[IC] HHKB Style 60% Case

[BaconEggandCheeseBagel]

Any updates on the actual case design? Did you get around to adding some sort of angle to the case? My only major concern is that it will look too "squarish"

thanks for being so communicative with all of us - we appreciate the shop-talk!

[Dotdash32]

Any updates on the actual case design? Did you get around to adding some sort of angle to the case? My only major concern is that it will look too "squarish"

Newest version, includes the most likely measurements from the 60%.  A tilt can be accomplished with feet on the back of the case, much like the GON models.

[profanum429]

I love this and want this to happen. I think it looks great.

[punkpc]

This is looking great! I will have to grab on of these when they are ready.

[deduction]

Any updates on the actual case design? Did you get around to adding some sort of angle to the case? My only major concern is that it will look too "squarish"

Show Image

Newest version, includes the most likely measurements from the 60%.  A tilt can be accomplished with feet on the back of the case, much like the GON models.

Awesome, can't wait to buy a couple of these.

[SJHL]

Looks great! I will be keeping a close eye on this project..

[Dotdash32]

Quick Update

Did some prototyping with the laser cutter, got the internal cutouts to fit the keys really well.  Added some rounded corners as well.  Whether or not you all want the top edges rounded (filleted) is optional, it looks pretty nice as it is with the square edges.



I contacted a machine shop about getting the parts made, hopefully should be able to get the CAM started by the end of this week.  I also got access to the more powerful laser cutter, so doing the bottom acrylic plates should be super fast and hopefully really cheap. 

I have designs for the Winkeyless variant as well, will probably get that laser cut soon.  It will be an adaptation of the top case, and will have the same cutouts for PCB and plate.

Here is a Strawpoll for what parts of the case you want.  Please choose the top case style, bottom plate, and feet.  This is just for preliminary findings, it's not an order form. 

http://strawpoll.me/6905534

[KaLam1ty]

In terms of 'feet' options, I assume an acrylic and/or metal 'ramp' would cost a fortune more to produce?

[BaconEggandCheeseBagel]

Looking awesome!

I for one would definitely be interested in rounded corners, but I do have to say that the square corners/edges look great!

[Dotdash32]

In terms of 'feet' options, I assume an acrylic and/or metal 'ramp' would cost a fortune more to produce?

Not quite a fortune, but the acrylic flat plates I can probably cut for little more than the cost of the material, and the metal flat plates would be pretty easy to CNC mill or waterjet.  When we get into a slanted base, it adds more milling complexity, but I can look into it.  The goal is around an 11 degree angle, so the issue mainly becomes finding a good way to machine the edges so that they still sit flush with the other case edges.  I'm getting in contact with a machinist, there should be a way to do it with one more fixture. (Edit: making flat/angled bottom more clear)

I for one would definitely be interested in rounded corners, but I do have to say that the square corners/edges look great!

What part do you mean?  It wasn't very clear in the update, but do you like the rounded edges in the same plane as the key travel or the edges that sit next to the keys, and would be horizontal on the desk?

[BaconEggandCheeseBagel]

Sorry i meant to say that the edges of the top piece at the borders aren't so sharp/square. Look at the top of an HHK and see how the edge is slightly rounded on the top pieces

[Dotdash32]

Sorry i meant to say that the edges of the top piece at the borders aren't so sharp/square. Look at the top of an HHK and see how the edge is slightly rounded on the top pieces

I see.  The plan is to use a corner rounding endmill over the edges to give it that rounded off shape.  It's in the CAD files, but the laser cutter prototypes don't have a way to round them out.  So it will be rounded out in production.

[Fullcream]

This is fantastic! I will definitely grab a hhkb one.

[ideus]

If it is actually compatible with a 60% I am in; but, there should be options for 1.5,1,1.5,7,1.5,1,1.5 and for 1.25, 1.25, 1.25, 6.25, 1.25, 1.25, 1.25, 1.25 bottom rows, right?

[meow a cat]

I would definitely be in on this case if it's possible to have a lower cost acrylic/plastic case option.

What you've done so far looks great!

[switchnollie]

If it is actually compatible with a 60% I am in; but, there should be options for 1.5,1,1.5,7,1.5,1,1.5 and for 1.25, 1.25, 1.25, 6.25, 1.25, 1.25, 1.25, 1.25 bottom rows, right?

Wouldn't that be dependent on PCB?

