotos.cybertranslator.idv.tw/kaleidoscope/200804/Megan-Fox-1.jpg)
Sorry Ripster, I couldn't resist. :)
SK, don't listen to this dweeb either, the IBM PC AT 84-key Model F is, and always will be the King of Keyboards
Okay, so I picked up the board. Seller actually brought it by my office for me to test. Very COOL kb. All of the keys worked fine with no sticking and other than some surface dirt, the kb actually looked really nice. The seller described the cosmetic condition of the kb at about a 7 out of 10. A quick wipe down and I find it to be about an 8 out of 10. Keep in mind that I rate Megan Fox at about an 8.4 and Kate Beckinsale an 8.5 - 8.6 depending on whether black leather is in the picture. So I think I have a really nice board with my idea of a nice layout.
Unfortunately, the cord is just nasty. Black grime deluxe. I'll put on the industrial rubber gloves and scrub the thing down.......but I really would like to find a nicer cord. Does anyone sell these in new or like new condition. It's a detachable PS-2 cord with an odd phone type input (RJ 45??).
Also, can anyone tell me what size socket wrench I need to purchase in order to disassemble the case? Otherwise, I'll need to lug the case into the hardware store to figure it out.
I'm not sure why, but typing on the Model M Space Saving kb seems nicer than on my black M13 (my only comparison point) A more crisp, tactile feel. And a little more solid feeling.
skc
That's my dream keyboard, just can never seem to find one in decent condition. The F-key placement and big Enter key is pure sex.
I really want a Model M Space Saver as well, but my priority is the F before that.
Okay, so I picked up the board. Seller actually brought it by my office for me to test. Very COOL kb. All of the keys worked fine with no sticking and other than some surface dirt, the kb actually looked really nice. The seller described the cosmetic condition of the kb at about a 7 out of 10. A quick wipe down and I find it to be about an 8 out of 10. Keep in mind that I rate Megan Fox at about an 8.4 and Kate Beckinsale an 8.5 - 8.6 depending on whether black leather is in the picture. So I think I have a really nice board with my idea of a nice layout.
...
I'm not sure why, but typing on the Model M Space Saving kb seems nicer than on my black M13 (my only comparison point) A more crisp, tactile feel. And a little more solid feeling.
skc
To answer what cable that is, it's an SDL connector cable. Looks like RJ-45 but isn't. Not sure where to get the cables, but they aren't as rare.
A 7/32 hex nutdriver should work for disassembling it.
Having both Lexmark and Maxi-switch versions of the M13, a Terminal F, Terminal M, and Model M as data points, I'd say that that's about right. I've got no spacesavers, but if they're anything like the M - it should be close.
So, what did you end up paying? Not to ask a rude question, but wasn't that the point of the thread ;)
As for the M13, I feel the same way about mine. I like it, but I have questions about the build quality relative to my other Ms. (It's a Lexmark, not a Maxi-Switch).
Skcheng, congrats on getting the Mini!
SHF-ScrollLock turns on/off the embedded numpad. No DIP switches involved unlike less advanced keyboards.Show Image(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=8689&stc=1&d=1269570308)
Forgive the other guys droning on. There is a reason the waiter in good restaurants takes the menu away after ordering.
I offered $100 and the seller accepted. I think that's ball park considering what recent Space Saving/Savers have sold for. I didn't think I was nuts......even Rip calls them Space Savers on his current kb list.
The keyboard is awesome. I really like it.
skc
I'm not sure that what ripster calls his Space Saving Model M (or anything else) is relevant. Last time I checked, nobody died and made him Brigham Young. Riipster has made many contributions to geekhack and takes many newbies "under his wing." In reality, rip's opinion is no more relevant than anyone else's - not even our favourite son, webwit :)
Skcheng, you can get those blank, black keys directly from Unicomp. I think they are about $20.
I wonder if the keys off of my Black M13 will fit on the mini??
Congrats on your new keyboarch purchase SK. I'm glad you're enjoying it. Standard Model Ms can be had for a lot less than $100, but the Space Saving Model Ms command a premium for some reason - I guess 'cause fewer were manufactured.
If you ever run across a used 84-key PC AT Model F in decent shape, it would make a nice addition to your keyboard collection. Although both use buckling springs, the typing feel of the Model F is very different than the Model M...in a good way.
Same is true for a Topre switch keyboard, especially the Happy Hacking Professional 2. You probably won't find any bargains, but ther're worth every dime. The HHKB is my travel board. I never go on the road without it.
I'm not sure that what ripster calls his Space Saving Model M (or anything else) is relevant. Last time I checked, nobody died and made him Brigham Young. Riipster has made many contributions to geekhack and takes many newbies "under his wing." In reality, rip's opinion is no more relevant than anyone else's - not even our favourite son, webwit :)
Don't be swayed by seemingly dominant posters who are eager to provide new members with guidance and direction. I continually pound my 84-key PC AT Model F drum whenever I have the opportunity, but I have grown to appreciate a wide variety of key switches and input devices. Behind the scenes, I have donated many keyboards that I've bought, tried out, and didn't care for, to other geekhackers.
