Looking for a chassis for a 12" long footswitch

[theehman]

I need to build a footswitch for an amp but the longest diecast enclosure I can find is the 1032L, which would be pretty tight with 5 switches.  I usually use the LMB 12217 but they're starting to get pretty pricey for a sheet metal box.  Does anyone have any suggestions for something else that might work?

[Ripthorn]

Look at sloped console enclosures. ABS or steel. Can still get pricey.

[Matthew Sanford]

I've been thinking about electrical wall boxes they mount outlets in as a cheap alternative, but you'd need 5 gang. I'd thought just solder the pop outs in...

[PRR]

> just solder the pop outs in…

You're gonna need a bigger solder iron..... And Galvanize is hard to solder and is noxious when hot. But you won't casually push KOs (knock outs) out with your thumb. Electrician's pliers are HEAVY because you need that much hammer-mass on some KOs.

5-Gang Box, Welded, 2-1/2 in. Deep, Eight 3/4 & 1 in. Concentric KO's, Six 1/2 in. KO's, and Ten 3/4 in. KO's
By Raco Catalog ID:  944
https://www.hubbell.com/raco/en/Products/Electrical-Electronic/Boxes/Multi-Gang-Boxes-Covers/5-Gang-Box-Welded-2-12-in-Deep-Eight-34-1-in-Concentric-KOs-Six-12-in-KOs-and-Ten-34-in-KOs/p/1670457

While the title says non-metallic, this seems to be light steel. On a wall you can pound it but not with a handtruck load; it may not stomp well for fat feet.
https://www.legrand.us/wire-and-cable-management/raceway-and-cord-covers/steel/500-700-five-gang-switch-and-receptacle-box-fitting/p/v5748-5
https://www.mrsupply.com/wiremold-steel-raceway-500-and-700-series-device-box-5-gang-v5748-5.html

Awclub Waterproof Dustproof IP65 ABS Plastic Junction Box Universal Electric Project Enclosure Gray 10.4"x7.2"x2.4" (263mm x 182mm x 60mm)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NSRBYJG/

Nail five of these to a board?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0725RDKDL/

Small size, large price:
https://www.markertek.com/product/dskb-3g/fsr-dskb-3g-3-gang-desktop-mounting-box

[bluebunny]

The Hammond 1590BX2 is 10" long, like the 1032L, but not so tall.  I've used one for a three-switch multi-FX; I imagine it might fit five?

[theehman]

The Hammond 1590BX2 is 10" long, like the 1032L, but not so tall.  I've used one for a three-switch multi-FX; I imagine it might fit five?

It'll fit 5 but it's a bit tighter than I like.

[bluebunny]

Yep, I guess it would be snug.

Unless you wear these:

   

[bluebunny]

R.G. also has an old article and this one too about using lengths of steel stud as enclosures.

[amptramp]

It sounds like a cast aluminum valve cover for a car engine would work.  You can get them up to six cylinders long.

Wrecking yards (breakers, for the British among us) are full of them and some can be had cheap.  Besides, if you get one with an oil filler cap, the hole can be used to house a VU meter.  You can put jacks in the spark plug holes, if they are in it.  Pick a good size and you can mount the amp inside - it is its own heat sink.  And you could wear clown shoes and still hit the right switch.  With a flat piece of sheet aluminum on the bottom, it is a completely shielded environment.

[digi2t]

https://www.loop-master.com/blank-true-bypass-strip-enclosures-p-292.html

[theehman]

https://www.loop-master.com/blank-true-bypass-strip-enclosures-p-292.html

At that price I might as well go with the LMB enclosure, which is also painted.

[Mark Hammer]

R.G. also has an old article and this one too about using lengths of steel stud as enclosures.

I was thinking that very item as I was scrolling through this thread.  Can one buy lengths of suitable aluminum U-channel material, and cut it to length?

[Matthew Sanford]

> just solder the pop outs in...

You're gonna need a bigger solder iron..... And Galvanize is hard to solder and is noxious when hot. But you won't casually push KOs (knock outs) out with your thumb. Electrician's pliers are HEAVY because you need that much hammer-mass on some KOs.

Thank you for that. Had bought a 2 gang to put the Flangelicious I just bought, but 4" is just under....still, no soldering it, got it!