Suitable cover for base

Jeb Jeb · 2378

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Offline Jeb Jeb

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on: May 16, 2015, 11:09:59 PM
Dear bottleheaders,

My first post.  ;D  Hello to all.

 I'm just getting started on my kit this week and planning to work on the wooden base first.   I think I'd like to add a cover to the bottom of the unit so I was wondering what would be suitable to use -  I have some 5mm perspex sheet and if I put plenty of ventilation holes in it would that be acceptable to use or should it really be metal or wood to withstand the heat? 

I thought the clear perspex might be nice - kind of like an open-back watch case!

Advice Much appreciated!

Jeb.
« Last Edit: May 16, 2015, 11:35:56 PM by Jeb Jeb »

James Barker,
UK

Offline Chris65

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Reply #1 on: May 16, 2015, 11:46:28 PM
Quote from: Jeb Jeb on May 16, 2015, 11:09:59 PM
I thought the clear perspex might be nice - kind of like an open-back watch case!

It is!


Offline Grainger49

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Reply #2 on: May 17, 2015, 02:33:45 AM
For safety sake a metal cover should be wired to the safety ground.  This in case you have a dangling component that touches it. 

I think any polycarbonate will be fine.


Offline Jeb Jeb

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Reply #3 on: May 17, 2015, 04:15:19 AM
Quote from: Chris65 on May 16, 2015, 11:46:28 PM
It is!

Chris, lol, - thats awesome looking, that's definitely what i'll do!

May I ask-  I've never drilled through perspex before - is it prone to cracking?  I'm guessing you start with a pilot hole then work up gradually?


Quote from: Grainger49 on May 17, 2015, 02:33:45 AM
For safety sake a metal cover should be wired to the safety ground.  This in case you have a dangling component that touches it. 

I think any polycarbonate will be fine.


Thanks Grainger - perspex it is!

James Barker,
UK

Offline Chris65

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Reply #4 on: May 17, 2015, 05:07:14 AM
Quote from: Jeb Jeb on May 17, 2015, 04:15:19 AM
May I ask-  I've never drilled through perspex before - is it prone to cracking?  I'm guessing you start with a pilot hole then work up gradually?

Don't know, but wouldn't think so if you go slowly. I got mine cut to size & the holes drilled by the perspex supplier, cost very little.
It's 3mm btw.


Offline Paul Birkeland

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Reply #5 on: May 17, 2015, 06:16:59 AM
Acrylic is very prone to cracking when drilling.  When you buy the piece, ask for cast material, as it machines much better.  When you drill it, put a piece of plywood behind it and drill through the acrylic and into the plywood. 

For making larger holes, use a Forstener style drill bit.

Paul "PB" Birkeland

Bottlehead Grunt & The Repro Man

Offline Jeb Jeb

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Reply #6 on: May 17, 2015, 10:06:28 PM
Thanks guys - very helpful!

All the best,

Jeb.

James Barker,
UK

Offline Gerry E.

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Reply #7 on: May 18, 2015, 09:22:21 AM
For anyone not wanting to DIY, I recommend these guys:

http://www.plasticworksusa.com/home.php

I once had them make me the black bezel that goes around the REL Precedent tuner faceplate (the one I acquired was missing this).  Plast!c Works! did a perfect job and the price was more than reasonable.

Gerry



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