Give us a detailed review after you've had the chance to type on your new Space Saving Model M for a while.
Yes. The caps are interchangeable between models (as long as they are all buckling spring caps).
No, No, No. Ripster and Itlstln are imposters, it is my opinion that is correct and above all others.
I call my model m mini 'Betty'.
That's cool!! Where can I get those cool blank keys?? Are there any "black" labeled keys that fit the mini?
I love how the numpad is turned on/off. The seller showed me how to do it.
The only thing I miss on the mini are the Caps Lock and Scroll Lock LEDS. No big deal, but it's the first thing I look at when I plug in a board.
I usually ask to keep the menu after ordering in case I'm still hungry :)
Why "Betty"?? As in Betty Page?? :-))
And what the heck is a "bigpook"???
bigpook is a ref to coffee creamer, hazelnut to be precise.
Outside of my own reality the above has no value to anyone else at all. It is purely for my own amusement.
I guess I need to check, but I wonder if the keys off of my Black M13 will fit on the mini??
Most definitely.Show Image(http://www.soybomb.com/ratpfink/keyboards/BlackSpaceSaver5-sm.jpg)Show Image(http://www.soybomb.com/ratpfink/keyboards/BlackMini-20100115.jpg)
Now all it needs is a Trackpoint, and it can be called the Model M6.5.
I ripster calls his Space Saving keyboard "Dirty ****."
That said, my opinion is everything. Listen to me.
Do you have one for sale??? I'm in "buy" mode these days. 10 computers and 12 keyboards in the last 2 months LOL.
I will look for a nice 84 key Model F. Right now I couldn't tell you which I prefer? Blue Cherry, Brown Cherry or BS?? I like them all.
If all of us agreed on what the perfect keyboard is, there would be no need for a forum like Geekhack. It's the opinions that keep it all interesting.
Thx.
skc
I thought it was your rapper name. Maybe it's your drug dealer name, and you cut your coke with powdered hazelnut coffee creamer.
I'm a boxer.
I should be working today, but my vehicle is at the shop.
If you want a Model F AT just to try a infinitesimally superior switch I wouldn't pay about $30 for one on Ebay.
The Model F AT is a nice "Vintage" item for collectors and people who can live without a Navigation cluster and don't mind large keyboards. The Model M Mini is the keyboard for people who use it every day instead of storing them in a box.
Sounds like MW hacked ripster's account....
The Model F AT is a nice "Vintage" item for collectors and people who can live without a Navigation cluster and don't mind large keyboards.Show Image(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=8700&stc=1&d=1269623552)
More like M8.25 (or whatever fits the golden ratio).
...and for those who want one, I am selling one.
Most definitely.Show Image(http://www.soybomb.com/ratpfink/keyboards/BlackSpaceSaver5-sm.jpg)Show Image(http://www.soybomb.com/ratpfink/keyboards/BlackMini-20100115.jpg)
My 84-key collection is up to 8. PM me and we'll work something out.
So when I use my Kinesis keypad the Numlock light on the Realforce blinks, indicating that the keypad is sending "NumLock Make, Number, NumLock Break".
Does the Topre do that?
Tried it with a laptop yet to see if Numlock has to be on?
The Model F AT is a nice "Vintage" item for collectors and people who can live without a Navigation cluster and don't mind large keyboards. The Model M Mini is the keyboard for people who use it every day instead of storing them in a box.Show Image(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=8700&stc=1&d=1269623552)
So back to the original topic SKcheng got a great deal buying a $100 IBM Mini because he got to see it first and didn't pay shipping. If you want a Model F AT just to try a slightly superior (and LOUD) switch I wouldn't pay more than about $30 for a used one on Ebay. If you're patient they come up every so often mis-listed as "Model F" without the "AT" being in the search.
Max, you should try a Mini! It would make your comments more valuable in this post.
The Model F AT is a nice "Vintage" item for collectors and people who can live without a Navigation cluster and don't mind large keyboards. The Model M Mini is the keyboard for people who use it every day instead of storing them in a box.
`
So back to the original topic SKcheng got a great deal buying a $100 IBM Mini because he got to see it first and didn't pay shipping. If you want a Model F AT just to try a infinitesimally superior switch I wouldn't pay about $30 for one on Ebay. If you're patient they come up every so often mis-listed as "Model F" without the "AT" being in the search.
Max, you should try a Mini! It would make your comments more valuable in this post.
You da' MAN!! Your word is gospel :-))
I need to try it with my laptop; I haven't done it yet.
Interesting. Did you paint the case on a Mini? Or is that a case from some other keyboard. Do you still use the scroll lock numpad with that setup?
I painted the case on one of my minis using Dupli-Color Vinyl & Fabric spray paint/dye. Details here:
http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:6759
I never use the scroll lock numpad so it's not a big deal to me that the black keys don't have the numpad legends.
God help you. As nasty as he is, I think my views, in general, are more aligned with webwit.
This actually really suits how you present yourself around here.
