Faceplates

[azatplayer]

I have built quite a few amps now, but have yet to do faceplates.. so slack..
Im about to put together a Concorde clone, and have not done a 'proper' clone yet, so want it as close looking as possible.
I need some help with faceplates, can i get some pointers please?

[Cliff Schecht]

I'm the same way. I can't count how many builds I've done now but none of them have had a proper faceplate installed. I tend to go the lazy route and label with sharpies or a label maker. Where is a good place to get the 1/16" woods used for Express builds (doesn't have to be Cherry just something nice)?

[xtian]

You can have vinyl lettering/graphics cut at FedEx/Kinkos inexpensively.

[David Root]

Or you can go to www.amplates.com, real laser cut pro grade stuff in aluminum or plastic, but NOT inexpensive! I have been getting mine done by Joe Vallina for several years now.

They really make the difference.

[paulster]

Jeanne at BNP Lasers does really nice work. I've used her for loads of stuff over the years.

They really want you to have done the artwork yourself though and then they process it, but Joe will do this for you at Amplates if you need.

[Milkmansound]

I found a sign maker in town to do mine. They did a great job, and it was much cheaper than Amplates in the end. Plus they are local - I was able to pop in and pick them up and work with them on getting the dimensions and materials perfect.

I highly recommend printing actual size on paper to make sure everything is perfect before sending to fab. I went through about 4 revisions before I got mine perfect - saved a ton of money and frustration.

[davent]

One sixteenth inch polycarbonate with waterslide decals and/or just paint applied to the back.

[IMG:800:600]http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc30 ... 0596-1.jpg[/img]

[IMG:800:600]http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc30 ... 2246-1.jpg[/img]

dave

[ckpop]

I have been meaning to call Joe V at amplates. I want 6G6 Bassman faceplate. Marsh amps discontinued them and Mojo is sticking with the same blackface faceplates. I wish I could get the supplier of who was making the brownface faceplates for Marsh and faceplates for Mojo. Anyone have any inside info.

[ampmike]

Hey Guys,I need some decals that would work for my plexie faceplate.Under the plexie glass i have a pc. of drumskin.I want to know if you can get a circle number pattern 1 to 12 for the pots and maybe just letters for Base,treble,Vol ect.Is there a place or site you can just order white or black decals for amps,Thanks Mikey

[azatplayer]

I downloaded eDrawings a while back, and made a faceplate layout with it. Printed it out and had a great drill guide for the front panel. dxf files.
My buddy that does some CAD stuff, reckoned that was all i need for a lazer guy to cut out. But after doing much looking here, ive yet to ind someone. I guess i need to do some cold calling and talk someone into it.

[ampmike]

Yea Im not the best with pc grafics,printing ect.I was just hoping I could get some simple water slide white lettering off a site.On the other hand I could call some vinyle lettering sighn Co."s. Im sure they could make something.Mikey

[labb]

+1 for BNP Lasers. Art work needs to be in Coreldraw, Adobe Illustrator or that type of vector drawing. Give the lady a call. I have had really good luck with her.

[M Fowler]

I have a large format printer but can't go 19 or 20 inch so not always able to print a faceplate either.

I tried a local Kinko type of store and they said what? We use a local sign company for making vinyl stuff like that? Granted it isn't a Kinko store, but we don't have one in my area.

A local trophy and sign company makes custom aircraft control panels so I am going to get in touch with them, they said they could make what I need. We have a lot of aircraft restoration in my area and I know those aircraft control panels are of high quality.

Mark

[davesi]

The best place I've found for wood for faceplates is rockler. Tried the 1/16" thickness and it tends to break up. The 1/8" pieces work and not too bad on price.

Lot of selection...

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=18591

Thinking about trying curly maple next.

[amplifiednation]

Dave, I'm with you on rockler, they have a great selection, but how are you getting the 1/8 inch to fit....are you using pec pots? I know this question has been asked a million times, just curious if you have a trick