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numbernone
Joined: Aug 16, 2006
Posts: 477
Location: new york city
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 Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 9:08 am Post subject:
Front panel express question |
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One or two for the front panel express users:
Can anyone comment on the quality of the surface on RAW aluminum? Its only slightly cheaper than the anodized, but I am going to be painting all my panels custom colors and use no engraving or legending of any type. YES I am being cheap!
As for the holes, what kind of tolerances are we dealing with. Are my 1/4" alpha pots going to be too fat for 1/4" holes?? I suppose an extra millimetre wont hurt.
I am only now accepting that I will be much better off with professionally made panels, after ignoring the obvious evidence that everyone loves these things. |
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State Machine
Janitor
Joined: Apr 17, 2006
Posts: 2810
Location: New York
Audio files: 24
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| Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 1:46 pm Post subject:
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| Quote: | | Can anyone comment on the quality of the surface on RAW aluminum? Its only slightly cheaper than the anodized, but I am going to be painting all my panels custom colors and use no engraving or legending of any type. YES I am being cheap! |
It's the same stock only NOT anodized so your safe. The quality is very good.
| Quote: | | As for the holes, what kind of tolerances are we dealing with. Are my 1/4" alpha pots going to be too fat for 1/4" holes?? I suppose an extra millimetre wont hurt. |
Every manufacturing process has tolerance levels which can in some instances work against you. It is not guaranteed that a 1/8th pin will fit into a 1/8th hole. In order to fit precisely I recommend leaving some space (0.1mm is usually adequate).
I also recommend getting the data sheet on everything you plan to mount to the panel and make sure you know the dimensions and the tolerences then add the 0.1 mm, mentioned above, to the worst case dimension. If you have the components in hand, use a digital caliper if you have one. A good quality caliper does wonders! They are expensive and you did say you were cheap so get the component datasheet.
| Quote: | | I am only now accepting that I will be much better off with professionally made panels, after ignoring the obvious evidence that everyone loves these things. |
I use them professionally and for my DIY ocassionally. Small runs are expensive but if you really want to make an impression, the FPE panels are the way to go. Unless you know someone who machines and engraves .... 
Hope this helps .....
Bill |
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numbernone
Joined: Aug 16, 2006
Posts: 477
Location: new york city
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| Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 2:24 pm Post subject:
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Thanks for the scoop Bill!!!
I checked into making some panels at a few machine shops here in NYC...youch!! Like all else here $$$$$$!!!$!$!$!$.
I will be using front panel express methinks for my standalone double SN box once i decide what else to squeeze in there 
I should amend my comment about being cheap, I am just avoided using the expensive engraving and lettering, as I like to roll my own panel stylings... but also I am being a little cheap  |
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State Machine
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Joined: Apr 17, 2006
Posts: 2810
Location: New York
Audio files: 24
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