Calm, formal (dressed in black), but keeping a close eye on us and ready to attack with deadly force at any moment.
cant blame a guy for wanting to impart his keyboard e-panis on us
Kriminal. how do you like your deck??? I'm an illuminated keyboard fanboy. Don't need them to type on, but I loves me a bright lit up keyboard.
The dye was a good technique "in the day", but they do wear off and get shiny. Probably more-so if you're a greasy-fingered-pizza-cheezie-eating trekkie. If you have "food fingers" all the time, it will really affect your labels.
If you want to preserve the labels, plaster them with masking tape.
Dye won't wear off. It goes down into the key a few microns. I think you are thinking of your rubber dome IBM/Chicony.
No actually, I think the chicony IBM labels are the best; not one is worn off.
My friend's "industrial" model M actually has all the labels worn off. He said the spring tension is fine though.
Show Image(http://i.pbase.com/o4/10/510210/1/56122481.BathWornsteps.jpg)
My friend's "industrial" model M actually has all the labels worn off. He said the spring tension is fine though.
I know a guy who knows a guy on the internet who met a guy in a bar who thought he heard a guy say...
The one I modded with nuts/bolts (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:6615) feels the best. It also has the weird hieroglyphic APL keys for my anti-Otaku moods.
I think you may be thinking of the M4 optional numpad - entirely different beast.
Although I just fixed a Industrial M13 with a snapped post it's pretty unusual. Unfortunately that many rivets missing isn't all that unusual.
Post in the Nuts/Bolt mod thread (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:6615) if you have questions as you go along.
The NIB IBM Mini sold last night for $208.50 (http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-Model-M-Space-Saver-Clicky-Keyboard-NIB_W0QQitemZ180484077202QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPCA_Mice_Trackballs?hash=item2a05b07692). The one before that from the same seller for $202.50. A used (and dirty Blue Label) is currently listed for $120.
The seller relists these like clockwork every 2 weeks. I bought one from him last year. Must be sitting on quite a stack.Show Image(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-_OrxCiMSBQ/SzBlsbaPZ-I/AAAAAAAABGk/c3MHDTHp8yg/s400/bison-skull-pile.png)
$130 here. (http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-PS-2-Clicky-SpaceSaver-Keyboard-Model-1370475_W0QQitemZ190370485925QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2c52f716a5)Haven't bought from Vintagecomputermuseum but their prices seem high for what you get.
And linking in an Ebay listing to another seller (clickykeyboards) is very tacky. Even I wouldn't do that.
$130 here. (http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-PS-2-Clicky-SpaceSaver-Keyboard-Model-1370475_W0QQitemZ190370485925QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2c52f716a5)Haven't bought from Vintagecomputermuseum but their prices seem high for what you get.
And linking in an Ebay listing to another seller (clickykeyboards) is very tacky. Even I wouldn't do that.
Looks great! I gotta give Chuck a call and order some of those blank whites.
If you have any advice to add to the Nuts/bolts mod please post them in the mod thread. It'll help anyone else attempting it.
skcheng, it would be nice if you avoided full-res photos, eh? Ya know, not wanting to waste bandwidth when a 1200x800 pic can do the same job just as well.
As for broken rivets.. recently got an IBM Model M Ambra with 12 broken rivets.. works fine except for one squiggly key but luckily it's the '-' on the numpad.
SainT
I have a unicomp spacesaver that I will be doing a nut/bolt mod on. The board is fine, mostly, but I did something to the 'i' key and now it repeats like mad.
I am waiting for the hardware to arrive but am thinking of popping the rivits and drilling this weekend.
I have a unicomp spacesaver that I will be doing a nut/bolt mod on. The board is fine, mostly, but I did something to the 'i' key and now it repeats like mad.
I am waiting for the hardware to arrive but am thinking of popping the rivits and drilling this weekend.
Especially given that they have none.
I took it apart. I was too lazy to move the truck in the garage to get to my tool box to get the chisel that I may or may not have so I use a Gerber multi-tool as a hammer and used a pci blank slot as the chisel.
Yeah, I know, real cave man like. But it worked pretty good.
Dropped the springs and hammers into an old coffee can for safe keeping and used a small pair of diagonal flush cutters to nibble down the plastic.
I don't have a dremel though, but have a 12 volt Ryobi with clutch. I think I have a 1/16 bit somewhere.... otherwise its down to Ace Hardware.
be back soon.
Springs and hammers become entwined?
I'm about 300% sure this doesn't happen, since I've got a jar of them and I actually tried to get it to happen to see if that storage method would be a problem. I couldn't force them to, so I'm positive they can't do it on their own.
I must be "special" then. :-))) It's just easy to keep them separate. Unless you think I'm making it up that I locked a few together??
Would be better to post tips in the mod post.
Anything posted here will disappear in a few months.
I have no problems with a Dremel and a decent quality drillbit. 5 minutes. I coulda been a dentist.
My Ace hardware store had the M2 nuts/bolts in 100 paks for like $13 total but it's a BIG Ace hardware.
Be patient and, uh, sort keys into little piles or something.
I just checked out the other listings and the $130 Model M Mini is the best deal he has going?? Some of those prices are simply outrageous. At least compared to other Ebay sellers.