Since they don't require blockers something like a TEX could work unless you mean something else.

I'm keen on a 1.5 - 1 - 1.5 - 7 - 1.5 - 1 - 1.5 case with the 1's being blocked off with blockers attached to the case tho.

[ideus]

If it is actually compatible with a 60% I am in; but, there should be options for 1.5,1,1.5,7,1.5,1,1.5 and for 1.25, 1.25, 1.25, 6.25, 1.25, 1.25, 1.25, 1.25 bottom rows, right?

Wouldn't that be dependent on PCB?

Since they don't require blockers something like a TEX could work unless you mean something else.

I'm keen on a 1.5 - 1 - 1.5 - 7 - 1.5 - 1 - 1.5 case with the 1's being blocked off with blockers attached to the case tho.

I need the same, but I just asked to be sure the OP and interested parties are aware that a case made with blockers for 1.5u each side will not fit the other combination and as Poker has been set as an example it may be confusing.

[Dotdash32]

If it is actually compatible with a 60% I am in; but, there should be options for 1.5,1,1.5,7,1.5,1,1.5 and for 1.25, 1.25, 1.25, 6.25, 1.25, 1.25, 1.25, 1.25 bottom rows, right?

Wouldn't that be dependent on PCB?

Since they don't require blockers something like a TEX could work unless you mean something else.

I'm keen on a 1.5 - 1 - 1.5 - 7 - 1.5 - 1 - 1.5 case with the 1's being blocked off with blockers attached to the case tho.

I need the same, but I just asked to be sure the OP and interested parties are aware that a case made with blockers for 1.5u each side will not fit the other combination and as Poker has been set as an example it may be confusing.

If it is actually compatible with a 60% I am in; but, there should be options for 1.5,1,1.5,7,1.5,1,1.5 and for 1.25, 1.25, 1.25, 6.25, 1.25, 1.25, 1.25, 1.25 bottom rows, right?

At this stage, there are three different case options, one with the blockers for the HHKB (1.5u on the edges), one with blockers for Winkeyless (1u in between 2 1.5u keys), and an option for one without blockers.  If there is interest in the standard 60% style (no blockers), it can probably be made.  There are fewer advantages for doing a two part case without blockers, but it would allow for some nice two-toning and backlighting if you're into that.

The mounting holes on the bottom plate are based off of the standardized Poker plate, so a blockerless style would be compatible with other keyboards, like the Pok3r and v60.

[ideus]

If it is actually compatible with a 60% I am in; but, there should be options for 1.5,1,1.5,7,1.5,1,1.5 and for 1.25, 1.25, 1.25, 6.25, 1.25, 1.25, 1.25, 1.25 bottom rows, right?

Wouldn't that be dependent on PCB?

Since they don't require blockers something like a TEX could work unless you mean something else.

I'm keen on a 1.5 - 1 - 1.5 - 7 - 1.5 - 1 - 1.5 case with the 1's being blocked off with blockers attached to the case tho.

I need the same, but I just asked to be sure the OP and interested parties are aware that a case made with blockers for 1.5u each side will not fit the other combination and as Poker has been set as an example it may be confusing.

If it is actually compatible with a 60% I am in; but, there should be options for 1.5,1,1.5,7,1.5,1,1.5 and for 1.25, 1.25, 1.25, 6.25, 1.25, 1.25, 1.25, 1.25 bottom rows, right?

At this stage, there are three different case options, one with the blockers for the HHKB (1.5u on the edges), one with blockers for Winkeyless (1u in between 2 1.5u keys), and an option for one without blockers.  If there is interest in the standard 60% style (no blockers), it can probably be made.  There are fewer advantages for doing a two part case without blockers, but it would allow for some nice two-toning and backlighting if you're into that.

The mounting holes on the bottom plate are based off of the standardized Poker plate, so a blockerless style would be compatible with other keyboards, like the Pok3r and v60.

Thank you for the explanation, that clarifies pretty much everything. Actually the 1.5 blocks at each side are the best option, that one most HHKB-Layout users need. The winkeyless is interesting but I think a bit less aesthetic, and the one with no blocks, well, there are a bunch of options like that that it barely justified.

[KaLam1ty]

On a side note, looks like Viper v2 was teased, but it isn't using symmetric design like V1 or the 1.5u blockers in this thread.
Kinda bummed about that . Hopefully we can get this rolling, as I like the 'symmetric-HHKB' more than the traditional design.

