chassis chop

[Milkmansound]

here's kind of a weird question:

has anyone ever put a pre-made Fender chassis under the bandsaw? You know, to make it single channel

I am looking for positive experiences.

[xtian]

I successfully hacked 1/2 inch off the end of a Weber aluminum chassis to make it fit into a space. I used a power jig saw. Was way easier than I was expecting.

[Milkmansound]

Was the chopped end janky after that?

I'm thinking that the sides support the 15° bend

[statorvane]

The only Fender chassis I have (Bassman 10) is steel, not aluminum. Don't know about woodworking bandsaw, certainly not mine. I'm thinking a jigsaw with a metal blade would cut it. As far as I can tell , the bend in the front panel is pretty sturdy. I would think the side piece would be necessary to maintain shape after mounting transformers and securing with screws.

[Cantplay]

You'll ruin a wood blade with metal.

A hacksaw is much more controllable.

Cut a piece of wood to fit inside the chassis tightly so that when you hold it in the vise it doesn't distort. Tape off next to the cut so you don't scratch the chassis if blade slips.

If you aren't a hacksaw ninja, clamp an additional piece of wood on top as a saw fence. Rest the blade on the guide and begin sawing on the largest flat surface.

John

[sepulchre]

delete

[trane34]

What is the point? Couldn't you just leave one channel empty and get a new faceplate? Also, Allen amps sell some really nice chassis made for single channel amps.

[Milkmansound]

The only Fender chassis I have (Bassman 10) is steel, not aluminum. Don't know about woodworking bandsaw, certainly not mine. I'm thinking a jigsaw with a metal blade would cut it. As far as I can tell , the bend in the front panel is pretty sturdy. I would think the side piece would be necessary to maintain shape after mounting transformers and securing with screws.

It's an automatic bandsaw designed to cut metal. Something out of a James Bond movie - slowly lowers down.

I'm with you on the losing shape - the intention is to make a bass amp so the transformer load would be enormous.

I think I'm just going to design my own and have as few made as I can get away with.

[Structo]

I shortened a Hammond chassis.

It is steel and some of the hardest crap I have ever cut.

I did it with tin snips and then bent the end up with these pliers like a hand brake.

Pop riveted the corners

[img:480:360]http://www.wurtec.com/products/Hand%20Tools/8R-3.jpg[/img]

[M Fowler]

The only Fender chassis I have (Bassman 10) is steel, not aluminum. Don't know about woodworking bandsaw, certainly not mine. I'm thinking a jigsaw with a metal blade would cut it. As far as I can tell , the bend in the front panel is pretty sturdy. I would think the side piece would be necessary to maintain shape after mounting transformers and securing with screws.

It's an automatic bandsaw designed to cut metal. Something out of a James Bond movie - slowly lowers down.

I'm with you on the losing shape - the intention is to make a bass amp so the transformer load would be enormous.

I think I'm just going to design my own and have as few made as I can get away with.

Very pricey having your own chassis tooled up besides minimum piece requirement. I have seaside chassis make mine in aluminum but he can also make steel to any size but you have to do all the drilling and punching.

Mark

[JazzGuitarGimp]

Why not cut the end cap a half-inch in, then cut the chassis a half-inch further than you want in, and weld the end cap section back on?

[Milkmansound]

I saw some of the seaside chassis on eBay. Very affordable but man that's a lot of work!

I do have access to a milling machine though which would certainly help with both the large cut outs and repetitive socket stuff. Welding I cant do but that's actually a pretty decent idea - I know a few very capable welders.

I drew up a chassis and sent it to Paul at chapman. Hopefully we can make it work. I'm thinking if I order 6 I will be able to use that stock - and I can order a lot of another chassis size which I also sent to him.

I'll keep you guys posted as to what I come up with

[menger66]

Milkmansound, I have a auto bandsaw at my work we use it to cut tubing and square stock, a few times i've messed up chassis bends and just cut the ends off and made caps for the ends of the chassis or you can just use a piece of wood for the endcap like some old, old amp makers did, my bandsaw drops from one side other side doesnt move, i fit a piece of wood inside the chassis where it clamps and cut real slow works fine, don't try with out wood it sometimes throws the chassis out of the bandsaw. mark

[stephenl]

Dirty Dawg Amps makes a great chassis. 14 or 18 gauge and an option for alumniwelded corners.

[Milkmansound]

he will not do the 16º angle on the front though - I am kind of married to that at this point

still waiting to hear back from Paul P at Chapman but its nice to know that the seaside chassis will do and is only $45