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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: LoadWB on February 13, 2018, 01:12:40 AM

Title: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: LoadWB on February 13, 2018, 01:12:40 AM
I got a few of those Kickstarter A1200 cases.  All-in-all great, BUT I cannot for the life of me get the "punch-outs" for the USB ports to punch out.  The plastic is just too thick.

Does anyone have an useful ideas or experience in getting this done?  I desperately need to mount these USB ports so I can close this thing up.

To clarify, I am looking for a clean solution.  Not trying to redneck engineer it or leave rough edges if at all possible.
Title: Re: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: trekiej on February 13, 2018, 01:23:53 AM
Red Neck Engineer ROTFL!
edit:
I guess I could be one of those.
Title: Re: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: Acill on February 13, 2018, 01:28:04 AM
I've had the same issue with mine. I see no way to easily remove them and I havent done it in fear of making it look like crap.
Title: Re: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: bbond007 on February 13, 2018, 01:54:52 AM
Probably dremel tool then just some small files to finish it off.

Just like if it was a regular A1200...

Take your time :)
Title: Re: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: Acill on February 13, 2018, 02:17:23 PM
Quote from: bbond007;836078
Probably dremel tool then just some small files to finish it off.

Just like if it was a regular A1200...

Take your time :)


Yeah, not wanting to do that on a case I waited over two years to get.
Title: Re: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: LoadWB on February 13, 2018, 03:29:52 PM
Quote from: Acill;836092
Yeah, not wanting to do that on a case I waited over two years to get.


That's my problem, as well, but I may not have a choice.  If I do use a Dremel it will be with a template, clamps, etc. *sigh*
Title: Re: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: tone007 on February 13, 2018, 04:52:24 PM
Nice sharp Xacto knife gently pushed/rocked into the edges that should be cut?

..or, scored over and over from the inside using a metal straight edge?
Title: Re: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: Oldsmobile_Mike on February 13, 2018, 05:58:12 PM
(http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/418/328/913.jpg)

:roflmao:
Title: Re: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: LoadWB on February 13, 2018, 06:41:27 PM
Quote from: tone007;836097
Nice sharp Xacto knife gently pushed/rocked into the edges that should be cut?

..or, scored over and over from the inside using a metal straight edge?


I've been trying that.  The plastic remains recalcitrant.

Quote from: Oldsmobile_Mike;836098
(http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/418/328/913.jpg)

:roflmao:


hrmmmm Maybe the flamenwuerffer?
Title: Re: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: madgrizzle on February 13, 2018, 06:44:18 PM
Quote from: LoadWB;836101
I've been trying that.  The plastic remains recalcitrant.


How about an exacto blade attached to a soldering iron?
Title: Re: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: bbond007 on February 14, 2018, 01:01:46 AM
Quote from: Acill;836092
Yeah, not wanting to do that on a case I waited over two years to get.

Maybe chop out the RF modulator and run the USB cables outside the case that way. Personally, I think that is a better place for HDMI... I don't recall removing the RF modulator being that difficult.

Quote from: LoadWB;836096
That's my problem, as well, but I may not have a choice.  If I do use a Dremel it will be with a template, clamps, etc. *sigh*

I'd be worried that by using a template you'd be relying on the dremel to do too much of the finishing work. Dremel cuts very aggressively which takes practice and clamps/template can slip with the vibration and could also scuff the case.  I'd just use the dremel (or even drill) to make rough holes big enough to use the small files to do the finishing work. It's a little tedious, but just file the hole match the punch-out...

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-piece-needle-file-set-468.html
Title: Re: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: LoadWB on February 14, 2018, 02:03:30 AM
Quote from: bbond007;836116
Maybe chop out the RF modulator and run the USB cables outside the case that way. Personally, I think that is a better place for HDMI... I don't recall removing the RF modulator being that difficult.


No chance.  First, that is where my DVI output goes, second there's no way in hell I'm not using those punch-outs after what I spent for these cases :)
Title: Re: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: bbond007 on February 14, 2018, 03:52:03 AM
Quote from: LoadWB;836120
No chance.  First, that is where my DVI output goes, second there's no way in hell I'm not using those punch-outs after what I spent for these cases :)

I have the Kipper2K HDMI there, so I agree... Wait, how does a DVI fit there?

definitely use the "punch-outs", but think of them more as as patterns than a "punch-outs" and use the small files, and the results will reflect the amount of time you spend on them.

I did 4 USB,  2 ESATA and one PS/2. Did that many years ago, but I could still clean them up (more) with small files to make them look better. But honestly, there are no USB port inspectors.

Sure wish I'd have bought one of those KS1200 cases...
Title: Re: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: eroom on February 14, 2018, 02:33:02 PM
This is mine I did with a dremil and a needle file.  Not perfect, could do with a bit more tiding up with the file but ok for now. You just need to take your time.
Title: Re: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: madgrizzle on February 14, 2018, 03:16:26 PM
Looks good to me.
Title: Re: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: Oldsmobile_Mike on February 14, 2018, 03:46:03 PM
https://i.imgur.com/9GySWgo.mp4

:flame:
Title: Re: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: LoadWB on February 14, 2018, 05:44:12 PM
Quote from: eroom;836131
This is mine I did with a dremil and a needle file.  Not perfect, could do with a bit more tiding up with the file but ok for now. You just need to take your time.


Nicely done.
Title: Re: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: PanterHZ on February 15, 2018, 01:20:39 AM
What I will do with those punchouts of my KS case, is to drill one or two holes in the center. Here I will first make dents with something sharp, this is to prevent the drill from wandering off. Then I start with a small drill first (3 or 4 mm), and then gradually increase the size until the hole(s) are big enough so that some pliers can be used for carefully ripping out the remains (perhaps with the help of a sharp knife). By now the structure of the punchout should have weakened enough, so that doing this would go without any issues.

After this is done, I will use some small files for cleaning up the edges of the hole.
Title: Re: A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution
Post by: Jeff on February 15, 2018, 01:25:17 AM
It looks like it would be difficult to make the screen knock-out on the top of the case turn out just right too.