[WTB] CAD Services

[Tarzan]

I'm looking for someone with time to create a CAD file (DWG?) based entirely on an existing keyboard - with one small change.  I can provide the keyboard to take measurements from, unless you already have a FK-2001 on hand.   

Anyone doing drafting as a service?

[Muffet]

I might be able to help you out (I do not have the board in question). I am going to school for a similar area of study and am currently interning at a local factory doing CAD work. PM me with details if you wish.

[TheFlyingRaccoon]

I am trained in AutoCAD 2014 and would be happy to help for free. (Or maybe a keycap )

[Tarzan]

I might be able to help you out (I do not have the board in question). I am going to school for a similar area of study and am currently interning at a local factory doing CAD work. PM me with details if you wish.

PM incoming!

[Tarzan]

I am trained in AutoCAD 2014 and would be happy to help for free. (Or maybe a keycap )

PM incoming as well!

[Tarzan]

To give some context, the keyboard below is the one I'm trying to update with a custom case.



To over-simplify my desired design, I'd like a case with a symmetrical bezel; the same look as the stock case below/beside the keys, extended to wrap around the top of the case as well.  There is a lot of extra wasted space in the top of the case that I'm hoping to eliminate. 

My end goal is something that I can drop in a stock plate/PCB, giving the modern look with the vintage Alps switches and caps, something like the case below (without the acrylic plate/PCB):



I have a couple of different models of these keyboards, both Winkey and winkeyless, as well as one unit with a nine-key directional arrow cluster.  The insides look identical, the only difference seems to be the top cover.

[WhiteFireDragon]

Designing a case for a drop-in will be harder than you think. It requires precision, and everything must match up with the existing PCB/plate.

It's easier to design a case and plate combo, but will require you to desolder switches to install in the new plate. I can help design this case little by little, although I'm not even fully finished with my own case project yet.

[Tarzan]

Designing a case for a drop-in will be harder than you think. It requires precision, and everything must match up with the existing PCB/plate.

It's easier to design a case and plate combo, but will require you to desolder switches to install in the new plate. I can help design this case little by little, although I'm not even fully finished with my own case project yet.

I appreciate the feedback, and I may take you up on your offer!  At the moment I'm planning to send keyboards out to have CAD files created, to get an idea of how complex the task will be. 

I've mocked up a couple of samples using cardboard, and I think a case could be cut from three layers of 1/4" polycarbonate (or possibly top and bottom layers in 1/4", and three middle layers in 1/8"...), but my drawing skills are crap.  I'm hoping having layer files created will identify areas where there might be interference. 

My preference is to re-use the stock plate/PCB, as I like the rigidity imparted by the steel plate, but if it's too much of a hassle to get dimensions right, I'll look into the custom plate options too.