Joining enclosures

[Mgt280y]

Maybe a non starter but thought I'd ask
I'm building a looper from THC and doing the layout in a 1032L once the 5 footswitch and the 7 segment footswitch are in place there's not much foot space between them.
So just thinking
I could cut a 1590A to size approximately half its length and mount the 7 segment in that has anyone successfully or know how I can then join the two together (type of weld) I would prefer it to look like all one enclosure rather than 2 bolted together I will post a pic of what I am thinking if anyone has any solutions thanks all

[GibsonGM]

Well, maybe someone has a brainstorm on this, but if you're using aluminum enclosures, welding aluminum is some of the most difficult welding out there.  I think it's TIG, not something us farm folks can do.   And the joint is visible.

Other options are to build or obtain a custom steel enclosure that's bigger...I think Jameco has some...

[Tony Forestiere]

Maybe...conductive, overkill glue?
http://www.masterbond.com/applications/bonding-aluminum-substrates

[EBK]

Join them with some JB Weld and sand the seam smooth.

[Mgt280y]

Never used jb weld would it hold up or not crack on the joint I maybe about to machine a joint to connect them to give so mechanical strength then fill/smooth the joint with some thing like jb

[EBK]

Never used jb weld would it hold up or not crack on the joint I maybe about to machine a joint to connect them to give so mechanical strength then fill/smooth the joint with some thing like jb

I imagine that any mechanical help you give it will be a good idea. 

[Mark Hammer]

Check out some of ZVex's boxes.  He joins 1590B boxes sometimes.

[deadastronaut]

in the UK we have 'chemical metal'

i think it's our version of jb weld.............as far as i know..

[amptramp]

If you join cast aluminum boxes, you have to be aware of the draft angle that allows the chassis to be pulled from the mold.  This may be as large as 5 degrees, so you would have an included angle of 10 degrees between sections.

For this number of stompswitches, some people have used rectangular tubing or extrusions such as heat sink extrusions with flat sheet end caps.  This allows you to select a length and use a cutoff saw to get that dimension where you want it.

[StephenGiles]

A thick tough rubber band did the job for me!

Gaffa tape is another good solution.

[EBK]

Gaffa tape is another good solution.

I smile every time I hear someone else mention gaffers tape (is "gaffa" a regional thing?).  People who use that inferior stuff called duct tape have no idea what they are missing. 
Of course, trying to convince someone to upgrade from $1/roll to $30/roll is tough (I use ShurTape P-672).

[GibsonGM]

Gaffa tape is another good solution.

I smile every time I hear someone else mention gaffers tape (is "gaffa" a regional thing?).  People who use that inferior stuff called duct tape have no idea what they are missing. 
Of course, trying to convince someone to upgrade from $1/roll to $30/roll is tough (I use ShurTape P-672).

Not for stompbox use, but if you like tape, you should check out 3M Flashing Tape some time.    It is extremely thin and pliable, but will bond to anything and NEVER come off.   Used for sealing around windows, flashings...if you own an old home, as i do, that stuff can SAVE you...yup, $30/roll.

[StephenGiles]

The most sensible solution is a 1U rack unit surely!

[duck_arse]

if it wuz mee, I'd put metal threads thru the 1032L thingy into the 1590 thingy, and then cut a little dress plate of shiny Al or something, to put around and cover the join. no-one need ever know, gaffer.

[StephenGiles]

The most sensible solution is a 1U rack unit surely!

But then I'm a rack unit man!

[Ice-9]

The most sensible solution is a 1U rack unit surely!

Yeah but it is hard to get your feet up there to stomp on those switches.

[Ice-9]

Gaffa tape is another good solution.

I smile every time I hear someone else mention gaffers tape (is "gaffa" a regional thing?).  People who use that inferior stuff called duct tape have no idea what they are missing. 
Of course, trying to convince someone to upgrade from $1/roll to $30/roll is tough (I use ShurTape P-672).

If something needs fixing GAFFA tape will do the job, I never go anywhere without a roll of gaffa tape with me. It can save lives.  I'm talking proppa gaffa tape here not the shite that looks similar, sticks to nothing and doesn't tear properly. Real GAFFA tape for REAL men.     

[StephenGiles]

The most sensible solution is a 1U rack unit surely!

Yeah but it is hard to get your feet up there to stomp on those switches.

Not a problem - rig up a footswitch in your favourite tiny box.

[tubegeek]

But then I'm a rack unit man!

That's that Howlin' Wolf song The Doors covered, right?

[davepedals]

You could even pop rivet the enclosures together with a small section of aluminum on the inside and then like some others said use the JB Weld filling the seams and sand smooth.
Dave