SSK, bolt modded with new springs, great shape

[jpc]

SOLD

IBM Model M Space Saving Keyboard. Model 1391472, D.O.B. 23JUL87. Clean. Types just like new, every key has perfect action.

Gray IBM logo. One piece key caps. Includes coiled detachable SDL cable.

I bolt modded this keyboard for my own use, and it turned out great. It has crisp new springs from Unicomp. The original barrel plate was cracked, so I replaced that with a barrel plate from a full size Model M, cut down to fit (it is an exact fit once you remove the numpad section.) Other than that, the board is original.

A NIB SSK might have broken rivets. This one does not.

The case has some minor scuffing. Someone wrote the name Godzilla on the rear of the keyboard in Sharpie. Someone wasn't thinking he'd ever sell this...

Asking $190 plus shipping to CONUS.

[jpc]

Enjoy some pictures.

BTW I am selling only because I've switched to Kinesis Contoureds for daily use.

[Tennobanzai]

I still have the ssk you sold me awhile back in the same condition as this one. Feels the best out of all my models Ms, including the NIBs

[demik]

Lol at the random Godzilla tag.

GLWS

[czarek]

GLWS. Bolt modded mini with Unicomp springs is the best keyboard humanity created.

[DanGWanG]

Are you considering trades (+ cash)?

[Tennobanzai]

Lol at the random Godzilla tag.

GLWS

It think it's the name he gave it. Mine says Thumper. lol

[cactux]

could you post some pictures of how it looks your bolt mod?

[jpc]

cactux, what do you want to see exactly? The bolts are not painted, they're shiny.

dangwang, no thanks, I'm not looking to trade. Unless maybe you happen to have a Contour Rollermouse Pro 2 in nice condition?

[Sam]

Whatever happened to Snooki?  Do you still have that SSK, or did you sell her?

[Oqsy]

Too rich for me, but wanted to give a thumbs up to jpc. If you're going to buy an upgraded buckling spring board from anyone, this is the guy to trust.

I got some springs and hammers from him a while back, and always enjoy his posts about buckling spring mods/upgrades.  

jpc: Sad to hear that you're moving to ergo boards, that usually means some kind of RSI/pain/etc.  GLWS, I'm sure Godzilla is worth every penny and more!

[kinkng]

Another thumbs up to JPC. I bought a bolt modded SSK from him and it's been great! After flirting for a while with Realforces, I came back to my SSKs. Nothing types as well as them.

[jpc]

Thanks for the kind comments.

I've made four of these (Bambi, Thumper, Godzilla, and Snooki) and sold three, two to GHers and one to a friend IRL.

@oqsy -- I've been fighting RSI the entire time I've been on GH. The ergo boards have helped a ton. I'm 90% better now. Model Ms and other high-force switches are not something my hands can handle anymore.

[AMoody]

Do the unicomp springs make the keys lighter? I was under the impression that the activation force was based on other factors.

[jpc]

@AMoody: I used to measure the weight of Model M keys. You'll find a range. "Identical" boards can vary by 10g; different keys on the same board can vary by a few g. I don't know why. Unicomp springs feel crisp compared to old worn-out springs. Old IBM springs that are less worn also feel crisp.

Whatever makes them feel crisp, it's not the peak force, as that's the same, about 75g typically. Maybe they buckle higher up? I don't have the equipment to produce a force-curve graph which would tell us what's going on. Wouldn't that be fun?

I'm recovering from RSI. The formula has been: Kinesis contoured keyboards, 45g cherry browns, touch typing, Colemak layout. I alternate between a Logitech m570 trackball and a Contour Rollermouse. I alternate between sitting and standing, and wear Ace brand Deluxe Wrist Stabilizers to sleep at night. If you have pain, stop worrying about the weight of your Model M, buy all that stuff and spend a month adjusting to Colemak. It works! :biggrin:

[bootstrap]

Nice board. PM sent.

[demik]

It think it's the name he gave it. Mine says Thumper. lol

i turned around the one you sold me to see if it was named too lol

[hashbaz]

Glad to hear your RSI symptoms have improved, jpc.

[Quarzac]

I too would appreciate it if you would post a more clear bolt-modding tutorial. I can't follow the commonly linked one well enough to do it myself past removing the rivets. If you could break down the different parts of the Model M with pictures, that would likely make it much more clear for me.

[czarek]

I too would appreciate it if you would post a more clear bolt-modding tutorial. I can't follow the commonly linked one well enough to do it myself past removing the rivets. If you could break down the different parts of the Model M with pictures, that would likely make it much more clear for me.

Weird, I used Sandy's and Ripster's guides to do my first bolt mod and it turned out great. What is not clear after cutting rivets? You just sand them flat if they have anvil tops, then you drill and drive bolts through the holes.

[Quarzac]

Weird, I used Sandy's and Ripster's guides to do my first bolt mod and it turned out great. What is not clear after cutting rivets? You just sand them flat if they have anvil tops, then you drill and drive bolts through the holes.

It mentioned that I could damage something if I don't drill correctly. I'm not totally clear on what I'm potentially damaging, nor the bit about removing tabs or something like that.

[czarek]

It mentioned that I could damage something if I don't drill correctly. I'm not totally clear on what I'm potentially damaging, nor the bit about removing tabs or something like that.

All you have to do is make sure there are no anvil tops on the rivets, you remove them by sanding. Making them flat makes drilling easier, but it's still not very hard without perfectly flat surface - just make sure you have good sharp drill bit and dremel set to medium to high rpm. I practiced on lego a bit before drilling my precious NIB SSK and i found it rather easy.

[jpc]

I too would appreciate it if you would post a more clear bolt-modding tutorial. I can't follow the commonly linked one well enough to do it myself past removing the rivets. If you could break down the different parts of the Model M with pictures, that would likely make it much more clear for me.

See the bolt mod link in my sig. Does that help?

[Quarzac]

See the bolt mod link in my sig. Does that help?

I don't know how I missed that. It's absolutely perfect! The only two parts that were only excellent were the ones where it was missing a photo, but I got the gist of it from the words. While I won't be modding it anytime soon, when I do, I'll be sure to keep that guide close at hand. Thanks!

[jpc]

Still available, and price reduced.

[AMoody]

thread bump and
JPC- i have that coffee mug

[DanGWanG]

Sent along a PM.

[jpc]

There's a sale pending. Thanks for all the interest.

[DanGWanG]

Looking forward to playing with Godzilla

[czarek]

Have fun and appreciate the best keyboard ever!

[jpc]

Sold.