Funk chassis and IEC inlet?

[mlp-mx6]

I'm debating whether or not to cut a hole for an IEC inlet rather than using the permanently attached power cord approach. It looks like there are 2 holes on the back that line up perfectly with my IEC inlets. Anyone else cut the IEC inlet hole? How did you do it? Do you have a template you could share? Pros & cons?

Thanks,
Michael

[Fischerman]

I often use the IEC with built-in fuse so I always have to enlarge the hole...even if it was punched for a regular IEC.

Lemme just say I get the Dremel and the metal cutting but...and get rough with it. I also use some hand held metal files to finish it off. From the outside it usually looks fine (because there is a lip on the IEC) but from the inside it's not pretty. I've gotten better at it and if I really wanted to make it pretty I probably could make it reasonably so.

[Funkalicousgroove]

THat chassis is 1/8" aluminum, what do you possibly have to gain by putting an IEC on it? Seems like alot of work for VERY little gain.

If you must, I'd draw it out, then drill about an 1/8" hole at the interior of every angle in the trapezoid, then use a thin bladed hacksaw to do the rest of the dirty work, you'll never get a nibbler to cut that 1/8" aluminum, and a jigsaw will just make a mess.

[mlp-mx6]

Brandon, the only gain is a detachable power cord - that's it. I'm likely to not do it - I've done this to a 1/8" thick chassis before, and it was not easy, nor was it a clean hole.

[drew]

Do you have a router?

http://www.silvatone.bravepages.com/18% ... /Build.htm

http://www.silvatone.bravepages.com/Tut ... Cutout.htm

[mlp-mx6]

drew,

Cool approach. I do have a router - no solid carbide bit as of yet though.

Thanks,
Michael

[Structo]

Or you can use a dremel and a cut off wheel or a spiral router bit.

[Funkalicousgroove]

If you do it the way I suggest you will have a clean presentable hole-

With Aluminum, using power tools will eventually heat and cause the aluminum to spread, and raise around the edges of the hole- it will just make a mess.

I got this method out of valve amps by Morgan Jones, and it works really well, and doesn't take that much more time.

[Structo]

Yeah I know what you mean when you heat the aluminum.
That would have to be a tiny blade to fit in a 1/8" hole!

Also I would recommend taping off the powder coat so you don't scratch it all up if you slip or rub it with something.

[ayan]

Yeah I know what you mean when you heat the aluminum.
That would have to be a tiny blade to fit in a 1/8" hole!

Also I would recommend taping off the powder coat so you don't scratch it all up if you slip or rub it with something.

Careful with that powder coat, you may tape it only to find that you've lifted it off when you pull the tape off.

Gil

[M Fowler]

For my Liverpool and Rocket chassis I made a template and used a very small cutoff wheel in my dremel and then two small metal files to smooth the bitch down, presto done.

You can do it!

Mark

[Structo]

Yeah I know what you mean when you heat the aluminum.
That would have to be a tiny blade to fit in a 1/8" hole!

Also I would recommend taping off the powder coat so you don't scratch it all up if you slip or rub it with something.

Careful with that powder coat, you may tape it only to find that you've lifted it off when you pull the tape off.

Gil

Really?

I thought it was pretty indestructable.

When I have had to sand a spot or two before to make a good connection, it seemed very tough.

[ayan]

Yeah I know what you mean when you heat the aluminum.
That would have to be a tiny blade to fit in a 1/8" hole!

Also I would recommend taping off the powder coat so you don't scratch it all up if you slip or rub it with something.

Careful with that powder coat, you may tape it only to find that you've lifted it off when you pull the tape off.

Gil

Really?

I thought it was pretty indestructable.

When I have had to sand a spot or two before to make a good connection, it seemed very tough.

My bad, I should have said careful with the silkscreened parts, which are somewhat delicate.

Gil