[ideus]

Get this done:

[need]

can you guys please explain to me what is the advantages of HHKB blocked style has over the no blocker 60% one?
Is it just for the aesthetic reason?
In term of plate and pen compatibility, both are equal right?

[ideus]

can you guys please explain to me what is the advantages of HHKB blocked style has over the no blocker 60% one?
Is it just for the aesthetic reason?
In term of plate and pen compatibility, both are equal right?

A case with no blocks is just another regular sixty case you can find in some other places, the HHKB case does not exist so far as proposed in this thread: Advantages? well, there is no one feature that may interest everyone interested, I'd say it is mainly aesthetics.

[Fullcream]

can you guys please explain to me what is the advantages of HHKB blocked style has over the no blocker 60% one?
Is it just for the aesthetic reason?
In term of plate and pen compatibility, both are equal right?

The hhkb style case with outside blockers is for aesthetics and of course it would need a pcb and plate that are capable of a symmetrical hhkb style bottom row with 7u spacebar.

The hhkb case will not be compatible with standard layout keyboards such as poker or v60.
“Poker style mounting holes” means it's compatible with aftermarket PCBs that utilise THOSE SAME mounting holes/placement as the poker and other similar keyboards.

If you like this and want to use it on a poker or v60 then obviously you would just get the standard one with no blockers. That's if it goes ahead.

I may be wrong in all of this, please correct if so.

[need]

can you guys please explain to me what is the advantages of HHKB blocked style has over the no blocker 60% one?
Is it just for the aesthetic reason?
In term of plate and pen compatibility, both are equal right?

The hhkb style case with outside blockers is for aesthetics and of course it would need a pcb and plate that are capable of a symmetrical hhkb style bottom row with 7u spacebar.

The hhkb case will not be compatible with standard layout keyboards such as poker or v60.
“Poker style mounting holes” means it's compatible with aftermarket PCBs that utilise THOSE SAME mounting holes/placement as the poker and other similar keyboards.

If you like this and want to use it on a poker or v60 then obviously you would just get the standard one with no blockers. That's if it goes ahead.

I may be wrong in all of this, please correct if so.

Thanks guys for the answers.

However:
For a poker , why would I just get the standard one with no blockers?
Isn't this blocker case meant to be use on a poker, and tries to resemble the HHKB look ?

By the way, will GH60 boards which is 60%, work as well?

[ideus]

can you guys please explain to me what is the advantages of HHKB blocked style has over the no blocker 60% one?
Is it just for the aesthetic reason?
In term of plate and pen compatibility, both are equal right?

The hhkb style case with outside blockers is for aesthetics and of course it would need a pcb and plate that are capable of a symmetrical hhkb style bottom row with 7u spacebar.

The hhkb case will not be compatible with standard layout keyboards such as poker or v60.
“Poker style mounting holes” means it's compatible with aftermarket PCBs that utilise THOSE SAME mounting holes/placement as the poker and other similar keyboards.

If you like this and want to use it on a poker or v60 then obviously you would just get the standard one with no blockers. That's if it goes ahead.

I may be wrong in all of this, please correct if so.

Any PCB with 1.25u modifiers only will not fit this case, it will be only for those PCBs that support 1.5u, 1u modifiers with 7u space bar like winkeyless, GON Nerd60, GH60 and the likes.

[need]

can you guys please explain to me what is the advantages of HHKB blocked style has over the no blocker 60% one?
Is it just for the aesthetic reason?
In term of plate and pen compatibility, both are equal right?

The hhkb style case with outside blockers is for aesthetics and of course it would need a pcb and plate that are capable of a symmetrical hhkb style bottom row with 7u spacebar.

The hhkb case will not be compatible with standard layout keyboards such as poker or v60.
“Poker style mounting holes” means it's compatible with aftermarket PCBs that utilise THOSE SAME mounting holes/placement as the poker and other similar keyboards.

If you like this and want to use it on a poker or v60 then obviously you would just get the standard one with no blockers. That's if it goes ahead.

I may be wrong in all of this, please correct if so.

Any PCB with 1.25u modifiers only will not fit this case, it will be only for those PCBs that support 1.5u, 1u modifiers with 7u space bar like winkeyless, GON Nerd60, GH60 and the likes.

