---------------------------- Original Message ---------------------------- Subject: Re: WTB: PDP-11/03 front bezel From: "Rod Smallwood" <rodsmallwoo...@btinternet.com> Date: Fri, December 18, 2015 3:17 am To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk@classiccmp.org> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > > On 17/12/2015 16:53, Pontus Pihlgren wrote: >> On Wed, Dec 16, 2015 at 09:30:23AM +1000, ste...@malikoff.com wrote: >>> I've been after one for a while, too. I was very kindly offered one from a >>> listmember who would have >>> taken it off his own machine, but I felt that would have deprived that box. >>> >> I'd be divided if I'd get that offer. >> >>> I've tried DEC resellers but no luck there. >>> >>> If I can get accurate measurements I think i should be able to >>> knock up a CAD drawing and construct a passable replica from >>> styrene sheet, a material with which I am very familiar >>> working with. I have a number of large sheets of it in >>> different thicknesses already. >>> >>> So if anyone can take some photos and measurements for me I'll >>> add this project to the pile :) >> :-) >> >> /P > Thats interesting. > I had always wondered about what bezels are made of. > The one off my 8/e seems too heavy for aluminium. > It must be diecast something or other. > > I also thought of maybe making a silicone mould and use casting resin. > > Rod Smallwood I've only seen the 11/05 bezel close up - and assuming others are the same - looks to me a heavier sturdier alloy than Mazak (Zamak in the USA), but I guess it could be. The bezel could be cast in resin, but resin can shrink and distort a bit. Fibreglass with a white gelcoat layer could be laid up in a silicone mould too, if care was taken not to bend the silcone after the laying up the gelcoat. Reminds me of the time I helped build fourteen kayaks at our house for a scout troop many years ago, I will never forget the smell of polyester resin and the millions of chopped strand glass fibres getting everywhere! A vacform (probably styrene) as proposed for the PiDP-11 would also be a good consideration. I think any of these would look pretty good after spraypainting. Steve.
