It's been two years......

MicFarlow77 · January 14, 2009, 05:22:06 PM

Hi All,

It has been two years this month that I found this forum.

It has been an amazing two years I must say. I have met many many great people, learned a ton and sold a few enclosures on the way! It has been a journey in which I have enjoyed every single step and plan to keep taking steps as long as I am able.

What lies on the horizon?

Well, first up is in the screen printing arena. I have, all along, wanted to be able to screen print graphics on my own enclosures. But the problem was the recessed area where the knobs are. To my knowledge, there is no high quality screen printing technology that allows for printing in such a place. We, it bugged me for quite some time and I have finally been able to hopefully make some progress on that front... if it works, I'll make sure to post the results.

Another front is on making a run of the same effects PCB. The problem I was having was with inserting a few components, bend the leads out so they don't fall out and then turn over and solder... rinse and repeat until done. I had heard that there was a better way, so after a post last week on 'helping hands' I started digging on it again and found some pretty cool frames that allow such a deal. The issue to me was cost... a frame large enough to do 8 or 10 boards would be well over $200... worth it no doubt, but I am crazy and think I can build something larger for a lot less money... we'll have to see how that turns out... again, if I get it worked out, I'll post it here!

I personally want to say a huge THANK YOU for all those that have helped me to create some pretty cool enclosures and have supported all of my efforts! I appreciate it more than I can express!

Here is to another innovative year for effects pedals.

Thanks,

Mick.

Oh, I got one more project under development... if it works out, I'll post it here of course..... it will be super cool if I can get it worked out....

skiraly017 · January 14, 2009, 05:38:11 PM

Would you be willing to post the links to the helping hand fames you found? Thanks.

MicFarlow77 · January 14, 2009, 05:42:38 PM

Quote from: skiraly017 on January 14, 2009, 05:38:11 PM
Would you be willing to post the links to the helping hand fames you found? Thanks.

you bet!

http://www.newark.com/pcb-assembly-jigs

Thanks,

Mick

skiraly017 · January 14, 2009, 06:07:19 PM

Thanks! The Ideal Tek one for $85 doesn't seem too bad.

MicFarlow77 · January 14, 2009, 11:07:31 PM

Quote from: skiraly017 on January 14, 2009, 06:07:19 PM
Thanks! The Ideal Tek one for $85 doesn't seem too bad.

no problem... I thought that the one for $85 was pretty good.. but there is none to be had in the US at all that I can find and it is a "No Refund" purchase for me so I am kinda taking a different track.

Thanks,

Mick

Auke Haarsma · January 15, 2009, 05:45:32 AM

And a "thank you" for enriching this forum with your great enclosures!

I'm really looking forward to see your screen printing ideas in action!

ercol · January 15, 2009, 06:54:31 AM

I'm new to this forum, so apologies if you've been down this route before, but with regards to the screenprinting in awkward places, have you considered Vinyl Lettering?

a bit awkward again, and im not familiar with your enclosures (although am curious... link?), but a company i used to do some business with make lettering for models in all sorts of colours from fairly large to very small which is intended to be placed on with tweezers, letter by letter - not exactly ideal but might be worth considering for finishing off that 'perfect' pedal. Also know they're happy to do bespoke stuff- choose your font, size, and have chosen words/sentences in a line or curved round the pot ready to stick rather than do it letter by letter and print it up for you if you order a batch of 10 or so sets - might be a bit more expensive, but we're not talking big money

-> www.becc.co.uk

based in the UK but got stockists all over the place.

Renegadrian · January 15, 2009, 07:03:01 AM

My first year has passed too...I came here last january...thx to all...A very nice place to write in and learn a lot!

earthtonesaudio · January 15, 2009, 07:42:56 AM

I was here a year in December last year (so long ago...) and I didn't even notice! Having too much fun I guess.

MicFarlow77 · January 15, 2009, 09:25:39 AM

Quote from: ercol on January 15, 2009, 06:54:31 AM
I'm new to this forum, so apologies if you've been down this route before, but with regards to the screenprinting in awkward places, have you considered Vinyl Lettering?

a bit awkward again, and im not familiar with your enclosures (although am curious... link?), but a company i used to do some business with make lettering for models in all sorts of colours from fairly large to very small which is intended to be placed on with tweezers, letter by letter - not exactly ideal but might be worth considering for finishing off that 'perfect' pedal. Also know they're happy to do bespoke stuff- choose your font, size, and have chosen words/sentences in a line or curved round the pot ready to stick rather than do it letter by letter and print it up for you if you order a batch of 10 or so sets - might be a bit more expensive, but we're not talking big money

-> www.becc.co.uk

based in the UK but got stockists all over the place.

Hey Sam,

Welcome to the Forum!

I thought about vinyl. I'm not sure of the sizes though..... if I recall correctly from my sign building days, they can only cut those letters so small.... that's kinda why I went the screen printing route!

I am also one of those guys who likes a good challenge... so I decided to try to do something that hasn't been done... at least to my knowledge...

A link for my enclousures: http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/MicksPics/

Again, Welcome to the Forum!

Quote from: Auke Haarsma on January 15, 2009, 05:45:32 AM
And a "thank you" for enriching this forum with your great enclosures!

I'm really looking forward to see your screen printing ideas in action!

It's been my pleasure Auke! I can't wait to see your current projects when they are finished!

THanks,

Mick

Paul Marossy · January 15, 2009, 12:09:18 PM

I've been around here off and on for seven years now. Where did the time go?

I like silkcreened lettering. Good luck with your endeavors on that.

John Lyons · January 16, 2009, 12:47:10 AM

Here's to a new year and building some cool stuff.

I've said it before Mick, I applaud your follow through.
A lot of folks post how they are going to do this or that and we never hear from them again.
Your ADA and small box Enclosures all came to life...and then the wah enclosures...man! Great stuff really.
I'm excited to see what you come up with as far as screen printing.

Keep it up!

john

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