Do you know which keyboard's PCB uses 1.25 modifiers?

[Dotdash32]

However:
For a poker , why would I just get the standard one with no blockers?
Isn't this blocker case meant to be use on a poker, and tries to resemble the HHKB look ?

By the way, will GH60 boards which is 60%, work as well?

If you want to have a two part case that is overly complicated, basically.  I don't expect that many people to buy it, but feeds my ego tells me more about the possibilities. 
It is meant to be used on a Poker style board, but the Poker, Poker 2, and Pok3r are not directly compatible with the key blockers.  Again, the open top one would be, but there are plenty of other cases that are also compatible.  Unless you have crazy amounts of case underlighting, or want to see your PCB, you're better off going with those.

can you guys please explain to me what is the advantages of HHKB blocked style has over the no blocker 60% one?
Is it just for the aesthetic reason?
In term of plate and pen compatibility, both are equal right?

The hhkb style case with outside blockers is for aesthetics and of course it would need a pcb and plate that are capable of a symmetrical hhkb style bottom row with 7u spacebar.

The hhkb case will not be compatible with standard layout keyboards such as poker or v60.
“Poker style mounting holes” means it's compatible with aftermarket PCBs that utilise THOSE SAME mounting holes/placement as the poker and other similar keyboards.

If you like this and want to use it on a poker or v60 then obviously you would just get the standard one with no blockers. That's if it goes ahead.

I may be wrong in all of this, please correct if so.

Any PCB with 1.25u modifiers only will not fit this case, it will be only for those PCBs that support 1.5u, 1u modifiers with 7u space bar like winkeyless, GON Nerd60, GH60 and the likes.

Do you know which keyboard's PCB uses 1.25 modifiers?

You'll want to look at the spacing of the pins.  Lot's of PCB's will have two holes very close to each other.  This is usually an indication of supporting mutliple layouts.  Otherwise, you can take a rule and measure for the spacing.  Standard key spacing is 0.750", so you can calculate where 1.5u keys should land.  Or you can use a keycap set to approximate the spacing, but it can be a little less accurate due to variations in cap footprints (some are .707" across, and other are about .720" across).

As far as I can tell, the GH60 has options for doing the HHKB and Winkeyless layouts on the PCB's, and the plates as well.

Get this done:

Show Image

I'm working on it, the CNC guy is busy, and I'm sending over the CAD files tonight.  Depending on what he says, it could be close.  I want at least one prototype done before this goes to full on GB status, so it can roll quickly from there.  I'll be taking the acrylic prototype to the Kiibohd meetup on Saturday if anyone wants to see, I'll be there for about an hour at the start.

[ideus]

can you guys please explain to me what is the advantages of HHKB blocked style has over the no blocker 60% one?
Is it just for the aesthetic reason?
In term of plate and pen compatibility, both are equal right?

The hhkb style case with outside blockers is for aesthetics and of course it would need a pcb and plate that are capable of a symmetrical hhkb style bottom row with 7u spacebar.

The hhkb case will not be compatible with standard layout keyboards such as poker or v60.
“Poker style mounting holes” means it's compatible with aftermarket PCBs that utilise THOSE SAME mounting holes/placement as the poker and other similar keyboards.

If you like this and want to use it on a poker or v60 then obviously you would just get the standard one with no blockers. That's if it goes ahead.

I may be wrong in all of this, please correct if so.

Any PCB with 1.25u modifiers only will not fit this case, it will be only for those PCBs that support 1.5u, 1u modifiers with 7u space bar like winkeyless, GON Nerd60, GH60 and the likes.

Do you know which keyboard's PCB uses 1.25 modifiers?

Commercially available fully assembled sixty boards have 1.25u modifiers, if the bottom of the keyboard has 7 modifier key caps of the same size they are 1.25u each and the space bar is 6.25u that is 15 units in total.

[bbrotha]

I would really love a case like this to go with a new build with Leandren hhkb style plates. The thing is that we know it won't fit on standard 60% keyboard, so it only leaves the option to people with custom build with no switches soldered on the mods or new builds. It woulld we great though if we could have this gb around the same time as leandrens so we can reach MOQ more easily.

[ideus]

Did you get the samples? Any updates?

[Dotdash32]

I would really love a case like this to go with a new build with Leandren hhkb style plates. The thing is that we know it won't fit on standard 60% keyboard, so it only leaves the option to people with custom build with no switches soldered on the mods or new builds. It woulld we great though if we could have this gb around the same time as leandrens so we can reach MOQ more easily.

