|
Homebrew Equipment A place to show, design and discuss the weird and wonderful electronic creations from the hands of individual members. |
|
Thread Tools |
14th May 2013, 10:46 pm | #1 |
Rest in Peace
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Hexham, Northumberland, UK.
Posts: 2,234
|
Radio Cabinets
Hi all, I was just wondering if any of you home constructors out there make cabinets for your projects. If I make anything it tends to stay in an unfinished state i.e. without a box around it because I don't seem to be able to make a cabinet which suits. My woodworking skills are average but it seems difficult to get that professional finish. Have you any tips or tricks that work well? Small projects are easily mounted in off the shelf metal enclosures but things with valves in don't really lend themselves to anything available.
Alan. Last edited by Biggles; 14th May 2013 at 10:47 pm. Reason: grammar |
14th May 2013, 11:06 pm | #2 |
Octode
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 1,453
|
Re: Radio Cabinets
I make my own boxes out of wood with Formica front panels.
- Joe |
14th May 2013, 11:11 pm | #3 |
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fife, Scotland, UK.
Posts: 22,901
|
Re: Radio Cabinets
I keep an eye out at amateur radio rallies for any cheap test equipment in re-usable cases. You can do surprisingly well when you look at new prices at RS.
For scratch built stuff I've had good results with aluminium angle and 2mm aluminium sheet with countersunk screws, though nowadays I make welded aluminium frames. David
__________________
Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done |
14th May 2013, 11:28 pm | #4 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: St.Ippolyts, Hitchin, Hertfordshire QRA IO91UW
Posts: 3,518
|
Re: Radio Cabinets
I guess I am lucky, having a sheet metal folder, and guillotine - I can fold up boxes quite easily.
__________________
Engineers make things work and have spare bits when finished |
15th May 2013, 10:58 am | #5 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, UK.
Posts: 8,195
|
Re: Radio Cabinets
Hi Alan, 12" folder and drills etc available if you want to have a try.
Ed |
15th May 2013, 4:48 pm | #6 |
Rest in Peace
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Hexham, Northumberland, UK.
Posts: 2,234
|
Re: Radio Cabinets
Thanks for the replies. I have a folder and ali sheet for making chassis and front panels but it was really the idea of making a proper wooden cabinet to bring a bit of period style to my creations that I hadn't had much luck with. (Thanks for the offer of workshop gear Ed). I have built simple wooden boxes for home made sets in the past but they just seem to spoil an otherwise decent project! I was just curious to find out what other forum members did to enclose their projects.
Alan. |
15th May 2013, 7:48 pm | #7 |
Heptode
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Edinburgh, UK.
Posts: 805
|
Re: Radio Cabinets
Didn't it always used to be wooden cigar-boxes that were repurposed?
|