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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: superfrog76 on December 08, 2013, 05:50:56 AM
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Hi guys
I am looking everywhere for companies that can make personalized plates for a case conversion.
Basically I am looking for some simple plates that has the cut for the various ports that can be used on the amiga: mainly something like joystick port, video port, dvi, ps2 and so on.
Either something that fit the ATX-mini ATX cases, or something on the PCI-mini plate would be awesome. I can even team up with other members, in case there is a minimum to order...many of the companies that I have contacted just told me that makes no sense to make just one plate.
I tried to make mine, but my skill set with a dremel seems to be not enough :) My plates are very flimsy and the cut are totally irregular and far from being smooth.
If you know of any company that does custom plates for case modders, I would love to hear their names (even better if you did business with them). Thanks!
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I take it that your local machine shops are not helpful? Those that have a web presence are more geared for complex 3D or a high return on their time spent -- high volume or such. Most university machine shops will need someone affiliated with the physics or engineering departments, although they might free lance for you.
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Sadly no...the computer stores around here sell little; and there is not a single store that actually perform such services....they are more oriented to industrial work, rather than the random guy that just need a couple of plates.
There was a local place that would make me a plate in acrylic, but was asking for 40 dollars....the case cost me 50 :)
I was looking into aluminum, since it is easier to work than regular steel plates, but still it is something new to me, so I am pretty sure that I would mess up :)
Sadly I know nobody in the college environment...
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You can always buy an Aluminum clipboard at a thrift store and make your own. It can all be done with hand tools too. All you need is a saw to rough it out, a drill to start some holes, and a small file kit with several different shapes. Take your time laying it out and filing it all perfectly. It can look very professional. I have done several this way.
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You can always buy an Aluminum clipboard at a thrift store and make your own. It can all be done with hand tools too. All you need is a saw to rough it out, a drill to start some holes, and a small file kit with several different shapes. Take your time laying it out and filing it all perfectly. It can look very professional. I have done several this way.
Makes sense; I've seen some videos and it looks decently easy to work with.
I don't have files thou, gotta get a set. Thanks!
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There is also these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/281077978843?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
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Thanks for the link; I guess these are the same that the store was trying to sell me; they told me that 2 plates would cost me about 45 dollars, this would cost me half, altho I need to cut it.
This weekend will check my local hardware store and see how much they ask just for a small sheet :)
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A Dremel-like tool and a carbide cutting wheel will do a fair amount on a $10 sheet of steel or aluminum from Lowe's or Home Depot; combine that with a drill and a set of Craftsman files and most small projects can be done in a few hours. I am surprised that there are no cheap machine shops around; even vo-tech high schools have the basics, and car repair shops can handle a lot of the work.
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I am surprised that there are no cheap machine shops around; even vo-tech high schools have the basics, and car repair shops can handle a lot of the work.
I think the problem is more "matching up buyers with sellers". I mean, it's not exactly like I can look in the phone book for "companies that cut computer case backplates out of metal", you know? There's a lot of legwork involved for very little profit, especially when you consider how cheap some of the Amiga users are, LOL. ;)
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Agree Mike :)
I just assumed that since many do case conversion, there should be a higher demand for Amiga backplates or similar.
I may start a business making IO plates with the connectors coming from the back of the amiga, but then I would sell probably 4-5, and the other 95-96 would be stuck with me LOL :) They gave me decent prices for 100 plates. like 5 dollars each.
I wish I had a laser cutter :D
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Hi
You can try protocase.com with their free design software. :)