I will try to coordinate with either him or another GB to get the plates and PCB's run at the same time.  It has crossed my mind, and I am working on it.

Did you get the samples? Any updates?

No samples yet, the machine shop guy is really busy.  I'm trying to lock in a time I can help him at his shop to do menial tasks so he can do more work, and build a working relationship. 

I spent some of last week making a punch for another keyboard job, that should help and generate some capital for this endeavor (moar prototypes!)  The CAD's have been sent off, and the CAM should be underway. 



Made a design for the slanted case.  At this point, it should meld almost seamlessly with the top part of the case.  It is also a bit bland, so welcoming ideas for designs along the side.  There are recesses on the screw holes so that the heads are hidden and parallel to the top case.  It does leave a little bit of a strange look because of the fillet, but it's sort of one or the other.



Little feeties for tenting up the case.  Will probably try to see if TEX feet will work, or just machine them on the lathe.  Also added little divots for keeping the rubber bumpers in place.   Those will probably be laser engraved into the case, with the possibility of doing other designs on a custom order basis.  I'll do some checking into this as well.

It's getting close, thanks for keeping up with the thread!

[BaconEggandCheeseBagel]

 

Seriously this is looking absolutely killer! Keep up the awesome work.

[ideus]

Check if it is cheaper to source the legs from GON or Winkeyless.

[need]

I would really love a case like this to go with a new build with Leandren hhkb style plates. The thing is that we know it won't fit on standard 60% keyboard, so it only leaves the option to people with custom build with no switches soldered on the mods or new builds. It woulld we great though if we could have this gb around the same time as leandrens so we can reach MOQ more easily.

I will try to coordinate with either him or another GB to get the plates and PCB's run at the same time.  It has crossed my mind, and I am working on it.

Did you get the samples? Any updates?

No samples yet, the machine shop guy is really busy.  I'm trying to lock in a time I can help him at his shop to do menial tasks so he can do more work, and build a working relationship. 

I spent some of last week making a punch for another keyboard job, that should help and generate some capital for this endeavor (moar prototypes!)  The CAD's have been sent off, and the CAM should be underway. 

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Made a design for the slanted case.  At this point, it should meld almost seamlessly with the top part of the case.  It is also a bit bland, so welcoming ideas for designs along the side.  There are recesses on the screw holes so that the heads are hidden and parallel to the top case.  It does leave a little bit of a strange look because of the fillet, but it's sort of one or the other.

Show Image

Little feeties for tenting up the case.  Will probably try to see if TEX feet will work, or just machine them on the lathe.  Also added little divots for keeping the rubber bumpers in place.   Those will probably be laser engraved into the case, with the possibility of doing other designs on a custom order basis.  I'll do some checking into this as well.

It's getting close, thanks for keeping up with the thread!

Please don't add anything fancy, it's blankt look is rather nice.

[punkpc]

Please don't add anything fancy, it's blank look is rather nice.

I have to agree 

[ideus]

The main advantage of this case compared with the sandwich style ones, like GON, Sprit and Winkeyless, is that it can be used with PCBs with 1.5,1,1.5,7,1.5,1,1.5 optional bottom row, with no need for a plate; also, it has the advantage over Viper that it does not require a special PCB, please keep those advantage and do not turn it into a replica of the currently available cases.

[KaLam1ty]

Damn, the slant design would be fantastic.
I guess some ideas would be to go with the classic "\___" cut off in the back, a la HHKB?
Even the usual Poker side cut offs would be great.

[WhitePlate]

Looks Great!

[FoC_Tow]

Haven't checked back on this thread in a while and really love to see that this is still going strong! 

Regarding rounded edges, I think this is definitely preferable over having square/hard ones.
However I feel like it looks almost too round for my taste in the current mockups.

A rounded edge with a slightly smaller radius could be the best of both worlds, to break the hard edge while still maintaining that clean and straight look of square edges imo.

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Also while I like the flat acrylic bottom, Im not a big fan of the current design for a milled bottom.
It looks kinda bland since the bottom just follows along the shape of the top of the case, especially on the back, making it look like a big block with a angled bottom.

I think a good start for an angled bottom would be to create a more separated look of top and bottom part of the case, by for example having the back of the bottom angled 'inwards' in contrast to the back of the top part being angled 'outwards'.

