Outgrew original ChiFi chassis- added outboard project box to house some SS front end features... EQ, DAC, BT and phono preamp. Looks ok way it is- but that's not how hobbies work- lol. Just finished CAD layout of new chassis and began sourcing metal- 20ga 304 SS, and fabricators.
Have used Xometry and 3D hubs for 5 axis cnc of 1018 steel and 6061 AL stuff in previous automotive perf projects, but not sheet metal. When 2D design below was submitted, 3D hubs online quote tool showed $153 + the ride. I thought that seemed high- idk.
Lil more searching I found couple raw mat'l sources... but still need fab cut source if piecemeal it out.
https://www.speedymetals.com/pc-1613-8280-20ga-0035-304-stainless-steel-sheet-4-finish.aspxhttps://www.ebay.com/itm/233297812591?hash=item3651a21c6f:g:DR0AAOSwHb9ZcM0~
Did quick search diyaudio, but didn't see any other forum threads for fab sources, methods, software used...
So thought this thread might shed some sources here and across the pond.
Jim
Have used Xometry and 3D hubs for 5 axis cnc of 1018 steel and 6061 AL stuff in previous automotive perf projects, but not sheet metal. When 2D design below was submitted, 3D hubs online quote tool showed $153 + the ride. I thought that seemed high- idk.
Lil more searching I found couple raw mat'l sources... but still need fab cut source if piecemeal it out.
https://www.speedymetals.com/pc-1613-8280-20ga-0035-304-stainless-steel-sheet-4-finish.aspxhttps://www.ebay.com/itm/233297812591?hash=item3651a21c6f:g:DR0AAOSwHb9ZcM0~
Did quick search diyaudio, but didn't see any other forum threads for fab sources, methods, software used...
So thought this thread might shed some sources here and across the pond.
Jim
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I've used SendCutSend & have been quite satisfied with pricing, quality & response/shipping times.
https://sendcutsend.com/Upload your DXF, DWG, EPS, or AI file, pick a material, get a price.
https://sendcutsend.com/Upload your DXF, DWG, EPS, or AI file, pick a material, get a price.
Tony,
Uploaded autocad 2018 .dxf for .036" SS and received $147 quote- that price coincides pretty close w/ what I got from 3D hubs...
Thx,
Jim
Uploaded autocad 2018 .dxf for .036" SS and received $147 quote- that price coincides pretty close w/ what I got from 3D hubs...
Thx,
Jim
EL506- Hmm..
Couldn't find find web page or FTP site to upload files. How did you get your design to them? Or did they do the CAD work?
Thx
Couldn't find find web page or FTP site to upload files. How did you get your design to them? Or did they do the CAD work?
Thx
It's about 4 years ago that I used them. I emailed them a drawing and they did the CAD work.
"It's about 4 years ago that I used them. I emailed them a drawing and they did the CAD work."
Based on their website- that makes sense. Do you have pics of your finished design and approx $$ ?
Based on their website- that makes sense. Do you have pics of your finished design and approx $$ ?
You could try Front Panel Express. Here is a panel they did for me a couple of months ago that turned out really well. Best part was the five day turnaround.
My writeup on the whole process can be found here: The “Indulgence”
My writeup on the whole process can be found here: The “Indulgence”
I second Front Panel Express for faceplates and rear panels. They have free software to lay out your needs and can do lettering, holes and do it on whatever thickness and color of aluminum you want in whatever size you want. The software gives you the price as you go. Not the cheapest but they are good.
That is slick!!
Silk screening over top looks great- Makes a hobbyist build look market!
Went to their website... they have software download to create. Did you go this route? If so, how long did it take you to become comfortable in designing?
Jim
I played with their software for a few hours doing little things before I really got going. But it's fairly intuitive. Especially if you've ever used CAD software before. I did the entire layout for that panel in about 8 hours making sure all the positioning was correct.
And those markings are not silkscreen. They actually engrave the top and fill them with the color of your choice. They can't be scraped off or chipped because they are actually below the surface. Their quality is really nice.
Shipping costs to New Zealand were horendous, now even worse. Prices are on their website and at the time included the CAD work. I used a PCB from ePray and rather than having to remove the PCB for modifications, repairs etc. I had a seperate top plate that allowed access to the PCB from the top. In the end I was dispappointed with the Audio Note clone and two years later went back to SE.
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I shipped some race engine parts to a chap in Taurangua in '18- seems there was 40% duty on invoice of products shipped. Much the same to Dandendong South in AU. Shouldn't be those penalties for individuals in diff nations to do biz- shipping costs are bad enough! but I digress..
By the pic, looks like your SE is parallel...uh...EL506's perhaps? And there's that 1/4" AL plate again- lol
Jim
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No it was a 6V6 PP Audio Note design that was based on a Sansui design from around 1955 -1956 and the chassis is 1/8".
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There is https://www.rapiddirect.com/, they do a similar job as Front Panel Express, with some pros and cons. You need to do the CAD work and talk to them, the workflow is more "manual" than Front Panel Express. The quality is similar. They routinely do anodizing after milling, big difference from FPE. For us here is Asia the shipping costs are the biggest factor actually