Rear plates for tower conversion?

[superfrog76]

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!

[danbeaver]

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.

[superfrog76]

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...

[Jeff]

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.

[superfrog76]

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!

[XDelusion]

There is also these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281077978843?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

[superfrog76]

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

[danbeaver]

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.

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

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.  

[superfrog76]

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

[AlphaC]

Hi

You can try protocase.com with their free design software.