In general throwing in some angles and shapes to create a more separated look should definitely help to create a more pleasing design and put more focus on the top part to maintain the clean looks of the flat bottom version. 

[jebbra]

Man I just found this IC and already join Infinity 60 simply because it's easiness (1x purchase from 1 vendor) and seeing that Viper won't make a comeback. Really like to have one with split right shift and 2x 1u rightest top row with Viper's symmetrical bottom closing.

If I know this before Infinity 60 my route will be GH60 PCB + LeandreN plate + this case then put lubed 65g Zealios and Granite keycaps on top of it. Then I could die in peace!

[bbrotha]

The main advantage of this case compared with the sandwich style ones, like GON, Sprit and Winkeyless, is that it can be used with PCBs with 1.5,1,1.5,7,1.5,1,1.5 optional bottom row, with no need for a plate; also, it has the advantage over Viper that it does not require a special PCB, please keep those advantage and do not turn it into a replica of the currently available cases.

Show Image

Exactly, we basically need just a pcb, switches and stabs to get a new build done.

[BaconEggandCheeseBagel]

Any updates Dotdash?

[cmd]

Want this to move forward!! Probably will buy a HHKB plate from LeandreN as well as the GON PCB and stabs just to get that portion out of the way.

[BaconEggandCheeseBagel]

cmd - you might be able to save some money just buying a standard universal 60% plate, since the corners will be covered anyway and wouldn't require an HHKB style plate.

That being said - you could also opt to just support a community member like LeandreN!

[WNovizar]

I already joined Leandren GB for HHKB Orange Plates, so please add orange color option!

[Dotdash32]

Quick  update for everyone:
My contact at the machine shop hasn't gotten back to me, so I'm going to try and do the prototype on a smaller mill.  It'll take a bit longer to cut, but it should help to keep moving forward.

I already joined Leandren GB for HHKB Orange Plates, so please add orange color option!

I'm thinking powder coating, so there should be quite a few options.  https://www.powderbuythepound.com/ is a good place to look and try to color match.  My personal favorites are "textured" ones, as they are super resistant to finger prints, and are a bit like pebbly PBT.

Another thing that is on my mind is to try and machine plates out of aluminum, but that's on the back burner until the prototype is done!  I'll try for the slanted case as well, but that angle is going to be a bit hard to get.  Hopefully I can update you all again this weekend.

[ideus]

Thank you for the kind update.

[Dotdash32]

Fast update: Mid progress on machining prototype.

Got to do some cutting this morning, will probably go and finish up tonight.  Few things going forward that should be fixable, but here's where we stand.

 

Massive chips!  Was running 450 thou axial with 150 thou radial.  The machine almost stalled, so that was fun.  Worked to decrease the feed, but it's going to be slow.  Not something that concerns all of you, but it's going to make it a bit slower for prototypes, and I'm going to need another machine shop to do the production run.

 

Overall the shape is coming along pretty well.  The area inside the rim is going to be machined away, so those lines are going to go away.  I didn't set up a finishing pass on this first run, I'll do that when I get back on the machine.  Should help eliminate the smear on the sides too.  However, if the dimensions work, it should be mostly just CAM and machining finalization.  I have a plan for the slant case.  Involves using another part to change the angle of the machining face, should work out alright. 

TL;DR: Fixing machining things, designs is looking A-OK!
(edit: fixing images)

[Butter]

Fast update: Mid progress on machining prototype.

Got to do some cutting this morning, will probably go and finish up tonight.  Few things going forward that should be fixable, but here's where we stand.

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Massive chips!  Was running 450 thou axial with 150 thou radial.  The machine almost stalled, so that was fun.  Worked to decrease the feed, but it's going to be slow.  Not something that concerns all of you, but it's going to make it a bit slower for prototypes, and I'm going to need another machine shop to do the production run.

Show Image

 

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Overall the shape is coming along pretty well.  The area inside the rim is going to be machined away, so those lines are going to go away.  I didn't set up a finishing pass on this first run, I'll do that when I get back on the machine.  Should help eliminate the smear on the sides too.  However, if the dimensions work, it should be mostly just CAM and machining finalization.  I have a plan for the slant case.  Involves using another part to change the angle of the machining face, should work out alright. 

TL;DR: Fixing machining things, designs is looking A-OK!

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