Making enclosures

[mojotron]

I have been experimenting with JB weld to insulate old power jacks that I had laying around.. I'm amazed how strong that stuff gets after about a week.

As a follow on to using electrical jboxes as encolsures - I'm wondering if I could find the right plastic (or steel - I saw some nice 16ga stuff at Lowes) I could just epoxy the sides together and make an enclosure of any dimention - I really like the 1590-DD enclosures - but they cost $16/each - ouch!!

Lately I found some fiberglass epoxy for boats - that really looked promising too!!

So, I'm wondering if anyone knows of the right plastic or metal to use for making your own enclosures? Or, has done something like this?

I'm inclined towards using plastic though as it's easier to cut, heat, bend on a brake w/heat.... I'm just looking for a way to make enclosures that are paintable and have roughly the same shape as a Hammond, that would be fairly cheap to make if I have a minimal set or the right tools.. Any ideas?

[putrefusion]

I saw a webpage that I think was linked from this forum where somebody was using the outer casing from computer mini towers.  Looks very effective, and cheap too!

[ibanezts808]

also keep in mind that using plastic will not allow you to ground your jacks to the box nor block r.f.

[cd]

I saw a webpage that I think was linked from this forum where somebody was using the outer casing from computer mini towers.  Looks very effective, and cheap too!

Or steel studs, as on GEO:

http://geofex.com/Article_Folders/steelstud/steelstud.htm

I tend to look at things practically though.  A Taiwan DD is $13.50, so if it's going to take me say 2 hours, plus all the sweat, headache, etc. to DIY one of that size, I'm just going to go with the DD.

[mojotron]

also keep in mind that using plastic will not allow you to ground your jacks to the box nor block r.f.

Ya, those are concerns, but grounding and EM issolation can be done with lining the inside with either metallic paint ... or some kind of foil... I'm just wondering if there is a material avalible in the US for doing something like this..

[David]

also keep in mind that using plastic will not allow you to ground your jacks to the box nor block r.f.

Ya, those are concerns, but grounding and EM issolation can be done with lining the inside with either metallic paint ... or some kind of foil... I'm just wondering if there is a material avalible in the US for doing something like this..

http://www.muzique.com/lab/magpaint.htm

Will this do, oh left-coasted one?

[petemoore]

I get metal sheet and cut/bend pedals from them. It's not too hard, just takes a little time, they look pretty good and work just great, I like to be able to determine the size and shape.
 I got old reciever panels, and some real nice copper sheets from a salvage yard, I just cut with tin snips, the score and bend using wood, clamps [or just a softjawed vise] and a hammer to bend on the score lines I make with a sharp chisel...for stuff that's really hard bending after chisel scoring along a bend line, I drill a buncha 'connecta dots' this makes the bending easier to keep only on the line.
 Another tip is don't drill a hole right next to a bend line Till after the bend is mostly or completely done, a hole may 'pull' the bend line into the hole.
 I 45 degree cut teeny tabs off of any 90 degree corners, this helps to soften the corners and save from getting cut by the darned things, I also routinely sand any sharp places or snaggy edges.

[optimus_prime_1985]

If your going to mend metal together at the seams and want it to hold indefinetely, use all metal filler. You can get this at a body shop or auto store. You will want to drill some holes along the seam on both sides for the filler to get into. Then run over the outside with a sander. Prime it and paint. Voila!

[wiplash]

http://www.techniguitare.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=494

there is some method to make your own enclosure! but i think you'll need a traductor :wink:
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[mojotron]

http://www.techniguitare.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=494
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Wow, that's a great link - thanks!

[optimus_prime_1985]

Wow. That looks like a lot of work! I may never complain ever again about the price of a hammond enclosure.

[wiplash]

Wow. That looks like a lot of work! I may never complain ever again about the price of a hammond enclosure

It's a lot of work if you don't have any tools ,of couse.
but it's very interesting to make a total stompbox with your hand  from the electronic to the enclosure.
Total DIY :twisted:

[nelson]

http://www.techniguitare.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=494

there is some method to make your own enclosure! but i think you'll need a traductor :wink:
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salut,

C'est vraiment un bon regardant la clôture.

Paul Nelson (oui mes ancêtre ont donné un coup de pied le derrière du napoleon )

[petemoore]

I like the 2 pc. [3 sides per piece like EH] slants that I made.
 They're all nicely laid out, tight where I want them tight, but easy to get the board from 3 sides,and the board comes right up for bottom access.
 Once the box is made I put an emblem on it or spruce it up or leave it plain...I found out I like it cause I can get pots and jacks on one end, and have the switch as low as clearance will allow.
 I connect by using very hardwood triange strips [actually about rectangular, to drive screws in the top to mount the screw strips that I screw the bottom part to...3 screws does the trick.
 I used alot of RACO's but prefer the hand -hewn ones.

[Hal]

Anyone make an enclosure by welding rather than bending...?

[wiplash]

If you use metal like iron you can weld, but the aluminium is difficult if you are not specialist.

For my enclosures I use aluminium 2mm and it's very solid, you don't need weld

(oui mes ancêtre ont donné un coup de pied le derrière du napoleon )

:?:  :lol:

This is my new project enclosure building:

[wiplash]

Hi,

I've almost finish!! look my tyco enclosure:


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[nelson]

That is beautiful, love the colour!

[sean k]

How about finding youself some urethane foam insulation blocks,like surfboard makers use,and buying a small roll of carbon fibre tape and carve up the block of foam into box sizes then take it along to your local fibreglass place and get them to do about three layers on it and put the carbon fibre tape on the edges on the second lay up.It would be cheaper if you did about ten at a time and would be very reasonably priced...and really strong.Another way would be to start off with a wooden mold and cover it in printers sheets and then get it glassed...sheilded then as well.

 or wait a month or two and they'll be for sale!

[wiplash]

You talk about polyester resin like to make swiming pool, to make an enclosure?