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DIY Stompboxes => Building your own stompbox => Topic started by: brett on March 27, 2004, 11:31:44 PM

Title: Box artwork/finishing
Post by: brett on March 27, 2004, 11:31:44 PM
Hi.

Just finished some more tops for pedals and thought I'd show 'em off and describe my process.

They're diecast boxes, powdercoated with a silver metallic finish (about US$4 per box).  It doesn't show in the photo, but they have this excellent metallic sheen.  Then I apply a laser decal over the whole box.  I cut out the decal over the holes by melting it with a soldering iron.  Three thin coats of topcoat and I'm finished.  Perhaps best of all, there no limit to what you can print and put on the decals (and they're about US$1 per box).

Here's the photo;
(http://members.optusnet.com.au/~jethro.dog/mypic123.jpg)

cheers
Title: Box artwork/finishing
Post by: Fret Wire on March 28, 2004, 12:33:46 AM
Nice work Brett! I like the idea of cutting the decal with the iron. No decal edges to eventually lift up.
Title: Box artwork/finishing
Post by: Peter Snowberg on March 28, 2004, 12:44:27 AM
Very cool! 8) :D

Nice work!

Take care,
-Peter
Title: Box artwork/finishing
Post by: bwanasonic on March 28, 2004, 01:03:36 AM
Also interesting that you use the bottoms as tops.

Kerry M
Title: Box artwork/finishing
Post by: brett on March 28, 2004, 05:06:56 AM
QuoteAlso interesting that you use the bottoms as tops.

The boxes I use have some holes in the base that means if I was to use the removable "top" as the bottom, I'd have to fill the holes with something that would tolerate powder coating.  Since about 50% of people like the screws on the top anyway, I've stayed with this on "top".  

I also use the internal slots of the box to hold the PCB vertically inside.  Although this only works for small PCBs (about 2.4" x 2"), it is amazing what you can squeeze onto such a small PCB (e.g. many of my favourite effects - Tonepad's TS, Big Muff, Bluesbreaker, Orange squeezer, etc... GGG's RM Axis fuzz, EA Tremolo.)  In fact, there's almost no effect that I haven't been able to jam into 2.4" x 2".

cheers