Ibm Model F XT replacement foam/impossible to close and reassemble.

[Genkaz]

I am experiencing an issue with being unable to close and properly reassemble the ibm model f after attempting to replace the foam with a different one, with my main suspicion being that the foam is either far too thick or far too firm.

the plates are under a ridiculous amount of tension and basically cannot be closed in any shape or form no matter how hard I tried. 

I wonder what the recommendations are when it comes to replacement pads.

I also wonder if it's somehow possible to get rid of the obnoxious metal folds system and use something else that is more convenient such as a bunch of screws perhaps.

The keyboard is amazing in many ways but I feel that using the folding ears was a very bad idea and makes it unbelievably inconvenient to reassemble it.

[fohat.digs]

Clamps. 2 or more on each side and a long bar clamp to pull the plates into alignment.

In my opinion, the "sliding force fit" is the key to the unique incredible feel of the Model F. The tabs sliding into their slots ensures both alignment and compression.

Years ago I wrote a guide for "bolt-modding" a 122-key terminal, because it worked well for me once, but then I deprecated that guide and re-submitted it with only a couple of bolts to add a bit of compression into the belly of curvature after replacing foam.

I prefer a moderately firm closed-cell "art foam" 1/16" thick (1.5 mm) but thinner might be just as good and it would make re-assembly easier.

[Genkaz]

Interesting idea with the bar clamp. I think that i probably just need more clamps in general.

at the same time having a thinner foam would make things much easier in general and make clamps be not necessary to begin with I think.

[fohat.digs]

It is buried way down in this, but the same technique will work.

If you are in the US, Michael's Art Supply has the foam I like and it is cheap.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48786.0

[Genkaz]

It is buried way down in this, but the same technique will work.

If you are in the US, Michael's Art Supply has the foam I like and it is cheap.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48786.0

After purchasing several one inch c clamps and one strong bar clamp, the keyboard was reassembled in a considerably more comfortable manner. Thank you a ton for the suggestion on the right method!

[Genkaz]

Unofrtunately the keyboard now seems to be messing up the computer and the shift keys as well as the ctrl key is not working properly and is printing bizzare EOT and other combinations instead of highlighting something.

I think that the keyboard may be under too much pressure afterall or I broke the pcb somehow.

[fohat.digs]

Many people have used very thin and soft foams and been happy with the results.

[Genkaz]

Many people have used very thin and soft foams and been happy with the results.

Could you give me some specific examples by any chance?

[fohat.digs]

This is what I like:

https://www.michaels.com/creatology-foam-sheet-6mm/M10390268.html?dwvar_M10390268_color=Black&dwvar_M10390268_size=9%22%20x%2012%22

People have used 1mm and 2mm soft neoprene, and even the kind of packing sheet that might come around a printer or monitor.

[Genkaz]

This is what I like:

https://www.michaels.com/creatology-foam-sheet-6mm/M10390268.html?dwvar_M10390268_color=Black&dwvar_M10390268_size=9%22%20x%2012%22

People have used 1mm and 2mm soft neoprene, and even the kind of packing sheet that might come around a printer or monitor.

Thanks for the example!