Hi Richard,
I would anticipate our panels costing less and having comparable or faster
turn around time than FPE.
I would expect the laser graphics to be consistant from run to run.
Honestly I'm less sure about the anodizing because I have less experience
with it.
There are many variables in the anodizing process including the time in the
tank, the amount of current applied, the temperature of the acid bath, the
amount of time in the dye solution and the amount of time in the sealer. My
suspicion would be that FPE may have changed the grade of aluminum or they
may have changed the manufacturer of the dye. We would certainly strive to
be consistant. I would also point out that there are subtle differences
between MOTM panels made at different times and between Stooge Panels and
MOTM panels. Paul S. has changed painters several times. Not everyone has
the same technique.
I should also say that powder coating is an option as well, although I have
not compared the quality of graphics on a laser etched anodized panel to
that of powder coated. Having the panels painted the same way as they are
now and then laser etching them is also a possibility, but the cost would be
higher and I doubt the graphics would be quite as sharp.
Paul H.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Brewster" <pugix@...>
To: "Scott K Warren" <scott@...>
Cc: <motm@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2005 8:26 PM
Subject: Re: [motm] Future panel options - everyone please read carefully
(long)
> I'm one of those who has a mix of MOTM, Stooge, and FPE panels. I like
> the close match to MOTM of the classic Stooge panels, but I tolerate
> FPE, which I have used for the speed of delivery, the ease of specifying
> my own designs, and no need to drill. Over the last few years, the
> panels I've gotten from FPE have varied in consistency. I have panels
> in three slightly different anodized finishes, all coming from the same
> black specification in the design file. I heard (on the Oakley list, I
> believe) this is normal with anodizing. Also, the depth (boldness) of
> the engraving marks has changed, the 0.2mm becoming more bold on recent
> panels than they were on earlier ones, so that I have switched entirely
> to 0.2mm. FPE is pretty good and even they do not make a consistent
> panel. So I am wondering what sort of consistency might we expect for
> new, anodized, Stooge panels? I would like the panels I get next year
> to match the ones I bought this year. The classis Stooge panels were
> pretty consistent in my experience.
>
> I am also wondering if Stooges would make a comparison between some of
> their new ideas and the FPE alternative. We expect cheaper. And quick
> (if not ∗as∗ quick: FPE is under two weeks). I undertand they would
> have the holes punched, too, no drilling needed. How would we submit
> our new designs? What other differences? I am waiting on the outcome,
> as I have two projects on hold for panels, and I would rather go with
> the Stooges than FPE. (I've already submitted the designs for these.)
>
> Thanks,
>
> Richard Brewster
>
> Scott K Warren wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I appreciate that Moe's post is in the spirit of stimulating discussion
>> and I respect that different people may have different views, and that
>> the Stooges are entitled to offer, or not offer, anything they want.
>>
>> Having said that:
>>
>> Call me a reactionary, but I love both the standard MOTM finish and
>> the standard MOTM graphical style, and I am only interested in panels
>> that look like that. I am interested in Stooge panels precisely because
>> they match the standard MOTM appearance. If I wanted other panel
>> appearances i could get them from FrontPanelExpress or a variety of
>> other sources. If Stooge Industries does not offer exact matches for
>> the MOTM appearance, I will find another way to make panels that do.
>>
>> The black anodized panels from FrontPanelExpress are very nice, but
>> they are not "close enough" to MOTM appearance for me. Obviously
>> others may feel differently.
>>
>> Of course if Paul S. changes the standard appearance I would have to
>> do some soul searching. I really hope that doesn't happen.
>>
>> skw
>>
>>
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